u/laucymy

Hey everyone, I've seen some posts looking to connect with people or meet new friends so I thought I'd jump in and share my group. I’ve started a little group for people who are new to Wuppertal or just want to meet some new people. The idea is to slowly build a self-sustaining community where, when someone arrives in the city or feels like they’d like to expand their social circle, there’s an easy place to start.

We already have a small group, and it just happens that we’re mostly English-speaking at the moment, although pretty much everyone speaks German too!

I usually organise after-work beers because, honestly, that’s what I can manage with my work schedule. Every now and then we do a party or something different, but beers have definitely become our thing 🍻

That said, it absolutely doesn’t have to stay that way! I’d love for more people to take turns organising or hosting things, whether that’s coffee, dinner, hikes, games, cultural stuff, parties or whatever you’re into. The more people contribute, the more varied and fun the group can become.

So if you’re interested, just leave a comment or send me a message and I’ll add you to the group! No pressure, no need to know anyone beforehand, that’s kind of the point 😊

Leider war ich etwas zu spät dran und habe es nicht mehr geschafft, eine Sonnenfinsternisbrille zu bekommen. 😅 Hat zufällig noch jemand 2 Stück übrig, die ich euch heute noch abkaufen könnte? 🙏 Oder weiß jemand, wo man noch welche bekommen kann? Ich habe schon bei Fielmann angerufen, aber dort sind leider alle ausverkauft.

Wäre für jeden Tipp oder Hilfe sehr dankbar! 😊

Hey, looking for recommendations of freshly roasted coffee beans which can be purchased online. Not too expensive please! Previously SOL was good but wanted to try other brands if available. Thank you in advance!

Hi all, looking for methylfolate recommendations. I am located in Europe. So far I've had a look at Sunday Natural which seems to be quite cheap but not sure about quality, if that matters. Thank you!

Hi all! Looking for tips and tricks for carnivore pregnancy including anything to watch out for during the prep period. Please only comment if you've been through this yourself. Thank you in advance! 🙏🏻

My fixed rate at Suncorp has just rolled over to a variable rate of 6.28% on my owner-occupied principal & interest loan. My LVR is under 60%, but I have overseas income, which limits my refinancing options and makes switching banks more complicated and expensive.

I already tried renegotiating with my bank, but they wouldn't budge. Has anyone successfully negotiated a better variable rate after an initial rejection?

Would you try negotiating again (perhaps with the retention team) or accept the rate and pay it off asap or is there another strategy I should be considering given my low LVR but overseas income?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been in a similar situation or has any suggestions.

ETA: About 280k left on loan.

For those planning to renew their passports in person, especially since the 10-year passport option is currently only available through in-person applications, here is the updated procedure. The process is still quite new, so I thought I’d share my experience to help others save time.

1. Check the available offices/branches first

Different offices may offer different services, so make sure the branch you choose can handle what you need.

2. On the day of your visit, go online early

Go to the official queue system website:

https://queue.imi.gov.my/

Select your preferred office, get your queue number and choose your timeslot.

You can add multiple applicants under one booking if you are applying together. The advantage is that you can check availability beforehand and avoid wasting time going to an office that is already full.

3. Arrive during your allocated timeslot

Go to the reception counter and scan your QR code. They will then issue you an actual waiting number for the counter.

4. Waiting time & documents needed

In my experience, I waited around 1.5 hours before being called.

For a new passport application, I only needed:

•Old passport

• IC

•Payment

The passport photo is taken on the spot.

A few photo tips:

•Make sure your face is completely clear of hair (bring hair ties and plenty of bobby pins just in case)

•Wear a dark-coloured top with covered shoulders (no sleeveless tops)

5. Payment

After the application was processed, I waited another 30 minutes or so before being called to the payment counter.

6. Collection of passport

I waited around another 1.5 hours and received my new passport on the same day.

They also sell some nice passport covers at the counter, so if you’re interested, bring some cash (around RM30).

For senior citizens and OKU applicants:

They get priority, so the process is the same, but the waiting time is significantly shorter (at least half the time based on my observation).

YMMV but I hope this helps anyone who is planning their passport renewal 😊

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Hi everyone, I'm looking for recommendations for a great property manager/real estate agency in South Australia.

At the moment, I'm actually quite happy with many aspects of my current agency. They're responsive, everything is handled digitally, documentation is accurate and organised, I receive everything I need well before tax time, and they've made it possible to have my property managed while I'm living overseas, which I really appreciate.

However, I don't feel they're proactive enough when it comes to finding tenants. It seems like there aren't enough inspections or viewings being organised when the property is vacant, and given the fees they charge, I expected a more active approach to minimising vacancy periods.

I'm also not entirely confident in my property manager's experience and market knowledge. My property is about to go back on the rental market, and when I asked for advice on an appropriate rental price based on current market conditions, I was simply sent a link to the realestate.com.au listings. I was hoping for a bit more insight. Something like an explanation of the local market, comparable properties, why they recommend a particular price point, or a strategy for attracting quality tenants while maximising returns.

At the end of the day, I think most landlords want the same thing: someone knowledgeable, proactive, and commercially minded who will treat the property as if it were their own and work to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you've had a fantastic experience with your property manager or agency in South Australia, I'd really appreciate your recommendations (and why you'd recommend them). If you know what they charge, I'd also love to hear about their fee structure including the management fee and any additional leasing, advertising, inspection, or other charges, so I have a better idea of what to expect.

Thanks in advance! 🙏🏻

Hi all, looking for recommendations for bao making courses and also xiao long bao making courses in Selangor/KL area, conducted in mandarin or cantonese. This is for my mum so would be good if the instructors are patient and friendly. Thank you in advance! 🙏🏻

Has anyone renewed their passports for the 10 years version at UTC Selangor or KL and can let me know how long it took to get it done?

I read online that it can only be done in person. How was the queue and how long until you got the passport?

Has anyone renewed their passports for the 10 years version at UTC Selangor or KL and can let me know how long it took to get it done?

I read online that it can only be done in person. How was the queue and how long until you got the passport?

Hi all, I am travelling to visit family soon and would like to get them some gems from DM Germany. I'm not sure where to start but thinking maybe skincare products that are relatively universal/light so that it can fit normal to mixed skin?

Halfway skincare related, but I also heard the supplements from DM are great.

Looking for recommendations of what your must buys are from DM. Thank you!

Hi, I would like to get my IC renewed to the new version since I am living overseas and don't get to come back to Malaysia that often. Can I just do that? I read somewhere that you are not supposed to renew it to the newest version unless it's damaged or lost. If yes, can I get it done at all the JPN branches or only select ones are available? I will be going to the one in Klang. Thank you in advance 🙏🏻

Does anyone know if it's easy to find street parking or if there is parking available there at the medical centre Düsseldorf (Luise-Reine-Str 6-10)? I'm a bit of a nervous driver so would appreciate if anyone has experience around there. Thank you!

Hey everyone,

Quick question: has anyone emailed the Ausländerbehörde in the last 3 months and received an automatic acknowledgement email confirming that their message was received (not a personal reply, just the automated “we’ve received your email” type response)?

I’m trying to figure out if I did something wrong with my email or if there might be an issue on my end, because I didn’t get any confirmation at all.

Would be really helpful to know if this is normal or if others are experiencing the same.

This is the one I sent to btw: servicestelle.arbeit.abh@stadt.wuppertal.de

Hi all, we are having some visitors and would like to take them to experience a Brauhaus with Schweinshaxe and Sausages (a variety would be good otherwise bratwurst would work too). We are coming with a van so it would be great if the place also has parking included.

Hi all, looking for a parking spot as close to the cathedral as possible which has a clearance of more than 2m height. Thank you!