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Servus an Alle!

Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

BIG NEWS! Aazar and Christina just welcomed their adorable little bundle of joy, baby Paul—let’s all send some virtual cheers their way. 

Also, a friendly reminder that the clocks fall back this Sunday, October 28—don't forget to reset them. And while we're at it, mark Friday, November 1 as a public holiday (so plan that grocery run in advance).

Lastly, a quick correction: the book swap is actually happening on October 27, not April 22 as mentioned in last week's newsletter.

3 bits of news

Rising health insurance costs  

Starting next year, you'll need to dig a little deeper into your wallet for health insurance. 

Experts are predicting a significant increase in additional contributions to statutory health insurance, with the average rate set to rise by 0.8 percentage points.

While this doesn't sound like much, it means that for someone earning around €3,000 per month, you'll be paying about €12 more each month.

But why the jump? 

It all comes down to a financing gap of around 13.8 billion euros that the health insurance system needs to cover. So, if your insurance provider decides to bump up their rates, don’t forget—you’ll have a special right to switch providers if you're not happy with the new price tag.

Currently, you’re paying 14.6% in general contributions to health insurance, and the additional contribution set for this year is 1.7%. Next year, that 1.7% could climb as high as 2.5%.

Looks like budgeting for 2025 just got a little tighter.

Read more here (in German).

Oktoberfest vouchers are still worth something 

So, Oktoberfest is over. The beer mugs are dry, the pretzels are a distant memory, and your liver is taking a well-earned break. But wait, what about those vouchers you forgot to redeem in the hustle of festival fun? 

Fear not! You’ve got some extra time to put them to good use—depending on where you got them.

Several tents and restaurants are letting you redeem those Oktoberfest vouchers after the festival, all the way through October and beyond.

But pay attention: each venue has its own rules and deadlines, and some might require a table reservation. 

Find more info here (in German). 

First Mpox case in Germany detected

A new variant of the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) has made its first appearance in Germany. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) confirmed the case last Friday, though the infection occurred abroad.

So, before you start worrying about a surge, the RKI assures us there's no increased risk at home – but they're keeping a close watch, just in case.

This new variant, called Klade 1b, has been causing a bit of a stir in several African countries, with more than a thousand deaths reported this year alone. And while it’s more contagious and dangerous than its predecessor, there’s no need to panic. No deaths have been linked to Mpox in Germany so far, and the situation is being closely monitored.

Feeling under the weather? Keep an eye out for Mpox symptoms: a rash, fever, headache and muscle pain. The virus spreads primarily through close skin contact, so think intimate encounters like hugging, kissing or touching.

There's also a vaccine! The smallpox jab works wonders against Mpox, and it's currently recommended for high-risk groups. 

Find more info read here (in German).

BONUS: 

• Flight cancellations threatens German tourism industry 

• Blaze destroys multimillion-euro German fire station that had no alarms 

• German government denies state aid to struggling air taxi startup Lilium 

• Adele and Coldplay 'break Munich tourism record' 

• Do immigrants have to learn German in Germany? 

• Three important tunnels in Munich closed 

• How to save money and energy costs 

• The Munich Christkindl-Tram is canceled again this year

• Free sunglasses 

• Auer Dult doubles transportation options

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2 upcoming events

Halloween meets art 

Get your costumes ready, because Munich is about to experience a Halloween like never before.

On Tuesday, October 31, from 6pm to 2pm, the Secret Villa is bringing the wild and vibrant energy of New York City's art and music scene straight to our doorstep with a Casa De Los Muertos Halloween party. 

Expect an evening packed with electrifying performances from over 15 artists, including live DJs, opera singers, ballerinas, and a fashion show that blends Day of the Dead art with cutting-edge style. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, interactive games will spark fun conversations and connections

Oh, and did we mention live painting and sculptors? It’s art in every form—because why settle for just one when you can have it all?

Afro House and Melodic Techno beats will carry you through the night, with DJs flying in from the US, UK, Brasil, Ibiza, and Munich itself. If you’re ready to party like it's New York meets Munich, this is where you want to be.

Learn more about Casa De Los Muertos Halloween here (in English). 

Other Halloween Happenings in Munich

🎃 Gong 96.3 Halloween Party – Schlachthof - Party Info

🎃 Halloween in the Old Town Outdoor & Indoor Festival - Get Tickets

🎃 Bloody Burlesque Masquerade at AAHHH Penthouse - Event Details

🎃 Adventure Village at Pflanzen-Kölle Garden center - Party Info

General information:

📍 Hansastraße 44, 80686 München

⏰  Thursday, October 31, 2024, 6pm – 2am

💶 Tickets: €20.36

Celebrate Diwali in Munich

On October 29, the Society for German-Indian Cooperation is bringing the Festival of Lights to Kulturhaus Milbertshofen.

From 4:30pm, expect an evening packed with Bollywood dance performances, live music, fireworks, and enough Indian food to make you wish you had stretchy pants.

If you’ve never experienced Diwali before, now’s your chance to enjoy this vibrant festival filled with joy, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing. 

For €15 (€13 if you're a GDIZ member), you can grab a ticket and dive into the festivities. And for the little ones under five, admission is free—as long as they're with their parents (we can't have a toddler dance-off unsupervised, can we?)

Find more info here (in German).

General information:

📍  Kulturhaus Milbertshofen, Curt-Mezger-Platz 1, 80809 München

📅  October 29, 2023, Doors open at 4:30pm, Event starts at 5pm

💶 Tickets: €15 (€13 for GDIZ members), Kids under 5 free

BONUS:

• Herzl Market - October 26 & 27

• Tarot reading - October 29

• Punk n Roll Flea Market - October 26 

• Jazz Fest - October 24–27

• English Book fair - October 25 & 26

1 new restaurant/café to try

Beans and Books

Looking for a café in Munich that’s more than just your average coffee stop? 

Beans and Books on Knorrstraße 8 is that hidden gem where caffeine, community, and a cozy workspace all come together.

Looking to sip a perfect espresso or crack open a book, or get some work done with a steady supply of coffee and free Wi-Fi, this place has it all. 

With a small but thoughtfully crafted menu, friendly staff, and the kind of laid-back vibe that makes it feel like home, Beans and Books is ideal for a quick work session or a much-needed coffee break. 

Plus, there’s even a little corner for the kids, so you can enjoy your latte in peace while they dive into games or books.

While they’re not open for your late-night coffee cravings, their daytime espresso game is strong, and the space is perfect for some focused coworking, a mom hang or just a friendly chat.

General information:

📍  Knorrstraße 8, 80807 München 

🥘  Café

⏰  Monday - Friday: 9am – 6pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

🔗 Visit Beans and Books

Meme of the week 😂

Thanks for reading and sharing the Munich Post 3-2-1 newsletter.

See ya next week!

Aazar, Arlene, Christina, and Heidi

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