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In Germany it is common to pay cash for food or small sums of money in department stores, clothes shops and restaurants. Credit cards or EC-cards are generally accepted. It is useful to open a current account (Girokonto) at a bank as soon as possible since your salary or grant has to be transferred there and you can carry out regular payments such as rent and electricity.
If you have frequent payments from or to your bank account in your home country, ask your home bank whether it cooperates with a bank in Germany. This could shorten and cheapen the transfer of money to the bank abroad.
Opening a bank account:
1. Current account
For opening an account you need your passport or registration card. A current account (Girokonto) offers you the possibility to deposit and take out money at any time, to arrange a standing order (Dauerauftrag) for regular payments of the same amount (e.g. rent), to transfer money to other accounts (Überweisung) or to give a direct debit authorization (Einzugsermächtigung).
2. EC-card: electronic cash
If you have opened a current account, you are able to order an "EC-card" at your bank. The card works like a credit card with the same advantages and risks. If you lose your card, contact your bank as soon as possible!
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