Berlin
Banking, transfer, and payment setup basics for newcomers.
You'll find that cash is still widely accepted in Berlin, with many restaurants, markets, and smaller shops only taking cash, so it's a good idea to always carry some, around 50. When it comes to banking, opening an account with N26 or DKB can be a good option, as they offer free Mastercard or Visa credit cards and free ATM withdrawals. Watch out for the difference between Brutto and Netto salaries, as your take-home pay will be approximately 60-65% of your gross salary. Most newcomers are surprised by the VAT rates in Germany, with a standard rate of 19% and a reduced rate of 7% for food and books. To get started, you can open an N26 account in just 10 minutes with your passport photo, and get a free Mastercard with free ATM withdrawals 3 times a month. Today, you can take the first step by downloading the N26 app and starting your account application.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Mitte · Experience date Nov 10, 2025
Opened N26 in 10 minutes with my passport photo. Free Mastercard, free ATM withdrawals 3x/month. Wise is better for international transfers. Traditional banks like Sparkasse require Anmeldung first.
Kreuzberg · Experience date Feb 20, 2026
Many restaurants, markets, and smaller shops only take cash. Even some supermarkets prefer it. I keep €50 on me at all times. Use Wise or N26 to withdraw free at Deutsche Bank ATMs.
Charlottenburg · Experience date Apr 24, 2026
German salaries are quoted as Brutto (gross). Your Netto (take-home) after all deductions: approximately 60–65% of Brutto for middle-income earners. Example: 50,000 EUR Brutto/year = roughly 2,700 EUR Netto/month. Use the 'Brutto-Netto-Rechner' calculator at finanztip.de or brutto-netto-rechner.info to calculate your exact take-home. Negotiate Brutto — that's the industry standard. Germans discuss salary in annual Brutto figures. Company benefits: Jobticket (transit subsidy), Homeoffice days, and betriebliche Altersvorsorge (company pension) are common and worth negotiating.
Schöneberg · Experience date Mar 12, 2026
The Finanzamt is your local German tax office (assigned based on your home address). Elster (elster.de) is Germany's official free online tax filing platform. As an employee: employer withholds income tax monthly. Annual tax return (Steuererklärung): voluntary for simple employment cases, mandatory if you have multiple income sources. Tax refund: the average German tax refund is ~1,000 EUR — most employed expats receive money back. Tax return due: July 31 of the following year (July 31, 2025 for 2024 income). Many Berlin expats use WISO Steuer software (30 EUR) or a Steuerberater (tax advisor, 150–400 EUR).
Mitte · Experience date Dec 4, 2025
Once enrolled in German statutory health insurance (GKV — e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer): you receive a Gesundheitskarte (electronic health card) in the post within 2–4 weeks. This card covers you at any doctor or hospital in Germany who accepts your Krankenkasse. Until the card arrives: your Krankenkasse will issue a temporary insurance confirmation letter (Vorläufige Versicherungsbescheinigung) — bring this to all medical appointments. Loss: report to your Krankenkasse, replacement card issued free within 5 business days.
Kreuzberg · Experience date Feb 11, 2026
If you're coming to Germany on a student visa: a blocked account (Sperrkonto) showing 11,208 EUR (2024 requirement) is mandatory for visa application. Providers: Coracle, Fintiba, Deutsche Bank. Coracle and Fintiba: online-only, set up before arrival, 7–14 business days. Cost: 89–219 EUR setup fee. After arriving: the blocked account releases a monthly amount (934 EUR/month for 2024). Must be opened at a German bank or licensed provider — regular savings accounts don't count. Non-student residence permits don't require blocked accounts but do require proof of financial means.
Kreuzberg · Experience date Mar 19, 2026
Germany has a significant cash culture compared to other European countries. Many small restaurants, bakeries, Christmas markets, and street vendors: cash only. EC card (Girocard/Maestro): accepted much more widely than credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) in Germany. International Visa/Mastercard: may not work at some German shops. Always carry 20–50 EUR in cash in Berlin. ATM (Geldautomat) withdrawal: free at your own bank's ATMs (Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, DKB). N26 users: free at Mastercard partner ATMs or 2 EUR fee elsewhere. Never assume card payment works everywhere in Berlin.
Prenzlauer Berg · Experience date Jan 15, 2026
N26 is a Berlin-based online bank that accepts EU/non-EU residents. Open entirely via app with video ID verification — no branch visit required. Required: German address (Anmeldung document), passport, smartphone. Account open in 5–10 minutes of form-filling, verified within 1–2 business days. Free account (Standard): German IBAN, Mastercard debit, basic features. N26 Smart (9.90 EUR/month): includes 3 ATM withdrawals free/month, joint accounts. The German IBAN is what you need to register for health insurance, receive salary, and set up direct debits.