Cash is still king in Germany, and credit cards do not enjoy the same level of acceptance as in other countries. Nonetheless, setting up a bank account should be near the top of your to-do list when you first arrive. Here's a look at how to get financially established. Having a bank account is essential to your existence in Germany. You can't pay the rent without one, nor get paid by your employer. So one of the first things you need to do when you begin your new life in Germany is to go down to the local bank and open an account.

Individuals can choose between three types of banks: large commercial banks; full-service savings banks (Sparkassen) and credit cooperatives (Kreditgenossenschaft). The latter are the smallest of the three, with their offices located in the neighborhoods of towns and cities in the area. The large commercial banks have in recent years introduced more programs for retail customers to entice them away from the savings banks, which had traditionally been regarded as more consumer-oriented.

• Opening an Account
• Banking Services
• Bank Card Types

• Income Tax, Payroll Contributions,
  Solidarity Surcharge and Church Taxes