A German bank account (Girokonto) is essential for everyday life — your salary will be paid into it, and landlords will often require a German IBAN for rent bank transfers. ───────────────────────────────────── OPTION A: TRADITIONAL BANKS ───────────────────────────────────── Major banks like Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and Volksbank have branches everywhere. Requirements typically: • Passport • Meldebestätigung (address registration) • Your residence permit or valid visa • Employment contract (some banks require this) Walk into a branch and ask to open a Girokonto (current account). Some banks may reject non-EU nationals — Sparkasse and Deutsche Bank tend to be the most expat-friendly. ───────────────────────────────────── OPTION B: DIGITAL / CHALLENGER BANKS (Recommended for New Arrivals) ───────────────────────────────────── These are easier to open online, often without needing the Meldebestätigung first: • N26 — 100% online, app-based, free basic account. Good for immediate use after arrival. • Wise (formerly TransferWise) — excellent for international transfers to the Philippines. Low fees. • Revolut — multi-currency card, great for travel within Europe. • DKB — very popular with expats, free with regular deposits. ───────────────────────────────────── SENDING MONEY HOME ───────────────────────────────────── To send money back to the Philippines, use: • Wise — best exchange rates, low fees • Remitly — fast transfers, first transfer often free • Western Union / MoneyGram — widely available but higher fees Avoid transferring through traditional German banks to Philippine accounts — fees are very high. ───────────────────────────────────── PRO TIPS ───────────────────────────────────── • Open an N26 or Wise account before you leave the Philippines — you can use a Philippine address initially. • Always keep your IBAN handy — your employer, landlord, and countless services will need it. • Set up a separate savings account (Sparkonto) to build your emergency fund in Germany.