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Money, Banking and Mail

Getting Cash & Using ATM's

The easiest way to get money in Dresden is to use your debit or credit card to withdraw money from a cash machine which is called a "Geldautomat". These are easy to spot just about anywhere. There are many banks all over the city that you can use as well as at a few of the major Tram stops. And they come with language choices indicated by flags. English is indicated by the British flag in most cases. Expect to only withdraw from your checking account as it is unlikely that you will be able to withdraw from your savings account. A debit or check card is more reliable than an ATM card and a debit card is cheaper than a cash advance from a credit card.

Wherever you see these signs - you can get some cash!

ec spark
Sign for a German
Debit card
Sign for a Savings Bank

Call your bank before you leave home and get the following information:

  • Can your ATM card be used in Europe?
  • What is your withdrawal limit in Europe per day? ( You may be limited by the European bank as well.)
  • Are there any banks in Dresden that your bank is partnered with and will not charge transaction fees?
  • What are the fees for converting Euros to Dollars?

You can also use your credit card to withdraw money but you will need a pin code and you should call first to find out what the fees are. Some companies charge extremely high rates for cash advances and currency conversion.

Don't get frozen!
Call your bank and credit card companies and notify them of which countries you are likely to be traveling. Otherwise they may turn off your card due to theft concerns.


Using Local Banks

If you are living in Dresden for an extended period of time, you will probably need to set up a bank account. You will also save money on withdrawal fees if you bank locally. To set up a bank account you will need your passport and Residence Visa.

You can find a bank in the Yellow Pages and Dresdner Branchen phone books under "banken" and "sparkassen".


Mail & The Post Office

Deutsche Post - website - English version

You can find out a lot of information on the Deutsche Post website. There is an entire Tips section for issues related to moving, connecting your phone, setting up your electricity service and more.

The website also has online services in German to search for postal codes, postal outlets and postage calculators. A German / English dictionary should be all you need to translate the procedures.

You can find Deutsche Post locations all over Dresden.

Approximate Pricing Germany Postage Rates International Postage Rates

Standard Letter

€ 0,55 € 1,55

Postcards

€ 0,45 € 1,00

Express Letter Rates

€ 2,05 - € 8,95 € 5,50 - € 10,80

Price List Brochure - in German, but not hard to decipher.

Rules for International mailing - in English

Online Photo Processing - order digital prints online and have them delivered by mail.

Sitemap - a list of English language information that is available on the website.

Money Tips

Cash Only
Most businesses in Europe operate on a cash only basis. Always assume you will pay cash - even for large purchases.

Currency Exchange
You can exchange foreign currency in banks, large hotels and some post offices.
> currency calculator

Lost Cards
Call the Global Customer Assistance Centers in the U.S.:
Visa: 011-410-581-9994
Mastercard: 011-636-722-7111

Tax Free Shopping
Everything you buy in Germany or the European Union has a 16% VAT tacked on. When you shop at stores with a Tax Free sign, ask for the form to be filled out and turn it in to the customs agent at the airport when you leave the country. You will be sent a refund check.

This offer is only available on purchases not used while in the country. You may be asked to show the item at Customs.