Moving to Germany: CC/banking advice needed

johnieutah

Hi all,

My first post here, although I have lurked for a few months:D.

In the new year I'll be taking up a new job in Munich. Over the past 6 months I've been sorting out my finances bit by bit to make my money go that bit farther, which leads me on to credit cards. I've currently got Nationwide debit & credit cards. Am I right in thinking these are still the one's to go for since they don't offer foreign purchase fees? I'll be in Munich for at least a year (if all goes well!), but will still be paid in sterling. I guess I'll have to look into getting a German bank account for rent and the likes as well. What's the best way to transfer money into a foreign account?

Many thanks for any advice and help.

Matt.

carguy

bump for this
I've often wondered about this myself. My wife and I have thought about moving to Europe for a while now.

edit: did some googling and found this site
http://www.transitionsabroad.com

dazza.mk

Correct,

They are the best cards for foreign use, however (although better than they used to be) Germany is still much more a cash economy than the credit economy of the UK, Munich probably won't be too bad being a relatively international city, but I would still think it highly likely that you'll run across the problem.
It always used to be said that Mastercard was a better option in Germany as it was widerspread due to the Eurocard network purchased some years ago (although I don't know if that still holds true.)

OKTIV

Use your Nationwide debit card to take Euros from a cashpoint and simply pay into your German bank account. Nationwide are fantastic, there is no charge for using the card abroad, plus they use the bank exchange rate, the deal is simply unbeatable. I am with Nationwide and I travel relatively frequently, sometimes I take as little as Euro 10 or 20, never ever any charge was applied, exactly as per terms quoted by Nationwide.