Is it better to use cash or card in Germany?
Should you pay with cash or card in Germany? A handy guide including cash etiquette, German ATMs and using your UK card.
Can I use PayPal in Germany?
Spending some time in Germany soon? If you’re a regular user of accounts and services like PayPal (PYPL) here in the UK, it might be useful to know if you can use them overseas too.
Read on for everything you need to know about using PayPal in Germany, whether you’re planning a short trip or a permanent move there. We’ll cover if and how PayPal works in Germany, plus info on any potential fees.
We’ll also show you an alternative - the Wise account, which lets you send, spend, receive, convert and hold euros (EUR) along with 40+ currencies.
Does PayPal work in Germany?
The great news is that PayPal does operate in Germany, and even has a dedicated website for its customers there.
It has solutions, services and accounts for personal customers, small businesses and larger enterprises, as well as tools for developers.
Can I open a PayPal account in Germany?
Yes, you can open a new PayPal account if you’re living in Germany.
You’ll just need to provide some basic details such as your name, address and contact details.
To send money or use PayPal to pay for something, you’ll also need to add a payment method like a debit or credit card, or a bank account.
Features of PayPal accounts in Germany
So, what can you do with your PayPal account in Germany? Here are a few of the features:
- Pay online with PayPal, at websites which accept it as a payment method.
- Pay in real-world stores via QR codes which you scan on your phone.
- Send money to friends and family (you’ll need to check whether it’s possible for your recipient to receive money via PayPal in their country).
- Receive money into your PayPal account, including payments from people you know and refunds from retailers.
If you run an ecommerce or retail business, you can open a merchant PayPal account in Germany. This will let you integrate PayPal into the checkout on your website, so that customers can pay you using PayPal.
It’s also possible to use PayPal to accept payments in your shop, as the company has Point of Sale (PoS) solutions available.
Can I use my UK PayPal account in Germany?
Unfortunately, you can’t carry on using your UK PayPal account if you move to Germany. You’ll need to close it and open a new one once you arrive, using your new German residential address.¹
Fees for using PayPal in Germany
Now, how much will it cost you to use PayPal in Germany? Here are the main fees you need to know about:²
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening a PayPal account | Free |
| Sending money to friends and family | Free (where no currency conversion is involved) |
| Sending money internationally | 5% (min. €0.99 EUR, max. €3.99 EUR) |
| Receiving money | Free (where no currency conversion is involved) |
| Paying for an online purchase | Free where no currency conversion is involved |
| Currency conversion fee | 3% |
| Withdrawing money from a PayPal account to a bank account | Free where no currency conversion is involved |
Manage your money in EUR and 40+ currencies with Wise
Of course, PayPal isn’t the only solution for sending, spending and managing your money in Germany. If you like the sound of a powerful multi-currency online account and a card that works in 150+ countries, check out Wise.
Open a Wise account online and you can send money to and from Germany for low fees and mid-market exchange rates.
You can also get a Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7. This clever card automatically converts currency whenever you spend, so you don’t need to worry about preloading your account or converting cash. There’s only a small conversion fee to pay. And it works online as well as in real-world shops and restaurants.
And if you need cash, your Wise card has you covered. You can withdraw up to €200 a month in 2 transactions from German ATMs for free (although double-check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fee).
Learn more about the Wise card 💳
Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 16-Jul-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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