Exchanges & Transfers: how it works in Germany — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Exchanges & Transfers» in Germany — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
In Germany, cashless payments (card, Apple Pay) are accepted in approximately 95% of locations. Exceptions often include public toilets (though some major train stations/malls now accept cards), small kiosks, and certain ticket machines. Be aware that some bank accounts (e.g., historical HASPA tariffs) might charge a micro-transaction fee (e.g., 50 cents) per outgoing payment. Advise users to carry some cash for small purchases and confirm their bank's transaction fee policy.
Maintaining German residency (Anmeldung, work permit, insurance) while physically residing in Russia can be problematic. From the German perspective, if the 'center of vital interests' remains in Germany, issues might be avoided. However, this arrangement can lead to significant tax residency complications in Russia, potentially resulting in loss of Russian tax residency benefits. Transferring salary from a German bank account to Russia can also be challenging. This setup is particularly complex for Russian citizens and may lead to legal and financial repercussions in both countries, especially concerning taxation and social security contributions.
Export of cash currency from the EU to Russia is restricted. While exceptions exist for personal use, strict limits are not defined. Customs officials may confiscate funds if 'personal needs' cannot be verified. For amounts exceeding 10,000 EUR, declaration is required. Splitting sums and diversifying their location within luggage may reduce scrutiny. If traveling with dual citizenship to Russia, restrictions apply based on your Russian citizenship.
Travelers departing from the EU to Russia risk cash seizure. While 1000 EUR is often cited as the limit for personal expenses, enforcement is inconsistent. Travelers should carry proof of purpose if possible, though legal recourse in the EU for confiscated cash is slow and expensive. Always diversify cash storage in luggage.
Large Euro banknotes (500 EUR) are often rejected by standard supermarkets (e.g., Kaufland) despite purchase amounts. Large retailers like IKEA and TK Maxx typically accept them. Banks will exchange them, but daily usage is inconsistent.
Direct bank transfers from German banks to Russian Raiffeisenbank or other Russian banks are currently not possible due to international sanctions. Do not trust individuals offering 'alternative' direct wire transfer services; peer-to-peer exchanges remain the only common mechanism.
For Russian citizens flying from Germany to Russia via Turkey, exporting Euros is prohibited due to sanctions, as Russia is the final destination. Even with transit, checks may occur, leading to confiscation and fines. If you hold German citizenship and are traveling to Russia, exporting Euros is also restricted.
To transfer PayPal funds received from an employer using an Azerbaijani bank card in Germany, explore options such as linking the Azerbaijani card directly to PayPal (if supported), using intermediary money transfer services, or considering cryptocurrency exchanges as a conversion method. Direct bank transfers from PayPal to non-EU accounts may have limitations or specific procedures.
To make a SWIFT transfer to Germany, inquire with your bank about their current capabilities and any associated fees. Specific banks might have limitations or require different procedures due to international regulations and sanctions.
When transferring funds from Russia to a blocked account (Sperrkonto) for a German student visa, some users report issues with Finteiba scrutinizing the 'origin of funds.' It is suggested to consider alternative providers like Edubao to potentially avoid such complications, as Finteiba's policies or enforcement may have become stricter in recent years.
When departing from the EU, travelers are generally allowed to carry up to €10,000 in cash without declaring it. Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared to customs. If you are a Russian citizen transiting through Turkey to Russia, and you are not a resident of Turkey, any Euros you are carrying are considered to be moving from the EU to Russia. Therefore, be aware of potential currency control regulations in both Germany and Russia, as well as any transit rules in Turkey. It is advisable to carry non-EU currencies or to declare amounts exceeding the threshold if applicable.
Exporting EU currency (Euro) from the EU to Russia is currently prohibited by sanctions. Travelers are advised to exchange EUR for USD before transit, as USD remains more flexible for currency exchange in non-EU transit hubs like Turkey.
Exporting EU currencies (such as Euros) from EU countries to Russia is prohibited under current sanctions (EU Regulation 833/2014). This restriction applies to all passport holders, regardless of nationality, when departing from the EU to Russia. While transit through non-EU countries like Turkey may not involve direct checks on currency export from the EU, the act of leaving the EU with prohibited currency can lead to confiscation, fines, or entry bans into the EU. It is strongly advised to comply with these regulations and avoid carrying prohibited amounts of EU currency when traveling from the EU to Russia.
Direct transfers from a German bank account to a Lithuanian card are not possible. Funds must be transferred from a German bank account to a German bank account, or through intermediary services. For non-EU cross-border transfers from Germany, Paysend is commonly used.
Legal and transparent money transfers from Russia to Germany are currently almost impossible due to sanctions and restrictions. Advise users that direct and official channels are severely limited, and 'grey schemes' carry risks with tax authorities (Finanzamt).
Informal currency exchange offers (RUB to EUR) in chat groups in Germany are highly susceptible to scams. A common tactic involves two individuals: one 'recommends' a seemingly reliable exchanger (the scammer), who then defrauds the victim. It is strongly advised to avoid such offers and only use official, regulated financial institutions for currency exchange to prevent financial loss.
When leaving Germany, up to €10,000 can be carried per person without declaration, designated for 'personal needs'. Customs officials have the discretion to assess the necessity of the amount. While random checks occur, exporting Euros to non-Russian destinations (e.g., via transit countries like Turkey or Serbia, provided the final destination is not Russia) is generally permissible if supported by travel documentation. However, exporting Euros directly to Russia is restricted and may lead to confiscation if deemed not for personal needs or if originating from prohibited channels. Carrying USD or confirming regulations for the specific destination country is advised.
Exporting Euros from Germany to Russia can be problematic due to potential customs checks and sanctions enforcement. While there's no official limit for personal use, amounts around 300-500 EUR might be tolerated in practice, but larger sums risk confiscation and fines. Some travelers successfully use newly issued US dollars (blue banknotes) which are generally accepted in Russia. It is advisable to check current regulations and consider alternatives like USD to avoid issues.