Preparation Formalities upon Arrival Registration Bank Account Insurance Hiring Procedures Taxes Life in Potsdam Family and Children Departure Doctoral Students Hosting a Guest Sponsorship Programme News Imprint Home | Service | Contact | Travelling to Potsdam | Academic Institutions deutsche Version Bank Account It is necessary that you open a bank account at a German financial institute in order to receive your wages and to pay your bills. Opening a so-called giro account (Girokonto) is highly recommended. With this type of account, you are able to draw cash, transfer funds electronically (in some cases also via online banking), and schedule the transfer of regular payments such as the rent for your flat. An EC card allows for trouble-free cash transfers, thus enabling you to pay for goods in some stores with your card and to use cash machines. To open a bank account, you need the following documents: passport certificate of proof of residence (Meldebestätigung) proof of adequate finances (in some cases) It makes sense to make an appointment at the bank of your choice, especially if you would like to have an English speaker as your contact person in the bank. Financial Institutes in Potsdam Berliner Volksbank Charlottenstr. 34-36 14467 Potsdam Tel. +49.331.271590 Commerzbank Lindenstraße 45 14467 Potsdam Tel. +49.331.28190 Deutsche Bank Charlottenstraße 40 14467 Potsdam Tel. +49.331.28480 Postbank Deutsche Postbank AG Am Kanal 16/18 14467 Potsdam Sparda Bank Babelsberger Str. 18 Bahnhofspassagen 14473 Potsdam Tel. +49.30.42080420 Sparkasse Mittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse in Potsdam Geschäftsstelle Potsdam – Luisenplatz Luisenplatz 9 14471 Potsdam Please refer here for a list of all financial institutes in Potsdam. You can also open an online account with a direct bank: Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB) ING-DiBa