Banking System: The savings banks are called "sparkassen" in German. The Euro is now the official currency of 12 European Union countries, including Germany. One Euro is equal to 100 cents. The Euro notes can be found in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, and €5. Euro coins can be found in denominations of €2 and €1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 cents. Eurocheques were once a popular means of payment in Germany. These had a lower transaction fee than credit cards and were guaranteed by German banks. But, Eurocheques are no longer guaranteed by German banks. They are no longer a popular means of payment in Germany as they are not guaranteed. However, they can still be used as a means of payment in certain places without a guarantee. Some of the banks in Gelsenkirchen city are Citibank Privatkunden, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank.
Currency Exchange: If you want to buy goods or services in Gelsenkirchen city, you will need to pay for them in the currency of Germany. The best way to get some Euros in Germany is through sticking your ATM card into the vending machine of an ATM. The exchange rates calculated by the banks on using the ATMs are the most favorable ones compared to other exchange rates.
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You can also exchange currency at the counters of many banks, which exchange currency, or at numerous currency exchange brokers of Gelsenkirchen, which are called "wechselstube" in German. Some of the banks and "wechselstube" where you can exchange currency are Cash Express, B.I.A. Geldwechsel, and AAFES. These bureaus de change are not located in Gelsenkirchen, but are located at a close distance in other nearby cities.
Health System: If you fall ill while you are in Germany, you will be able to receive free or discounted health care on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC holders are provide access to state medical treatment only and not private hospitals. It also does not cover illnesses, which are not urgent. The emergency telephone number to contact doctors and hospitals in Gelsenkirchen is 112. Your insurance company will have a list of doctors and hospitals that provide treatment under the state scheme. You can be assured of excellent medical care while you are in Germany. The German word for hospitals is "krankenhaus." Some of the good hospitals of Gelsenkirchen city where you can go in case of need are Elisabeth Krankenhaus, Evangelische Klinik Gelsenkirchen, and Marienhospital Gelsenkirchen.
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