Banking System: There are four types of banks in Germany - public sector commercial banks (Private Geschaftsbanken), savings bank (Sparkassen), credit cooperatives (Kreditgenossenschaften), and the Postbank. The currency of Germany is the Euro. It became the official currency of Germany and 11 other nations on January 1, 1999. But, the Euro went into general circulation only in early 2002. Some of the banks, which have branches in Leipzig city, are AXA Bank, Baden-Wurttembergische Bank, and Commerzbank. While using your ATM card in a German bank, remember that many banks impose a fees each time you use your ATM card at the ATM of a different bank. This fees is higher when the ATM card is used for international transactions than for domestic ones. The following web pages have addresses and contact numbers of banks in Leipzig city.
Currency Exchange: You will definitely need to exchange currency sometime when you are in a foreign country. Currency can be exchanged in Leipzig city or any other foreign country at one of the currency exchange brokers or banks. Most banks exchange currency also. Currency exchange brokers are found at the airport, railway stations, hotels, or shopping spots.
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You can also exchange currency by using your ATM card at an ATM. The rate of exchange that the ATMs provide is more favorable compared to banks.
Health System: Before traveling to Germany, you should check with your health insurance company if your health insurance policy is applicable in Germany. You should also check the extent of the health cover and whether there is provision for evacuation. European citizens are protected by the European right while holidaying in other European Union countries. The European Community regulations ensure that tourists receive medical care and treatment while they are in another European Union country. For citizens of all other countries, the European Community regulations have no validity. United States medical insurance in not valid outside the United States usually. If you do fall ill while you are in Leipzig, you will mostly have to pay for medical care in cash, as hospitals usually ask for cash upfront from people who are not permanent residents of Germany. Some of the good hospitals of Leipzig city are Universitatsklinikum Leipzig, Robert Koch Klinik, and Stadt Klinikum St. George Klinik.
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