How to Transfer Money from Australia to Germany
Australia to Germany Guide
Summary
Germany and Australia have strong bilateral ties in investment, trade, education and migration. In fact, according to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, more than 900,000 Australians claim to be of German descent. The free floating Australian dollar (AUD) is a freely convertible currency, and Australian authorities do not restrict international transfers, making it easy to send money to Germany. Outgoing money transfers are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commissions (ASIC).
Visas and Immigration
Australian nationals who will be staying in Germany for up to 90 days, including both tourist and business travellers, do not require a visa to enter Germany. However, your passport or other travel ID should be valid for at least three months at the time that you plan to travel. As an Australian native, you may apply for a residence permit when you arrive in Germany. The application forms are available free of cost both in paper format and online at the official website of a German embassy or consulate general. Australian natives who plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days must obtain a visa. Although the cost is currently €60, students under the age of 25 and family members of foreign diplomats may be subject to a fee waiver.
Studying in Germany
International study programmes are a frequent driver of money transfer from Australia to Germany. The two countries have over 300 linkages in research and development through several major universities and colleges. Germany has become even more attractive for university education as tuition is now free in all states at public universities for both national and international students pursuing an undergraduate degree. In many cases, the only costs will be administrative and enrolment fees, in addition to living expenses.
As a result, Germany is currently the fourth most popular destination in the world for tertiary education. How much you stand to pay for your education while in Germany is highly relative to the level of degree, the particular institution, the duration of the course and the particular German state in which you reside. Private universities, who are dependent on tuition fees as a major source of funds, usually cost as much as €20,000 for each year of study. Australians can also benefit from several scholarship opportunities available through the Group of Eight Universities as a move to enhance research opportunities for eligible students who are between the ages of 18 and 30.
Bilateral Trade & Investment
Bilateral trade in goods and services is another key factor driving money transfers from Australia to Germany. Germany is Australia’s tenth largest trade partner in goods. Australia mainly imports German-made cars, putting the trade balance in Germany’s favour, whereas its major exports are gold coins, legal tender and metal ores.
Australian investments in Germany amounted to about $48.9 billion in 2013. This represents foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investment. For example, Australian Industry Funds (AIF) bought 40 percent of the shares in the 50Hertz Transmission company. CSL Behring is a major manufacturer operating in Germany as well as the Australian investment bank, Macquarie.
Banking, money and taxes
Germany has a dense, sophisticated banking network; online banking is widely available, making it easier to manage funds held in the country. The major banks include Commerzbank, Westdeutsche Landesbank, PostBank and Bayerische Vereinsbank. In order to open a bank account, you will require some form of ID, such as your passport, visa or residence card if you are an expat, and proof of address. Some banks require a nominal amount in order to open a new account. You can also transfer money from Australia to Germany direct to bank, but that may take several weeks.
Travelling with your pet
If you plan on travelling with your pet to Germany, there are some strict controls that must be taken into consideration beforehand. You must be able to prove that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies in order to avoid being quarantined upon arrival in Germany, as is the case in most countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from Australia to Germany. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
Your Feedback
We welcome all suggestions for improvements. Send us an email at support@fxcompared.com.
Latest Money Transfer News Articles for Australia