01 Jul 2025
When moving from Bangladesh to Germany, whether for studies, work, or long-term settlement, managing your finances becomes one of your top priorities. One of the first questions many expats ask is: Should I rely on cash, credit cards, or debit cards for daily spending in Germany? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Germany has a unique payment culture where cash still plays a significant role, yet digital payment systems are gaining momentum.
As a Bangladeshi expat, understanding which payment method works best can help you avoid unnecessary fees, stay financially secure, and make smarter decisions when supporting your loved ones back home. It also directly impacts how efficiently you can send money to Bangladesh from Germany. From buying groceries to transferring funds through reliable platforms like ACE Money Transfer, choosing the right payment option is essential for a hassle-free financial life abroad. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons and manage both local and international finances wisely.
When traveling to Germany, especially as a Bangladeshi expat, choosing between credit cards, debit cards, and cash depends on your lifestyle, location, and spending needs. Cash is still widely used, particularly in small towns, local markets, and for low-cost purchases, such as public toilets or bakeries. It’s essential to keep some euros on hand for these situations.
Debit cards, especially those linked to German banks, are highly efficient for making daily transactions, such as grocery shopping, transportation, and restaurant bills. They offer low withdrawal fees and are widely accepted in urban areas. Credit cards, though helpful in making large purchases, booking travel, and handling emergencies, are not as commonly accepted in all shops. Many smaller businesses still prefer cash or debit.
According to Statista, Germany had around 143 million debit cards in circulation in 2023, compared to just 6.58 million credit cards. This highlights the country's strong preference for debit payments over credit. Germany isn’t fully cashless—yet. While cities like Berlin and Frankfurt are embracing cards and mobile payments, small towns, bakeries, and older vendors often prefer cash. Most locals use Girocards (debit cards) for grocery shopping or public transport. Credit cards are gaining ground, but they are still not accepted everywhere, especially for low-value transactions.
So, what does that mean for Bangladeshi expats? You’ll need a healthy mix of payment methods to avoid trouble at the checkout counter. For most expats, a combination of all three is the safest strategy—using cash for local purchases, debit for regular expenses, and credit for travel and online purchases. This balanced approach also helps manage your finances better when you send money to Bangladesh from Germany, ensuring convenience at both ends.
Feature | Credit Card | Debit Card | Cash |
Acceptance | Limited (mostly big stores, hotels) | Widely accepted in cities | Accepted almost everywhere |
Fees | May incur foreign transaction fees | Low or no fees (with German accounts) | No fees, but risk of carrying large amounts |
Best For | Emergencies, travel bookings | Daily purchases, grocery, public transport | Small vendors, bakeries, street markets |
Security | High (can dispute charges) | Secure and PIN-protected | Least secure (risk of theft/loss) |
Online Use | Ideal for online and international shops | Usable for most German websites | Not usable online |
Budget Control | Can lead to overspending | Helps control expenses | Good for manual budgeting |
Cash Withdrawal | High ATM fees if used abroad | Low ATM fees with German banks | Already in-hand—no ATM needed |
Recommendation | Keep as backup for travel or online use | Use for everyday transactions | Always carry a small amount for emergencies |
Paying for things in Germany is one part of the equation. The other? Ensuring that your loved ones in Bangladesh receive support without delay or additional cost.
If you're still using a Bangladeshi-issued debit or credit card in Germany, you're likely losing money through:
Sending money internationally often comes with unexpected deductions. Traditional banks and some transfer providers may advertise low upfront fees but compensate with poor exchange rates or hidden charges. These can significantly reduce the final amount your family receives in Bangladesh. To ensure your money goes further, it's essential to choose a transparent and efficient service tailored to expat needs.
For more tips on managing your travel budget efficiently, check out a Guide to Spending Money Wisely When Travelling Abroad. It’s a helpful resource for Bangladeshi expats looking to make smart financial decisions while abroad.
ACE Money Transfer provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for sending money to Bangladesh from Germany. With low transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, and real-time tracking, your funds reach your loved ones without surprises. ACE Money Transfer now enables instant transfers to mobile wallets, including bKash, Nagad, Rocket, UPay, and airtime top-ups, in Bangladesh.
This added flexibility ensures your support reaches loved ones swiftly, securely, and exactly when they need it. Designed for expats, its user-friendly platform makes online money transfer from Germany to Bangladesh simple, trustworthy, and affordable, helping you avoid hidden fees and support your family with confidence.
Moving to Germany comes with plenty of change, but your ability to send money from Germany to Bangladesh shouldn't be a source of stress. Choosing the right blend of cash, debit, and credit card usage lets you live comfortably while saving for remittances.
Whether you're grabbing döner in Cologne or shopping in Munich, staying in control of your money matters, and when it’s time to send money to Bangladesh online from Germany, you deserve a service that’s fast, secure, and affordable. ACE Money Transfer empowers expats like you to support loved ones back home—on your terms, without compromise.
Online services like ACE Money Transfer often offer better rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks.
Yes, but it's not cost-effective. You’ll face foreign transaction fees and poor exchange rates. It's better to open a German account.
With ACE Money Transfer, transactions are usually completed within minutes to a few hours, depending on the payment method.
Yes, ACE allows you to send money directly to bank accounts or mobile wallets like bKash, Nagad, and others in Bangladesh.
Absolutely. ACE is ideal for students who want to send money to Bangladesh from Germany quickly and without high fees.
