Son is student in Germany....?
...He got $, checks, for Xmas. Can he deposit them in German bank accnt? Or shld he cash em 1st? Not sure if German bank will accept checks drawn on American banks and wonder how long it will take them to clear. However, not real crazy about him carrying lots of cash while he travels back to Germany either. Any suggestions?
Other - Europe - 4 Answers
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1 :
I was in the same situation last year. I was working as an au pair in Germany and my parents had sent me a Christmas check in the mail. I'm not sure what bank your son has, but my bank did not allow me to cash it, so we had to find another alternative. I honestly think your best bet is that he cashes them first, OR, as my parents had done, they used their bank in America to give me a gift card---they put, let's say, 200 USD on the card and mailed it to me, and I could use the card wherever Visa was accepted, it was similar to a debit card, but it was only "charged" for the 200 dollars.
2 :
Deposit them here in a bank in the US, then use an ATM card to withdraw the money as needed in Germany. Not only is this safe - no cash to carry, it also gives you he best exchange rate as well.
3 :
For all I know, it's still there. Pick a bank in the U.S. that has an office in Germany. Then you can send him checks he can actually cash. The reason i chose BofA is that they could do currency exchange before I left in my hometown's branch. Then there was sending my brother a check to cash in Thailand. Hoo boy. Let's just say that he never got to see the cash.
4 :
The best way to travel is with American travelers checks, they are accepted at all banks and most businesses in Europe. The traverlers checks handled and used per their instructions are the most effective way to travel safely with money. The checks in the event of theft can easily be replaced, there are American express offices in most major cities! The other options would be to get your son a visa card that works like a debit card that can be loaded from time to time from family members in the States! The use of personal checks is almost non existant unless he has access to a Military Garrison, has he considered a part time job. As tourists or student he may have a chance of getting a 20hr a week job and have access to everything American, just a thought! Here in Europe the retirees use the Military banks to cash their checks both retirement and social security, the German Government was nice enough to allow this. The retirees have access with limited options in most stores unless they get a part time job just for logistical support, like cashing checks!
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