Money Transfer (Geldüberweisung)
PayPal Review (2026)
Best for: Small, occasional transfers where both parties already have PayPal — unmatched convenience
Setup fee
€0.00
Monthly fee
Free
Setup time
Instant sign-up; link bank account for full functionality
Languages
EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, PT, ZH, JA
Mobile app
Yes (4.7/5)
Key Features
- World's most recognized payment platform
- Instant transfers between PayPal accounts
- Buyer and seller protection on transactions
- Available in 200+ countries
- Link bank accounts, cards, and credit lines
- Pay in stores with PayPal QR code
- Send to email address — recipient doesn't need PayPal yet
Limitations
- Expensive for international transfers: 2.5-3.5% fee + poor exchange rate
- Exchange rate markup: 3-4% above mid-market
- Total cost can be 5-7% for cross-currency transfers
- No cash pickup option
- Not ideal for large recurring remittances
- Receiving fees for goods & services payments (2.49% + fixed fee)
- Account freezes can happen with large transfers
Pricing Plans
Personal Account (Free)
Free
- Free account
- Fee: 2.5-3.5% for international personal transfers
- Exchange rate: ~3-4% markup
- Buyer protection included
- Instant PayPal-to-PayPal
Eligibility
Who can use PayPal?
| Requirement | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| nationality: non eu | Accepted | Available to all |
| nationality: eu citizen | Accepted | — |
| visa type: student visa | Accepted | — |
| visa type: job seeker visa | Accepted | — |
| language: no german required | Accepted | Full English |
| credit check: schufa not required | Accepted | No SCHUFA needed |
About PayPal
PayPal is the world's most recognized digital payment platform. While not the cheapest for international transfers (3-4% total cost), it's unbeatable for convenience — both sender and recipient likely already have accounts. Buyer protection adds an extra layer of safety.
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Alternatives to PayPal
Remitly
Setup: €0 | Monthly: €0.00
Sending money to family in India, Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, or Latin America — fast delivery
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Setup: €0 | Monthly: €0.00
Anyone sending money internationally who wants the best exchange rate and full transparency
Western Union
Setup: €0 | Monthly: €0.00
Sending cash to recipients without bank accounts in remote locations worldwide
Ready to get started?
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