You can open a bank account at the bank of your choice. You should ask to open a giro account that comes with an EC-card so that you can benefit from cashless payment. Most banks offer special tariffs for students or even grant students a cost-free service. In some cases, you have got to make an appointment for opening an account.

You need following documents:

• Passport
• Student ID
• Rental agreement
• Registration card proving that you registered with the Foreigners Registration Office or (for EU citizens) the town Duisburg or Essen (if you already have it)

In case you have not yet finalised your registration with the Foreigners Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) or town, you can show your lease contract in order to prove your address of residence in Germany.

It is advisable to open a bank account immediately after your arrival as many regular payments (e.g. rent, health insurance) require a German bank account. In addition, transfers from account to account save the fee for cash pay-ins.