What's the method with the lowest commission for depositing Euros in Berlin?
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The most suitable methods for depositing Euros from Turkey into a Sperrkonto or Girokonto in Berlin:
Most Suitable Methods (2026)
1. Wise (TransferWise) — Most Transparent
- Commission: ~0.4-0.7%
- For a 10,000 € transfer: 45-75 € total
- Duration: 1-2 business days
- Transparent exchange rate (Google Finance rate)
2. Revolut Premium — Fastest
- Premium membership: 7.99 €/month (1 month sufficient)
- Commission: 0% (within the 100K €/month limit)
- Duration: Same day (via app)
- Turkish bank → Revolut TL → Revolut EUR → Berlin IBAN
3. Turkish Bank Direct SWIFT
- Garanti BBVA: 1.5-2% + 35 € SWIFT
- For a 10,000 € transfer: 180-235 € total
- Duration: 2-3 business days
- The most "classic" method, easy if bank support is available
4. Currency Exchange + Cash
- Buy EUR at branch exchange offices, carry it manually to Germany
- 10,000 € customs limit — declaration mandatory for amounts above
- Risk: Theft, loss
- Cost: 1-2% (bank spread)
- Not recommended for more than 5K €
Lowest Commission Scenario
Savings for a 10,000 € transfer:
| Method | Total cost | Savings (compared to Wise) |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | 45-75 € | — |
| Revolut Premium (1 month) | 40-60 € | 5-15 € |
| Turkish bank SWIFT | 180-235 € | -135 € |
| Western Union | 350-450 € | -300 € |
Clear winner: Wise + Revolut Premium combination
Strategy
Scenario: You are opening a Sperrkonto (11,904 €)
- Register with Wise (complete KYC — 2-3 days)
- Send via IBAN from your bank in Turkey to your Wise account
- Convert TL to EUR in Wise
- Send from Wise EUR to your Sperrkonto IBAN
- Total commission: ~70 €
Scenario: Monthly 1,500 € family support
- Get Revolut Premium for 1 month (7.99 €)
- Commission-free within the monthly 100K € limit
- Cancel Premium after 1 month, the account remains (downgrades to Standard)
Critical Tip
- Foreign currency outflow from Turkey: Personal accounts are free up to 50K USD/year, no declaration required.
- Cash inflow to Germany: Customs declaration is mandatory for amounts over 10K € (otherwise, confiscation + penalty).
- Bank transfers leave a record, which can be useful if tax/rent confirmation is needed.
Related: Wise/Revolut comparison.
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