Prior to going in store at 4010, I did some research and had a particular sim brand in mind to…read morepurchase. When I arrived at 4010 asking the staff about sim card, they recommended brands from large telecommunication companies in Germnay, but when I wanted to purchase a particular brand of sim card which was not from one of large communication companies the staffs attitude changed. They weren't really interest in any queries I had to ask about that product and was very unhelpful and also turn unfriendly (maybe they don't get much commission from that brand). I still purchased the sim card, but had a hard time activating it because was in German, I went back to ask for help, but no help at all, not interested one bit. What is even more sad is their website for staff profiles (also includes the people who served me) claims to be helpful customer service with patience. Is anything but that, a store that is about glitz and show, but no substance.

After much comparing of prices and hemming & hawing, we finally went with t-mobile in the…read moreGesundbrunnen center to buy our new phone package. With a little wheeling & dealing - we were happy with our deal. Clumsy and extended check-out was an irritation, but no real issue as we had already invested so much time in finding the right deal for us. We soon realized they had charged us twice for the phone. WTF. We've been in contact several times and there are vague notes of their error and assurances that they will refund the money - but this has stretched into a month plus ordeal. Just return the money! You've admitted it is your mistake.

I recently had the opportunity to try out their online financial services. It's a Berlin startup…read moreoffering all sorts of financial services like credit, loans and so on online. The website was good and after filling in some details I had offers populated and ready approved from over ten banks in Germany. They then contacted me and offered to explain all the offers and the pros and cons of each offer. They were quick to respond to email and offered great flexibility on their approach. I will probably never use a bank in Germany again and no sense going to the branch as their rates were unmatchable by my local branch and their flexibility was also not easy for my local bank to replicate. Fintech has come a long way in the last few years and their attention to customer service has made all the difference. I would definitely use their services again. We could use more of these types of online services in Germany :-)