Currency & Payment
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates locally.
Local Currency Overview
Currency type, banknotes, and coin denominations
The currency is the euro (€, EUR). Notes come in €5–€500 and coins in 1 cent to €2. Germany is notably cash-oriented: many shops, bakeries and restaurants still prefer or only accept cash, so always carry some.
- Currency
- Euro (€, EUR)
- Notes
- €5 to €500
- Cash
- Widely preferred — carry some
- Small vendors and markets may be cash-only
Currency Exchange Tips
Best places and methods to exchange money
Exchanging cash is rarely needed if your cards work in Europe. Withdrawing euros from a bank ATM usually gives a better rate than airport or tourist exchange counters. Avoid changing money at hotels and street kiosks where rates are poor.
- Best rate
- Bank ATM withdrawal
- Avoid
- Airport/hotel exchange
- Cards
- Usually work Europe-wide
- Compare fees on your home bank card before travel
Credit Card Acceptance
Card brand availability and usage tips
Card acceptance is improving but is not universal. Many smaller shops, bakeries, cafés and even some restaurants are cash-only or set a minimum for cards. The domestic Girocard is common; Visa/Mastercard are usually fine at larger venues. Always keep cash as backup.
- Acceptance
- Not universal
- Cash-only
- Small shops, bakeries, cafés
- Backup
- Always carry cash
- Some venues require a minimum spend for card payment
ATM Usage
How to withdraw cash and associated fees
ATMs (Geldautomat) are widely available at banks, stations and shops. Prefer machines at major banks for lower fees and better security. If the ATM offers to charge in your home currency (DCC), always decline and choose euros for a better rate.
- Name
- Geldautomat (ATM)
- Prefer
- Major bank machines
- DCC
- Decline; pay in euros
- Watch for standalone ATMs with high fees in tourist spots
Mobile & Digital Payments
Digital payment services available locally
Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless cards are accepted, mainly at larger shops, supermarkets and chains. Uptake is lower than in some countries and many small or cash-only venues won't take it, so don't rely on your phone alone.
- Works at
- Contactless-enabled venues
- Common in
- Chains, supermarkets
- Note
- Not accepted everywhere
- Keep a physical card and cash as backup
Tipping Culture
Expected tipping amounts and etiquette
Tipping is modest and not obligatory — around 5–10% for good service in restaurants. The custom is to tell the server the total amount you want to pay (e.g. round up) as they process it, rather than leaving coins on the table.
- Restaurants
- About 5–10%
- How
- State the total to the server
- Obligation
- Appreciated, not required
- For taxis and cafés, rounding up is common
Price Guide
Average costs for meals, transport, and accommodation
Germany is mid-range for Western Europe. A casual meal often runs €12–20, a beer €4–5, and public transport day tickets around €7–10. Big cities like Munich and Frankfurt cost more than smaller towns. Bottled water and coffee add up, so refill tap water.
- Casual meal
- Around €12–20
- Beer
- Around €4–5
- Day ticket
- Around €7–10
- Prices vary; treat these as rough guidance
Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT (19%, or 7% on some goods like food) on purchases over €50.01 taken out of the EU within 3 months. Ask the shop for a tax-free form at purchase — retailers are not obliged to offer it. Get it validated by customs when you leave the EU.
- Min purchase
- Over €50.01
- VAT
- 19% (7% some goods)
- Validate
- Customs on EU exit
- Keep goods unused and receipts; shops may charge a fee