Germany

Currency Exchange in Germany

Germany uses the Euro (EUR), so travelers from other Eurozone countries need no exchange. For visitors converting from USD, GBP, AUD, CAD or other currencies, ATMs offer the best rates. Dedicated exchange offices (Wechselstuben) exist at major train stations and airports but charge commissions of 3–7%. Avoid airport exchanges at Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin — the rates are significantly worse than ATMs. In smaller cities, exchange offices are rare; the Geldautomat (ATM) is the only practical option. The Reisebank, found at major train stations, offers reasonable rates for cash exchange and is a reliable fallback.

ATM Availability

ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widespread throughout Germany — in bank branches, shopping centres, train stations, airports and most towns. Major banks include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkassen (savings banks — the most numerous, with red 'S' signage), Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken. Daily withdrawal limits typically range from €500 to €1,000. Visa and Mastercard work at virtually all ATMs. Always decline the 'conversion to your home currency' option (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — it adds a 3–5% markup. German ATMs themselves rarely charge fees, but your home bank may charge €2–5 per international withdrawal. The Sparkassen network is particularly useful — over 25,000 ATMs across the country, often in places where other banks have no presence.

Card Acceptance

Germany has a strong cash culture — more so than many visitors expect from Europe's largest economy. Cards are accepted at supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka), hotels, petrol stations, department stores, chain restaurants and larger shops. But many smaller businesses — traditional restaurants, bakeries, beer gardens, market stalls, smaller cafés, some taxis, and even some doctors — are cash-only or have minimum amounts for card payment (often €10–20). The local debit system (Girocard, formerly EC-Karte) dominates; Visa and Mastercard credit cards are less universally accepted than in France or the UK. Contactless payment (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) works at modern terminals but is not as ubiquitous as in Scandinavia or the Netherlands. The reliable strategy: carry €50–100 in cash at all times alongside your cards.

Tipping Customs

Tipping in Germany is customary but not at American levels. In restaurants, 5–10% is standard — Germans typically round up to a convenient amount rather than calculating a percentage. The key cultural difference: you tell the server how much you want to pay when they come to collect, rather than leaving money on the table. Say the bill is €37 — you hand over €50 and say 'Vierzig' (forty) to indicate the server keeps €3. In beer gardens and casual restaurants, rounding up to the nearest euro or two is sufficient. Hotel porters: €1–2 per bag. Taxi: round up by €1–2. Tour guides: €3–5 per person. Housekeeping: €1–2 per day. At bars, rounding up is the norm. Always tip in cash.