🇩🇪 Germany · EUR
Germany uses the euro (EUR), so euros from other eurozone countries are equally valid here. Germany is famously cash-friendly compared with the rest of Western Europe, and many small businesses, bakeries, and even some restaurants still prefer or only accept cash, so never rely on cards alone.
The euro splits into 100 cents. Notes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, with the 500 note no longer issued and seldom seen. Coins run 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. Germans use coins heavily, so expect to handle them often.
Cash remains king in many situations, and you should always carry some. Card acceptance has improved, but many places accept only the local Girocard (EC card) rather than Visa/Mastercard, and some small shops, bakeries, and restaurants are cash-only. Contactless and mobile payments work at larger retailers, supermarkets, and chains.
Withdrawing euros from a bank ATM or paying by card gives rates close to interbank. If exchanging cash, banks and reputable city exchange offices beat tourist-area kiosks. Always confirm the net euros you will receive and avoid places promoting '0% commission' that hide the cost in the rate.
Exchange counters at Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin airports charge poor rates with large margins. Withdraw cash from an ATM in the terminal or in the city instead, and change only a token amount at the airport if absolutely needed. ATMs almost always beat the exchange desk.
Prefer ATMs (Geldautomat) at major banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, or Sparkasse, which are reliable and reasonable. Avoid independent operators such as Euronet that levy steep fees and push conversions. Decline any 'conversion to your home currency' offer and choose euros to skip the DCC markup.
Tipping is customary but modest, usually around 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Round up or tell the server the total amount you want to pay as you hand over money, rather than leaving coins on the table. For taxis and cafes, rounding up to a convenient figure is standard.
The biggest pitfall is assuming cards are accepted everywhere, then getting caught short at a cash-only spot. Watch for dynamic currency conversion on card terminals and ATMs and always pay in euros. Independent ATMs in tourist zones can carry high fees, so stick to bank machines.
Carry more cash than you would elsewhere in Western Europe; having 100-200 euros on hand is wise. You will likely use cash daily for bakeries, snacks, small restaurants, and public transport tickets. Top up from bank ATMs rather than bringing large sums from home.
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