Germany uses the euro, which replaced the Deutsche Mark on January 1, 2002. The euro symbol is € and the currency code is EUR. One euro divides into 100 cents. Euro banknotes come in seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, though the €500 note was discontinued for new issuance in 2019 and many retailers no longer accept it. Coins exist in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2. German-minted euro coins feature the Brandenburg Gate on €1 and €2 coins, an oak leaf on cent denominations, and the German eagle on 10, 20, and 50 cent pieces. All euro coins are legal tender throughout the eurozone regardless of country of origin.
Cash remains widely used in Germany compared to other European countries. The Deutsche Bundesbank reported in 2021 that cash accounted for 60 percent of all transactions by volume, though this has declined from 74 percent in 2017. Many restaurants, cafes, small shops, and market stalls accept only cash. Some bakeries and corner stores display signs reading "Nur Barzahlung" meaning cash only. Doctors' offices, hair salons, and certain service providers frequently operate on a cash-only basis. The cultural preference for cash relates partly to privacy concerns regarding transaction tracking. Carrying €50 to €100 in cash for daily expenses is standard practice for residents and advisable for visitors.
ATMs are labeled "Geldautomat" and are widespread in cities, available in most towns, and present at train stations and airports. Banks belonging to the Cash Group network—Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Postbank, and HyperVereinsbank—allow customers to withdraw cash without fees at each other's ATMs. The CashPool network includes Santander, Sparda-Bank, and various smaller banks operating under similar fee-sharing agreements. Withdrawal fees for foreign cards typically range from €4 to €6 per transaction. Daily withdrawal limits are commonly set at €500 to €1,000 depending on the bank and account type. ATMs offer English language options at most locations. Machines dispense primarily €20 and €50 notes, occasionally €10 notes.
Credit cards see acceptance at hotels, large restaurants, chain stores, gas stations, and major tourist attractions. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted brands. American Express acceptance is limited outside international hotels and upscale establishments. Many smaller retailers impose minimum purchase amounts for card payments, typically €10 to €20. Some businesses add a surcharge for credit card use, though this practice decreased after EU regulations restricted surcharges in 2018. Card terminals in Germany require chip-and-PIN technology; signature-only cards may be refused. Contactless payment limits are set at €50 per transaction without PIN entry.
Debit cards, particularly those using the Girocard system (formerly EC-Karte), are more common than credit cards for daily purchases. Girocard is a German domestic debit system not usable outside the country. Most Girocards also carry Maestro or V Pay functionality for international use. Foreign debit cards with Maestro or Visa Debit symbols generally work at German point-of-sale terminals. Debit card transactions often process more quickly than credit cards and face fewer minimum purchase requirements. Germans collectively held approximately 100 million Girocards in 2022, compared to roughly 36 million credit cards.
Mobile payment adoption has grown but remains below levels in northern Europe or Asia. The most common mobile payment platforms are Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and German services like Bluecode and Payback Pay. Apple Pay launched in Germany in December 2018. Google Pay became available in June 2018. Many German banks now support at least one mobile payment platform. Supermarket chains including Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, and Lidl accept contactless mobile payments. The EC-cash terminal infrastructure supports NFC payments at an estimated 80 percent of card-accepting locations as of 2023. Despite infrastructure availability, many retailers report that fewer than 20 percent of customers use mobile payments.
Currency exchange services operate at airports, major train stations, and city centers. Exchange rates at airports typically include margins of 5 to 8 percent above interbank rates. The Reisebank chain operates exchange counters at most German airports and many train stations, with rates posted publicly. Private exchange offices in tourist areas of Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt often display competitive rates on street-facing boards but may add fees disclosed only during the transaction. Banks generally provide exchange services only to account holders. Exchanging currency before arrival or using ATMs for withdrawals typically yields better rates than airport exchange counters.
Tipping practices in Germany differ from North American norms but expect some gratuity in service contexts. Restaurant servers receive 5 to 10 percent tips on satisfactory service, typically rounded up to a convenient amount. For a €47 bill, leaving €50 is standard. Exceptional service might warrant 10 to 15 percent. Tips are handed directly to the server when paying, not left on the table. State the total amount you wish to pay including tip when presenting payment; saying "Stimmt so" means keep the change. Taxi drivers receive small tips, usually rounding up to the next euro or two. Hotel porters might receive €1 to €2 per bag. Room cleaning staff might receive €1 to €2 per night left in the room. Service charges are included in restaurant bills by law, so tipping supplements rather than constitutes server income.
Opening a German bank account as a non-resident is possible but requires specific documentation. A registered address in Germany (Anmeldung) is mandatory for most banks. The Anmeldung is obtained from the local Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt after registering residence. Passport or national ID, proof of address, and often proof of income or employment are required. Some banks request a Schufa credit report, which new residents will not possess. N26 and Deutsche Bank offer accounts specifically designed for expatriates and may have relaxed requirements. Opening an account typically takes one to two weeks. Many banks charge monthly account maintenance fees ranging from €5 to €15 unless minimum balance requirements are met. Student accounts often waive fees with proof of enrollment.
Cost of basic items provides context for budgeting. A cappuccino in a standard cafe costs €2.50 to €3.50. A 0.5-liter beer in a neighborhood pub ranges from €3.50 to €5. A Döner kebab, a common fast food option, costs €4.50 to €6.50. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant runs €10 to €15. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant with drinks totals €50 to €80. A monthly public transportation pass in major cities costs €49 as of May 2023, when the Deutschlandticket was introduced for nationwide regional rail and bus travel. Gasoline prices in 2023 fluctuate between €1.70 and €2.00 per liter. A domestic letter stamp costs €0.85. A cinema ticket ranges from €10 to €14 depending on the city and time.
Supermarket prices vary by chain and location. Discount chains Aldi and Lidl offer the lowest prices. A liter of milk costs €0.90 to €1.20. A loaf of bread ranges from €1 to €3 depending on type and bakery origin. Twelve eggs cost €2.50 to €4. One kilogram of chicken breast runs €8 to €12. Local vegetables in season cost significantly less than imported or out-of-season produce. Bottled water is often more expensive than beer in supermarkets; a six-pack of 1.5-liter water bottles costs €1.50 to €2.50, while beer six-packs range from €2.50 to €5. Pfand, a deposit system, adds €0.08 per glass bottle, €0.15 per plastic bottle, and €0.25 per can to the purchase price, refunded upon return to any supermarket.
Sales tax in Germany is called Mehrwertsteuer or MwSt. The standard rate is 19 percent, applied to most goods and services. A reduced rate of 7 percent applies to food items, books, newspapers, public transportation, hotel accommodation (but not breakfast or other services), and cultural events including museum entry and theater tickets. The displayed price in shops includes tax. Restaurant menu prices include both tax and service charges. Tax refunds for non-EU residents are available on purchases over €25 from participating retailers. Refund forms must be stamped by customs when leaving the EU, then submitted to refund services like Global Blue or Planet. Refunds amount to approximately 12 to 14 percent of the purchase price after processing fees.
Payment for accommodation usually requires a credit card guarantee, though some smaller guesthouses and private rentals accept only bank transfer or cash. Hotel bills are typically paid at checkout. Many hotels place a pre-authorization hold on credit cards at check-in, which can equal the full stay cost plus 20 percent. This hold can take 5 to 10 business days to release after checkout. Airbnb and similar platforms in Germany often require bank transfer for payment rather than processing through the platform. Vacation rental owners may request 30 to 50 percent deposits at booking, with the remainder due 30 days before arrival.
German train tickets purchased online accept credit cards, PayPal, and Giropay, a direct bank transfer system. Tickets purchased at station machines accept cash, Girocard, and most international credit and debit cards. Deutsche Bahn ticket machines provide English language options. Tickets purchased on board trains from conductors must be paid in cash and include a surcharge. The Deutschland-Ticket, a €49 monthly subscription for unlimited regional rail and bus travel introduced in May 2023, requires a bank account or credit card for recurring payment and cannot be purchased with cash.
Grocery shopping payment options depend on store size and location. Discount chains like Aldi and Lidl accept cash and Girocard at all locations, with credit card acceptance expanding but not universal as of 2023. Rewe and Edeka supermarkets generally accept major credit cards. Small independent grocers and Turkish or Arab markets frequently accept only cash. Self-checkout systems, increasingly common in larger supermarkets, accept both cards and cash. Contactless payment limits apply; transactions above €50 require PIN entry.
Market stalls at weekly farmers markets and Christmas markets operate almost exclusively on cash. The typical Christmas market vendor selling Glühwein, food, or handicrafts does not carry card terminals. The same applies to weekly produce markets held in town squares across Germany. Food trucks and street food vendors at festivals similarly expect cash payment. Some larger festival vendors have begun accepting cards, but cash remains necessary for most outdoor market purchases.
Public transportation ticket machines accept coins, often accept bills up to €20, and usually accept Girocard and major credit cards. Not all machines accept all payment types; older machines in smaller cities may be cash-only. Ticket machines at major transit hubs in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt accept contactless payment. Bus drivers sell single tickets for cash, typically requiring exact change or bills no larger than €20. Drivers cannot break €50 or €100 bills.
Parking meters and parking garage machines predominantly accept coins and Girocard. Credit card acceptance at parking facilities is inconsistent. Many German cities use parking apps like Park Now, EasyPark, or Parkster, which require smartphone setup and link to credit cards or bank accounts. Street parking in most cities uses a zone system with different hourly rates posted on signs. Parking garage rates in city centers range from €2 to €4 per hour, with daily maximums often capping at €20 to €30.
Museums and cultural attractions increasingly accept cards, though smaller museums and historic sites may be cash-only. State museums in Berlin, administered by Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, accept cards at all locations. Entry fees typically range from €8 to €14 for adults, with reduced rates for students, seniors, and children. Many museums offer free entry one day per month or on specific evenings. The Museumsinsel card providing entry to five museums on Museum Island in Berlin costs €19. Audio guides, usually available for €3 to €5, often require cash or may be included in entry when paid by card.
Gas stations accept credit cards, Girocard, and cash. Unmanned stations operated by brands like Westfalen or Hoyer accept only cards. Manned stations accept cash but may refuse bills larger than €50 for security reasons. Paying at the pump with a card is less common than in North America; most drivers fuel first, then pay inside. Some automated pumps require card pre-authorization before fueling begins. Truck stop stations along autobahns generally offer 24-hour manned service and accept all payment types.
Pharmacy payment in Germany typically allows both cash and cards. Prescription medications require presentation of a prescription from a German doctor or a reciprocal EU prescription. Prescription costs depend on insurance status; statutory health insurance holders pay €5 to €10 per prescription. Over-the-counter medications cost the full retail price. Many pharmacies in larger cities accept major credit cards, while smaller town pharmacies may prefer Girocard or cash. Pharmacies are called Apotheken and are legally separate from Drogerien, which sell personal care items but not medications.
Doctor's office payments function differently than in many other countries. Patients with German statutory health insurance present their insurance card and pay nothing at the time of visit in most cases. Private patients or those without insurance pay the full fee, which the doctor's office bills later. Some doctors request immediate payment in cash, particularly for non-residents. A standard general practitioner consultation costs approximately €50 to €100 when paid privately. Specialists charge higher rates. Obtaining an itemized receipt for insurance reimbursement is standard practice.
Value-added services like luggage storage at train stations accept both cash and cards at most major stations. Lockers at stations operate on coin deposit systems, typically requiring €2 to €4 in coins, which are refunded upon retrieval. Staffed luggage storage offices charge €5 to €8 per item per day and accept cards. Left-luggage services at airports similarly accept cards.
Budget accommodation including hostels generally accepts credit cards for room payment but may require cash for deposit on keys or lockers. Hostel World and Booking.com reservations usually process card payment online at the time of booking. Some independent hostels request cash payment on arrival if booked directly. Hostel bed prices in German cities range from €20 to €40 per night depending on location and season. Private rooms in hostels cost €50 to €90 per night.
Camping grounds in Germany typically accept cash for site fees, with some larger sites accepting cards. Daily rates for a tent pitch with two people range from €15 to €30 depending on location and facilities. Many campgrounds add per-person fees, electricity fees, and fees for hot showers, creating bills itemized in multiple small charges that favor cash payment. Campground offices often close in the evening, with after-hours arrivals leaving payment in an envelope, which necessitates cash.
Tour operators and guided tours predominantly accept credit cards when booked online in advance. Walking tours, particularly "free" walking tours that operate on tips, expect cash. Standard tip for free walking tours runs €5 to €10 per person. Bike rental shops in tourist areas generally accept cards for the rental fee but require cash or a large card pre-authorization as deposit against bike damage or theft. Typical bike rental costs €12 to €18 per day. Multi-day rentals offer reduced daily rates.
Currency denominations for practical use suggest keeping €1 and €2 coins for public toilets, which charge €0.50 to €1 and often do not give change. Toilets in train stations and autobahn rest stops are frequently operated by Sanifair, which charges €0.70 and provides a €0.50 voucher redeemable at Sanifair-affiliated shops, requiring €0.20 in non-refundable payment. €5 and €10 notes are useful for bakeries, market stalls, and small purchases. €20 notes are widely accepted. €50 notes sometimes face resistance at small retailers who worry about insufficient change or counterfeit bills. €100 and €200 notes are difficult to use outside banks and hotels. Paying for a €5 purchase with a €100 note will likely result in refusal.
Counterfeit detection measures are visible in German cash handling. Retailers check bills with UV lights or pens, particularly notes of €50 and above. The European Central Bank estimates roughly 25 counterfeit euro notes per million genuine notes in circulation, with Germany experiencing slightly below-average counterfeit rates. Staff training emphasizes checking the watermark, security thread, and hologram. Customers presenting large bills for small purchases may experience delayed service while verification occurs.
Bank operating hours in Germany are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:00 PM on Thursdays at some branches. Most banks close on Saturdays. In large cities, some bank branches in shopping districts or train stations maintain Saturday morning hours. Banks close on public holidays, which include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, German Unity Day on October 3, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Some federal states observe additional holidays such as Epiphany, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, Reformation Day, and All Saints' Day.