On this page you will find some information about money in Germany.

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Euro as Currency

The Euro (EUR/€) is the official currency of Germany and many European countries. One Euro is 100 Euro-Cent (or just Cent).

 

In writing you will usually see "EUR" or the symbol "€".

On the website EU countries, you can see the 23 countries using the euro by selecting the filter option “EU countries using the euro”.

The European Central Bank provides an overview with the current Euro coins and banknotes in this PDF.

One side of the coins always looks the same, but the other is designed by the issuing country. As the euro is the common currency of the European Union, the standard euro coins can be used to pay in other countries (see link above about participating countries).

We recommend that you check a currency converter for the current market rates:

• XE
• Oanda

Confusing Tourists from Abroad

In order to completely confuse foreign tourists, for whom it is already difficult enough to distinguish each coin denomination in multiples of 24, the ECB has developed a special plan:

• All banknotes have been revised in terms of design and security features
• Many countries have changed the side of their coins (e.g. because the king/queen has changed, design changes, ...)
• Every few years, the ECB itself issues special coins (mostly 2-euro coins), which must be issued in the individual countries
• The 2-euro coin in particular is often used for special editions in one's own country. For example, there are at least 25 different German 2-euro coins in circulation.
• From time to time, new countries are "entering the ring" (e.g. 2023 Croatia)
• In all of these cases the old and the new versions are still valid and are in use.

Similar Coins

Please note that there are some countries whose coins look similar to euro coins but are worth far less.

Foreign coins resembling euro coins:

• Turkey: The 1 Lira coin is similar to the 1€ coin but worth only a 6^th of it.
  As there is a large Turkish community in Germany, there is a chance you might come across this.
• Turkey: 50-Kurus; worth less than 10 Cent but looks similar to the 2€ coin.
• Thailand: 10 Baht looks like 2€, too.
• Brazilian coins also resemble euro coins, but they are not widespread.

General Hints

• Inform Your Bank: Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid your card(s) to be blocked due to suspicious activity. In some banking apps you can switch payments for individually selected countries on and off.
• Check Fees: Be aware of foreign transaction fees that your bank might charge for using your card abroad.
• Receipts and Security: Keep your receipts and handle your cards with care to avoid fraud. Contact your bank immediately if you lose your card or notice suspicious transactions. Some banking apps allow you to block your card immediately.

Currency Exchange

ATMs (“Geldautomaten”) are the most convenient way to get cash. They are available throughout cities, at airports and railway stations. You can use international debit or credit cards to withdraw cash. Be aware of potential withdrawal fees. Your local bank might have international partner banks where the use of ATMs is free of charge. Check with your local bank before travelling.

Currency exchange offices can be found at airports, major railway stations, and in city centres. Some of the larger hotels might also offer this service at the reception. Always compare the exchange rates and fees.

When paying by card in shops or withdrawing money from an ATM, it is recommended to choose the local currency (i.e. the euro) if you can choose between the local currency and your home currency. Here's why:

• Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): If you choose to pay in your local currency, the merchant's payment processor will often offer to convert the amount into your local currency. However, the exchange rate used for this conversion is often less favourable than the one you would receive from your bank.
• Hidden Fees: Some merchants charge additional fees for DCC transactions. These fees can significantly increase the total cost of your purchase.
• Transparency: When paying in euros you know exactly what you're paying and there are no surprises related to exchange rates or hidden fees.

Cash is King

Believe it or not, the most common and preferred payment method in Germany is still cash, and you should always have enough cash on you to pay – especially in restaurants, smaller shops or local markets.

Credit and Debit Cards

Visa, MasterCard, and increasingly American Express: These credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, larger restaurants, and retail chains.

However, some smaller businesses and rural areas only accept cash or giro cards (formerly EC/Maestro cards). The latter is a German debit card system but the cards generally support the Maestro standard, which can also be used  internationally. Maestro is gradually being replaced by Debit Mastercard. 

Giro Cards: (formerly EC/Maestro cards)

These are widely used in Germany. If you have a European bank account, you should ask for a giro card to simplify transactions.

Contactless Payments

Contactless/NFC (Near Field Communication) payment is becoming more common and used in various shops and restaurants, but don’t expect it to be available everywhere. You can use your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or smartwatch for quick transactions.

Apple Pay & Google Pay: These mobile payment solutions are supported by many retailers. Before travelling, make sure your device is set up and linked to your payment method.

Alipay: Alipay is becoming increasingly accepted in Germany, but it's still not as popular as in China. The number of retailers accepting Alipay is growing, especially in popular tourist destinations and larger cities, but it is not yet a standard payment option like credit or debit cards. It is more likely that Alipay is accepted in larger department stores, electronics retailers, and some tourist-oriented shops. Smaller businesses and local shops are less likely to offer Alipay as a payment option. It is still advisable to have other payment methods available when you are in Germany.

Online Payments and Apps

PayPal: Widely used for online transactions, PayPal is also accepted by some brick-and-mortar stores. A PayPal account can be useful for online bookings and reservations.

Mobile Payment Apps: Apps like Payback Pay and Klarna are popular in Germany. However, they are more commonly used by residents with local bank accounts.

Traveller’s Cheques

These are largely obsolete and not recommended for use in Germany. They can be cumbersome and not readily accepted.

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