Guide to Money in Germany (2024)

Europe

Germany

ATMs, Banks, Where to Exchange Money and More

By

Birge Amondson

Birge Amondson

Birge is a German-born travel writer based in Berlin and Los Angeles who has written for Zagat and Northstar Travel Media.

TripSavvy'seditorial guidelines

Updated on 06/03/19

Fact checked by

Michelai Graham

Fact checked byMichelai Graham

Michigan State University

American University

Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug.

TripSavvy'sfact-checking

In Germany, "cash is king" is more than just a saying. It is the way life works. Expect to become very familiar with ATMs and euros as you travel through this fascinating country. This overview will help you navigate money matters in Germany.

The Euro

Since 2002, Germany’s official currency is the Euro (pronounced in German like OY-row). It is among 19 Eurozone countries that use this currency. The symbol is € and it was created by a German, Arthur Eisenmenger. The code is EUR. The euro is divided into 100 cents and are issued in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and tiny 1c denominations.

Banknotes are issued in €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 domination. Coins feature designs from each of the member countries, and banknotes picture typically charming European doors, window, and bridges as well as a map of Europe. To find out the current exchange rate, go to www.xe.com.

ATMs in Germany

The quickest, easiest and usually cheapest way to exchange money is to use an ATM, called Geldautomat in German. They are ubiquitous in German cities and can be accessed 24/7. They are present at UBahn stations, grocery stores, airports, malls, shopping streets, train station, etc. They almost always have a language option so you can operate the machine in your native language.

Before you depart, make sure you know your 4-digit PIN number. Also, ask your bank if you have to pay a fee for international withdrawals and how much you can withdraw daily. Your bank might have a partner bank in Germany which can save you money (for example, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America). It can also be helpful to inform your bank of your movements so foreign withdrawals do not raise suspicion.

Exchanging Money in Germany

You can exchange your foreign currency and travelers' checks at German banks or exchange bureaux (called Wechselstube or Geldwechsel in German). They are not as common as they once were, but can still be found at airports, railway stations, and even major hotels. You may also consider online services like PayPal, Transferwise, World First, Xoom, etc. They often feature better rates in this digital age.

Guide to Money in Germany (1)

Credit Cards and the EC Bank Card in Germany

Compared to the U.S, most Germans still prefer to pay cash and many shops and cafes do not accept cards, especially in smaller German cities. An estimated 80% of all transactions in Germany are in cash. The importance of cash cannot be overestimated. Before you enter shops or restaurants, check the doors—they often display stickers showing which cards are accepted.

Also, note that bank cards in Germany work a bit differently than in the USA. EC bank cards are the norm and work like a US debit card in that they connect to your current account. They feature a magnetic strip on the back of the card with a chip on the front. Many US cards now have these attributes as they are necessary to use in Europe. Inquire at your home bank if you are not sure about your card's features.

Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted in Germany—but not everywhere. (American Express to an even lesser extent.) Credit cards (Kreditkarte) are less common and withdrawing money with your credit card at an ATM (you have to know your PIN number) may result in high fees.

German Banks

German Banks are usually open Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 17:00. In small towns, they may close earlier or at lunch. They are also closed on the weekend, but ATM machines are accessible all day, every day. Bank employees are often comfortable in English, but be prepared to find your way around with terms like Girokonto/Sparkonto (checking/savings account) and Kasse (cashier’s window).

Opening an account can be a bit tricky as some banks don't offer English-language information and require some fluency, or simply refuse foreigners opening accounts. In general, to open a bank account in Germany you need:

  • Passport with applicable visa
  • Certificate of residency (Anmeldung)
  • Pay statement from your employer or Proof of funds

Note that checks are not used in Germany. Instead, they use direct transfers known as Überweisung. This is the way people pay their rent, receive their paychecks, and make everything from minor to major purchases.

Guide to Money in Germany (2024)

FAQs

How much money is enough in Germany? ›

What is the cost of living in Germany? It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month.

How many euros should I take to Germany for 2 weeks? ›

So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros. This could be lower if you budget to the extreme. Keep in mind, a work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.

How much cash should I carry in Germany? ›

Cash sums totalling 10,000 or more euros on trips to and from Germany must be declared to the customs authorities. This applies to both cash and equivalent means of payment.

Is 1000 euros enough in Germany? ›

If it's net, it's right in the middle average. So yes, it should be enough if you live alone and don't overshoot in terms of living style. No mansions and you will have to cook at home sometimes, but otherwise perfectly average (unless you live in Munich, where everything is hella expensive).

How much money do I need for 7 days in Germany? ›

For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in Germany, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.

How much euro do I need per day in Germany? ›

I think you could get by on about 30-35 Euro each per day (70 euro total). Breakfast will be included in most hotels you stay. Dinner will run about 15 Euro, plus beverage..18-20 Euro. Bratwurst & soda for lunch, maybe 5 Euro.

Is it cheaper to get euros in the US or in Europe? ›

With time at your disposal, you'll be able to see exactly what the fee and rate is, and how many euros you'll get for your dollars. It's possible of course that you might get a better deal when you land in Europe. It may well be the case that fees are lower and exchange rates better.

Is 500 euro enough in Germany? ›

That largely depends on the standards you are looking to meet. A studio flat can be had between €500-700, one bedroom around €1000, add utilities for about €150 including electricity, TV, phone. You might spend about €70 on food per week per person, Dining out will cost you about €20-€30/person including wine.

Is 400 euros enough for a week? ›

Depends where you are and where you are staying, but 400 euros for a week is more than enough. Unless you stay in a five-star hotel and eat every meal at a restaurant, 400 euros should be enough to buy food, accomodation and utilities for a week.

Is it better to use cash or card in Germany? ›

Important: whether you are shopping, in a restaurant or at the club, Berliners prefer to pay with cash. Debit cards and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) may often also be used, but smaller shops and cafés might only accept cash payments.

Does Germany accept U.S. dollars? ›

It is not possible to pay for anything in U.S. dollars, but you should have no problem exchanging currency. The large number of banks and exchange services means that you can shop around for the best rate, if you're so inclined. But the cheapest and easiest way to go is using your ATM card.

Can I use my US debit card in Germany? ›

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure.

Should I get euros before going to Germany? ›

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

What is the best currency to take to Germany? ›

Germany uses the popular euro, so your travel money will stay super simple. It also makes it handy if you're planning to visit Germany's eastern neighbours or head down to Austria (they use euros too).

Is food in Germany expensive? ›

A single person who plans meals carefully, doesn't eat too much meat, and shops at discount supermarkets can do their weekly shopping for less than €50 a week (not including alcohol or toiletries). This makes the daily cost of food in Germany around €7 provided you eat leftovers for lunch and avoid eating out.

How much money is required to go in Germany? ›

Estimates suggest that Indian students in Germany can expect to spend anywhere between €850 to €1,200 per month on living expenses. This range can vary depending on several factors, including: City of residence: Major cities like Munich and Frankfurt tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.

What is a liveable salary in Germany? ›

A salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross a year is considered a good salary in Germany. For a single person, this means roughly €40,000 to €43,000 euros net a year or between €3,300 and €3,600 euros net a month.

Is 70k a good salary in Germany? ›

Now on to the most crucial question: What's a good salary in Germany? This depends on various factors such as where you live and your lifestyle. Generally, earning between €70,000 and €80,000 annually is seen as comfortable. This range is especially relevant in cities like Munich, where living costs are higher.

Is 2500 euros enough to live in Germany? ›

2500 EUR/month net income would be pretty comfortable even in an expensive place like Munich. 2500 gross would leave you about 1600 net, which still is just a bit below the average in Germany - more than enough to survive, though if you plan to raise a family on it, you better be living in a cheaper area.

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