Germany travel money tips
Heading to Germany? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Euro (EUR, €).
Tipping
Round up to the nearest euro or 5–10% in restaurants. Tell the server the total amount when paying — don't leave it on the table.
Cards vs cash
Surprisingly cash-heavy for Europe. Many bakeries, bars, and small restaurants are still cash-only — always carry €40–€50.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
'Geldautomat' at Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, and Commerzbank is fee-free for most foreign cards.
Heads-up
- Always ask 'Karte oder bar?' before ordering — assume cash-only until told otherwise.
- Bottle deposits ('Pfand') of €0.08–€0.25 are added at checkout; return empties for a refund.
About the Euro (EUR)
The Euro (EUR, symbol €) is the official currency of Germany. Knowing the live EUR rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.