Germany Travel Guide

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Prices, tipping, paying and of course the currency are things that differ in any country. Germany is no exception. Here you will find an overview what to expect when it comes to money during your Germany vacation.

Currency

The currency used in Germany is Euro. Currently 1 Euro is about 1,30 US-Dollar. To see the up to date value, check the currency converter provided by Google. To check other currencies, simply change "USD" to your currency abbreviation in the opening window.

The currency comes in seven notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. The coins come in 1 and 2 Euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro cent.

It is advisable to carry enough cash and change with you. Indeed, paying by credit card is possible in many shops, but not everywhere. Especialy smaller shops and restaurant do not offer credit card payment. Some shops may require a minimum purchase.

Prices in Germany

Prices for few things are relatively high in Germany. Gas prices tend to be very high, especially in summer when everyone is heading for vacation. Electronics and clothes are also expensive, so make sure you have everything you need with you.

The prices for restaurants and hotels are moderate. A meal is about 8 - 15 Euro while a softdrink or a beer is about 3 Euro. Many restaurants have special offers for lunch. Ask for the meal of the day. As for hotels there is something for everyone from low to high budget.

Withdrawing Money

You can find ATMs at every bank. There, you can either get cash with your bank card or with your credit card. Note that the fee for drawing money is more expensive when using the credit card. Check with your bank for the exact fees before you start your trip. Some American banks have cooperations with German banks to either reduce or cut out fees. One example for this is a cooperation between Bank of America and Deutsche Bank.

Tipping in Germany

A service charge is always included at Restaurants. However, all Germans give a tip of 5% to 10% to the waiters. A taxi driver also gets 5% to 10% depending on his or her friendliness.