Planning a trip to Germany? Whether you're visiting Berlin’s buzzing neighborhoods, sipping beer in Bavaria, or relocating for work, knowing how to handle your money is key. Germany runs on the Euro, and while you’ll find plenty of card-friendly places, cash is still a big deal here.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about exchanging money, getting the best rates, and avoiding the classic “airport exchange regret.” Let’s dive in.

Understanding the Euro (€)

Germany uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, like most European Union countries. It is one of the most widely traded and stable currencies in the world. Familiarising yourself with the Euro will make it easier to manage your finances during your time in Germany.

Denominations of the Euro

Germany uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, just like most countries in the European Union. It’s one of the most stable and widely used currencies globally. Familiarising yourself with it early on will help you navigate everything from restaurants to train stations with ease.

Euros come in both coins and notes:

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2

• Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500

That said, most places won’t accept anything higher than a €100 note, and even those are rare in daily life. Aim to carry smaller bills and coins on your person, especially for cafes, kiosks, and transport.

Exchange Rates for Common Currencies

Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on market conditions. Here's a rough idea of how some popular currencies compare to the Euro at the time of writing (April, 2025)

• USD (US Dollar): €1 ≈ $1.10

• GBP (British Pound): €1 ≈ £0.85

• JPY (Japanese Yen): €1 ≈ ¥160.49

Check the latest rates before exchanging money using trusted platforms like XE.com or your banking app to ensure you get the best deal.

Where to Exchange Currency in Germany

Exchanging money can be done at various locations, but some options are more cost-effective than others. Here’s where you can exchange your money:

• Banks: Banks like Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, or Sparkasse are trustworthy and offer fair rates, usually with low fees. The catch? Limited hours, most close by 4 p.m. and they're not open on weekends.

• Currency Exchange Offices: You’ll spot these in major cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. Rates vary a lot, and some places sneak in hidden fees, so compare before committing.

• Airport Counters: Only use these if you’re in a pinch. They’re convenient but usually come with lousy rates and high fees.

• ATMs: Often the easiest and most cost-effective way to get Euros. Stick to ATMs from well-known banks to avoid hefty fees. Tip: Check if your bank has international partnerships—they might waive ATM fees entirely.

• Online Exchange Services: Apps like Wise, Revolut, or CurrencyFair often beat traditional exchange rates. Some even let you order cash ahead of your trip or spend digitally at great rates.

Tip: When paying by card or withdrawing from an ATM, always choose to be charged in Euros, not your home currency. “Dynamic Currency Conversion” might sound fancy, but it usually costs you more.

Do You Need Cash in Germany?

Short answer: yes. While Germany is modern and increasingly card-friendly, cash is still very much part of daily life, especially in smaller shops, bakeries, markets, and public transport.

Many businesses, especially in rural areas or older establishments, still favor cash over cards. Even those with card terminals might have restrictions, like requiring a minimum spend of €10 to use a card or only accepting EC (giro) cards from German banks.

Public restrooms often require small change for entry, and many apartment laundromats or ticket machines don’t accept cards at all. Even in urban centres, some cafes, bars, or street vendors may decline card payments entirely.

Even if you rely on cards for most purchases, it’s smart to have some cash on hand for:

• Dining at local cafes or street food stands

• Tipping for exceptional service

• Buying public transit tickets or using vending machines

• Entering public toilets

• Shopping at farmers' markets or flea markets

• Paying for services like coat checks or local taxis

If you're staying longer-term, having a small coin purse can be surprisingly handy. Especially when dealing with coin-heavy transactions.

Quick tips for currency exchanging

Here are some additional tips to ensure a smooth currency exchange process in Germany:

• Always carry a bit of cash for unexpected situations.

• Let your bank know you’ll be abroad to avoid card blocks from suspicious activity.

• Look out for foreign transaction fees on cards. Some banks waive them, others don’t.

• Use currency conversion apps to keep an eye on spending in your home currency.

Final Thought

Currency exchange in Germany doesn’t need to be a hassle. With a little planning, you can avoid unnecessary fees and feel confident managing your money like a local. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, grabbing a wurst from a street vendor, or hopping on a train to your next adventure, a little Euro-savviness goes a long way.