What Currency Does Germany Use? A Quick Guide for Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Germany, one of the first practical things you’ll need to know is what currency to bring. It may sound like a small detail, but trust me, nothing can stress you out more than arriving in a new country and realizing you don’t have the right money in your pocket.
The Official Currency of Germany
If you are planning a trip to Germany, you’ll be dealing with the Euro (€). It has been Germany’s official currency since 2002, when the country, together with many of its European neighbors, made the big switch from the old Deutsche Mark (DM) to the Euro. That moment was historic for both Germany and the entire European Union. Why? Because it signaled stronger unity and made travel between EU countries much easier.
Today, the Euro is used by 20 EU nations. Owing to this, it is one of the most powerful and widely recognized currencies in the world. For travelers, this is great news because you can hop from Germany to France, Spain, Italy, or the Netherlands without needing to exchange money at every border.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find in your wallet while in Germany:
Euro Banknotes
- €5, €10, €20, €50: These are the most common notes you’ll be using on a daily basis for meals, transport, shopping, and sightseeing.
- €100 and €200: These exist but are less frequently used. Some smaller shops may hesitate to accept them because they’re harder to give change for.
- €500: This note is extremely rare in circulation and often avoided for regular transactions due to concerns about counterfeiting and money laundering. Don’t be surprised if you never see one on your trip!
Euro Coins
- 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent: Very small denominations. Handy for rounding up supermarket bills or vending machines, though many locals don’t love carrying them.
- 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent: Useful for snacks, drinks, and metro ticket machines.
- €1 and €2 coins: These are your best friends in Germany. Perfect for public transport, lockers at train stations, or grabbing a quick coffee at a bakery.
Some Tips for Travelers visiting Germany
- Having small notes and coins makes life easier, especially when buying things at markets, bakeries, or kiosks.
- Don’t rely only on large bills like €100+; some smaller businesses may politely decline them.
- Always keep a few €1 and €2 coins in your pocket. You’ll thank yourself when you need to use a public toilet, grab a pretzel, or pay for parking.
Cash vs. Card in Germany
While major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are increasingly card-friendly, Germany still has a strong cash culture compared to other parts of Europe. Many small shops, bakeries, and even restaurants may prefer cash payments, so it’s a good idea to always carry some euros with you.
ATMs are widely available, and withdrawing euros directly in Germany is often cheaper than exchanging money before your trip. Just make sure your card supports international withdrawals.
My Personal Money Tips for Traveling in Germany (Lessons from Berlin)
Over the years, traveling around Europe and spending time in Berlin has taught me a few simple but practical money lessons. If you are heading to Germany, here’s what I’ve learned firsthand:
- Exchange a little before arrival: I always make sure I have about €50 to 100 in my pocket when I land in Berlin. It saves me the stress of searching for an ATM right away, and it comes in handy for taxis, snacks, or even that first cup of coffee at the airport.
- Skip the airport exchange kiosks: From my own mistakes, I’ve realized airport counters almost always give terrible rates. These days, I just use ATMs in the city, which give me much fairer conversion rates.
- Always carry coins: Berlin is one of those places where coins really matter. I can’t count the number of times I needed €1 or €2 coins for things like public toilets, train station lockers, or a quick pretzel. Having coins has saved me so many little hassles.
- Choose the right card: While Berlin is becoming more card-friendly, not every shop or café accepts every card. For example, an American friend for mine (whom I was touring Berlin with) was turned down when trying to use his American Express. Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable options, so I always keep one of those ready.
These might sound like small things, but they’ve made my trips around Berlin and Germany smoother and more enjoyable.
