What currency does Germany use? The Euro.
Here is some general information on Germany and the national official currency (Euro) that I hope will be useful for anyone planning a trip.
What Is the Euro?
The Euro was introduced as a cash currency in Germany on the first of January 2002. It was most often used for cashless purchases by the banks and stock markets.
Not many people were happy about the introduction of the Euro. Many people wanted to keep the Deutsche mark.
There are currently nineteen states in Europe that use the Euro. These include Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Greece, and Latvia.
Paying in Germany
When you travel to Germany, you will undoubtedly need money. If you are a visitor, you may find that an online currency converter tool can come in handy to see how many Euros you would get for your local currency.
The exchange rate for the Euro is about 1.21 United States dollars for one Euro. The best way to get a good exchange rate in Germany is by using an ATM, also known as a Geldautomat.
You will find them almost everywhere around Germany, including banks, shopping centers, train stations, post offices, hotel lobbies, and the airport. You can select English as your language on each of them as well, so you won’t have to worry about not understanding the machine.
In addition to the Euro as currency, you will also find that you can pay with credit cards; however, this payment method is not as common as it is in the US.
Converting Your Currency to the Euro in Germany
One of the first things you will need to do when planning your trip to Germany is convert your national currency to the Euro.
To do this, you can either get it before your departure at your local bank or get it at the arrival airport in Germany at a currency conversion table. When converting currency at the airport table, keep in mind that most are not open 24/7.
Do not be surprised if the denomination of your converted currency is much less than that of your local currency. In recent years, the Euro has been doing extremely well.
Another way to get Euro while in Germany is to use your ATM card. You can find an ATM at any bank. Most accept foreign ATM cards but not all.
If your ATM card is rejected, you will probably get a “card not in-network” prompt on the screen. You can expect a foreign ATM charge of anywhere from 2 to 4 dollars, depending on your card provider, per transaction.
Do not be totally dependent on your foreign credit card. A lot of businesses in Germany do accept American/British/etc. credit cards but not near as many as in your local country.
For example, Visa is accepted in most gas stations but only a few restaurants. It is a good idea to take Euro cash along anytime you go on the economy in Germany.
Some American-based companies/restaurants take the United States dollar; for example, all McDonald’s in Germany take the United States dollar.
Tips for Exchanging Currency in Germany
Here are a few tips to help you when it comes to exchanging currency in Germany.
Understanding the Mid-Market Rate
Familiarize yourself with the mid-market rate before you leave on your trip. This is what is known as the true exchange rate and has no hidden fees.
You can use an online currency converter to see what money is worth ahead of your trip. This helps ensure you get a fair rate when purchasing your travel money.
Choose German Currency for ATM Charges
If you are offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM, you may actually end up paying more than if you chose to pay your fees with German currency instead. When you pay in Euros, which is the local currency in Germany, you can reduce your overall costs and find the best possible rates.
Avoid Currency Exchanges at Airports or Lodging Facilities
Many airports and hotel lobbies raise the exchange rates and are also known for charging hidden fees on top of it. To avoid this overly expensive option when exchanging your money for German currency, don’t stop at the airport or your hotel to do so.
If you plan well and spend your money wisely, Germany will prove to be a GREAT vacation experience. If you are planning a trip to Germany, make sure you research and plan in advance.
See Related: Things to Do in Berlin
German Currency FAQ
If you still have questions about German currency or how to use it, review our brief FAQ below for answers to some of the more commonly asked questions.
Should You Use Credit Cards or Cash When Traveling in Germany?
Germany is a relatively safe country to visit, so you should feel secure enough to carry cash on your travels. Using a traditional magnetic stripe credit or debit card may actually prove to be quite problematic in some areas because not a lot of places accept them, like smaller shops, cafes, and grocery stores.
Local cash will prove to be the easiest and most convenient way to pay for things while in Germany unless you can find a credit or debit card designed specifically for travelers. When traveling abroad, you also want to avoid withdrawing money from a credit card because it can result in much higher fees and interest.
What Is Currency Manipulation?
Currency manipulation is a policy that governments and central banks use with some of the largest trading partners to artificially lower the value of their currency to gain an unfair competitive advantage. The Germans do not set the strength of the currency in Germany.
Instead, it is set by the European Central Bank. Some say that Germany is a currency manipulator, but many Germans feel they are not to blame for the Euro’s weakness.
Can You Use Traveler’s Checks in Germany?
The only place that will accept traveler’s checks in Germany will be a money exchange place like you would find at the airport or a train station. You will also find that you will pay a good amount in fees, and the exchange rate is less than desirable.
Can you use the Swiss Franc in Germany?
The Swiss Franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is the sixth most traded currency in the world.
Germany, however, uses Euros, so the Swiss Franc is not an accepted currency in the country.
What is currency reform?
Currency reform involves the withdrawal of all or some devalued paper currency from circulation. It is then replaced with new money that is either paper or metal.
It also has to do with a change in the content of money, the exchange rate, and the reorganization of a monetary system, as you saw when Germany moved from the Deutsche Mark or German Mark to the Euro.