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Money and Currency in Germany - ATMs, Credit Cards, and German Banks

By , About.com Guide

The Euro:

Since 2002, Germany’s official currency is the Euro; to find out the current exchange rate, go to www.xe.com .

Exchanging Money in Germany:

You can exchange your foreign currency and travelers checks at German banks, exchange bureaux (called “Wechselstube” or “Geldwechsel” in German), airports, railway stations, and major hotels.

ATMs in Germany:

One of the fastest ways to get money away from home is using an ATM, called “Geldautomat” in German. They are ubiquitous in German cities and can be accessed 24/7.
Before you depart, make sure you know your PIN number; also ask your bank if you have to pay a fee for international withdrawals, and how much you can withdraw daily.

Credit Cards in Germany:

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are usually accepted in Germany - but not everywhere.
Compared to the U.S, most Germans still prefer to pay cash, and some shops and cafes don’t accept credit cards, especially in smaller German cities. Before you enter shops or restaurants, check the doors - they often display stickers showing which credit cards are accepted.

You can also withdraw money with your credit card at an ATM (you have to know your PIN number), but charges for these withdrawals can be high.

German Banks:

German Banks are usually open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. They are closed on the weekend, but ATM machines are accessible 24 hours.
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