Can I use my credit card in Germany?

Are credit cards widely accepted in Germany? Credit cards are accepted in Germany just as they are in many other European countries. Cards with the Visa® and Mastercard® payment networks are the most widely accepted. You may also be able to use contactless payment and digital wallets like Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®.

Is it better to use cash or credit card in Germany?

Cash for smaller amounts

A closer look at payment amounts shows that cash is preferred in Germany, especially for small sums.

Can I use my UK credit card in Germany?

Can I use my UK credit card in Germany? As long as you go to a place that accepts cards, you'll be able to use your UK credit card. Credit cards are used far less in Germany than in the UK, but they still accept them.

What credit cards are accepted in Germany?

Visa and Mastercard credit cards, which are the most popular credit cards in Germany, with American Express credit cards being the least, can offer specific benefits that may be of use to you.

Is it better to get euros or use a debit card?

Lots of people will give you a lot of advice around getting the best rates but personally, using your debit card (if there is no transaction fee) often wins because of ease, security (less cash on you) and the rates are usually comparable to exchange rates elsewhere anyway.

Can I Use My Credit Card In Munich? - Germany Made Simple

What is the cheapest way to buy euros?

ATMs and banks can be found all over Europe. And we advise that you use them to get your euros rather than exchanging cash or purchasing them from a bank ahead of a trip. (Like purchasing euros from a bank at home, currency exchange kiosks don't typically offer the best rates, and many charge a commission.

Is tipping expected in Germany?

Most people tip in restaurants, but it's okay if you don't. The waiter won't be rude to you if you don't tip. German waiters don't need tips to survive, but it's a big part of their income.

Is Germany a cashless country?

Recently published research by the Bundesbank shows that cash currently accounts for 51% of all transactions in Germany. Contactless cards and mobile payment methods are being used more and more frequently. Cashless means of payment are increasingly perceived as more convenient, faster, and easier than cash.

Why are credit cards not accepted in Germany?

Some German stores, even large ones, do not accept credit card payments. The reason for this is that Germans widely use debit cards ("EC Karte"), where the fee the business has to pay is much lower. Saturn and Mediamarkt generally do not accept credit cards - no matter where the customer and his card are from.

Should I tell my bank I'm going abroad?

It's not essential, but it helps our fraud detection systems to know in advance that you're travelling abroad. Find out how to get it at How do I get the mobile banking app?

Do taxis in Germany take cards?

Passengers can pay taxi fares either in cash or by debit and credit card. Please note that taxi drivers are not obligated to accept all types of cards, so it's best to carry some cash. When making a cashless payment, passengers may be asked to provide some form of identification.

Which bank doesn't charge foreign transaction fees?

Discover® Bank

Discover doesn't charge foreign ATM network or foreign transaction fees. But Discover card acceptance can be limited outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean nations. With an HSBC Premier Checking account, customers pay no foreign transaction fees. HSBC also has a worldwide network of ATMs.

How to pay in Germany as a tourist?

How do you say what time is it in Germany?

But the easiest method is simply to say: "[hour] Uhr [minutes]", so 4:35 = "vier Uhr fünfunddreißig". There are other methods commonly used in Germany, but at level A1 you don't need to worry about them. EDIT: This is the method usually found in textbooks for students of German as a foreign language.

Is it better to get foreign currency or use a credit card?

Our advice? Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fee when possible. Or get your cash as local currency from a local ATM when abroad or from your bank before your trip. If you do decide to use a currency exchange, do your research and assess the exchange rate and other fees beforehand.

Which country is 100% cashless?

A 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund shows that countries like Sweden, Norway, and South Korea are leading the global shift, with Sweden on track to become the first fully cashless economy by the end of 2025.

What is the most used payment app in Germany?

As a so-called “Digital Wallet“, PayPal is incredibly popular in Germany and outranks all other payment methods by a wide margin. So if you do want to conquer the German market, PayPal as a payment method is a must-have (which is great because it's also known and popular in most other European countries).

Can you use an UK debit card in Germany?

You can use your debit or credit card at shops, restaurants and cash machines while you're away. Fees may apply when using your card outside the UK.

What is considered impolite in Germany?

Having a loud conversation, talking loud on the phone, or listening to loud music are considered very impolite as you will disturb other people. German people love to have their privacy. If you see a closed door, it doesn't mean that the person inside does not want you to come in.

Can you drink tap water in Germany?

As a rule, the quality of tap water in Germany conforms to strict regulations, is checked very thoroughly, and is perfectly drinkable without any treatment. In fact, its quality is comparable to most commercially available drinking waters in many places.

Do you tip hotel maids in Germany?

For the chambermaid or cleaning service, 2 to 3 euros per day is a standard amount. Tips for the concierge or reception desk may go up to 5 to 10 euros depending on the additional services provided. If you're staying in a cheap establishment such as a hostel or campsite, tips are not required or expected.

Can I just walk in and buy euros?

Can I get euros from Post Office without ordering? Yes, many of our branches keep euros in stock. You can check if any branches near you do this with our branch finder. Search by your location, the select 'filter services'.

Should I get euros before going to Germany?

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

Is it cheaper to buy euros at the airport?

Whether you're travelling from a big airport like Heathrow, Gatwick or Birmingham, or a small local airport - you can save big if you avoid buying at the airport!