Yes, cash is still heavily preferred and often necessary in Berlin, despite increasing card acceptance. While major stores and restaurants take cards, many smaller cafés, bars, shops, and Spätis (convenience stores) are cash-only. Always carry euros for smaller, daily purchases to avoid inconvenience.
But here's the catch: it's a cash-only culture. Most clubs don't take cards, and the ATMs inside charge extortionate fees. You'll need to hit up a proper bank machine before you go in, and you'll need more cash than you think. Budget €100 minimum for a standard night, €150 if you're planning to go hard.
Out of all the Euro countries Germany by far is the country where having cash with you is the most important. Germans for some reason prefer cash over credit card. Ironically enough, same with me I always have a sufficient amount, maybe that was the reason why I didnt have any issues during my 1 week visit to Germany.
ЗЯТЬ *ЛЯТЬ - Русская мелодрама 2026 про тяжелую жизнь дочери олигарха 2026
How much cash should I bring to Germany for 1 week?
Don't bring too much currency with you, perhaps €100 to 200 to start with. I tend to bring a little cash and keep €50-100 in my wallet just to make sure I don't get caught out when card payments aren't accepted.
Admission to the KitKatClub is not equally strict every night. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the strictest nights in terms of outfits. On the other hand, Monday, Tuesday and Sunday are less strict.
At Berghain and Tresor, simplicity wins – black t-shirts, boots, secondhand trousers, nothing too clean. At KitKat, it's the opposite: skin, latex, lingerie and creative expression. It's a fine line to trend, while trying too hard can backfire — but not trying at all does too!
According to the study “Payment behavior in Germany 2023” by Deutsche Bundesbank, cash continues to be the most commonly used method for transactions. However, the proportion of cash payments is steadily decreasing. According to the study, 51% of all transactions were made with cash in 2023, compared to 58% in 2021.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
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.
Stylish yet comfortable footwear is essential for a night at KitKat. Boots are a classic choice, offering both style and durability. Bold sneakers can work if they match your look. High heels are usually acceptable, but for dancers, they might not be the best idea.
The most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. Anything goes, from sneakers and tracksuits to glitter and latex, so wear what makes you feel your best.
Tipping isn't just about following social norms; it's about acknowledging the effort someone puts into their job. So, how much should you tip your Uber driver? A good rule of thumb is to offer between 10% to 20% of your fare. If your ride was smooth and uneventful, tipping around 10% is perfectly acceptable.
I'd recommend grabbing a Berlin WelcomeCard (ABC zones) if you're staying for a few days. It covers unlimited travel on public transport (buses, trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn). It also gives you discounts at various attractions.
This includes citizens of India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, and more than 100 other countries. If you are from a visa free-country, you can visit Germany for up to 90 days without a visa.
