For a trip to Berlin, it is advisable to carry about €50–€100 in cash at all times for small purchases, as some, particularly smaller cafes, bars, and food stalls, are cash-only. While card payment is increasingly common, having cash is essential for emergencies or "card-only" venues.
Berlin has places that either prefer, or only accept, cash. I always recommend having an emergency 20 or 50 euros in your phone case, as well as your spending for the day in your wallet. However, it is never a good idea to travel with lots of cash on your person or in your luggage.
For budget-minded travelers, it costs around €65-€90 per day to visit Berlin. These Berlin prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations then you'll want to add another €80-€100/night depending on your choice.
As a Berliner, I always advise you to carry cash with you. You can pay by debit card almost everywhere, but there can be problems with credit cards as they are not accepted everywhere because the fees for credit cards are quite high, sometimes 3 to 5% (debit cards only charge 0.2%).
The cost of groceries in Germany is reasonable, especially if you shop at local supermarkets and markets. A monthly budget of €200-€300 should be sufficient for an individual, while a family's expenses may range from €400-€600. Eating out at restaurants and cafes occasionally can add to your food expenses.
On average, as a couple, you can expect to spend between €1,880 and €2,350 ($2,000 and $2,500) for a one-week trip. As a solo traveler, it is about €1,220 – €1,320 ($1,300 – $1,400) for a one-week trip. Therefore, you can indeed start planning your trip and visit Germany on a budget.
Important: whether you are shopping, in a restaurant or at the club, Berliners prefer to pay with cash. Debit cards and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) may often also be used, but smaller shops and cafés might only accept cash payments.
Visitors can eat out very cheaply since the city is packed with fast food stands selling kebabs, hotdogs and currywurst. Moreover, average sit-down restaurants are also affordable, especially compared to other European capitals like Vienna, Amsterdam or Rome.
📊 Big Mac prices 1️⃣ There are 8 price tiers across 35 McDonald's restaurants in Berlin 2️⃣ Prices vary by 47%, from €6.39 to €9.39 -€6.39 in 2 stores - €9.39 in 5 stores 3️⃣ The average price is €7.68, The most common tier is €7.69 (12 stores) 4️⃣ In general, prices are higher in the West and lower in the East 🍟 Big ...
For a budget stay in a hostel, you'll want to budget around €45 per person per night. A midrange hotel will set you back around €120-€150 per night (so split in two, I would budget around €70 per person), and a luxury hotel will cost you around €300 per night (so €150 per person if travelling as a couple).
Related Guide: The cost of living in Berlin is certainly cheaper than London. But the cost of living in Germany (including Berlin) is rising rapidly. Don't worry though – there are easy ways you can cut down costs without sacrificing quality of life.
Using your debit card abroad. You can use your debit card to spend or withdraw cash worldwide. Just use it in the same way you do at home, wherever you see the Visa symbol. We convert card transactions into pounds using the Visa exchange rate.
The short answer: Berlin is surprisingly affordable compared to other European capitals—but with caveats. While everyday living costs such as housing and dining can be budget-friendly, certain tourist areas and niche experiences might push your spending higher.
Wait until you arrive to withdraw money. I've yet to see a European airport that didn't have plenty of ATMs. Avoid (or at least minimize) cash exchange. Exchanging money is expensive: You'll lose about 5 to 10 percent when converting dollars to euros or another foreign currency.
Do customers in Germany prefer to pay in cash or by card? Payment behavior in Germany has changed significantly in recent years. According to the study “Payment behavior in Germany 2023” by Deutsche Bundesbank, cash continues to be the most commonly used method for transactions.
Berlin taxi drivers are obliged to accept payments by debit/credit cards. Therefore, you can either pay for your transfer in cash or use your credit cards. Nevertheless, all credit cards may not be accepted. Hence, you should always carry some euros with you, in case your card isn't acceptable.
In Germany, rudeness often involves a lack of punctuality, being loud in public (especially on transport), ignoring rules (like red lights), disrespecting privacy (e.g., closed doors), and showing a disregard for cleanliness or order, with emphasis placed on directness, respect for elders, and proper address (using titles/formal "Sie" for strangers). Common taboos include haggling in supermarkets, leaving trash (especially Pfand bottles), interrupting, and overly familiar gestures like the "thumbs up" or "okay" sign.
According to this rule, if an individual spends more than 183 days in a calendar year in Germany, they may be considered a tax resident and subject to German taxation on their worldwide income. Period Calculation: The 183 days can be cumulative and do not need to be consecutive.
As in any major city, pickpocketing is a common problem in Berlin. Beware of stealthy thieves in busy touristy areas. Places like Alexanderplatz, Zoo-Berlin and Mitte are frequented by opportunists looking for an easy target, and the Berliner S-Bahn and U-Bahn are notorious for pickpockets during rush hour.
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.
The cheapest time to visit in Germany's big cities is between January and March, though you will have cold temperatures and long, dark nights to contend with. If that sounds unappealing, you should try to plan your vacation around late spring (March to May) or late autumn (October to November).
To maximize a $5,000 budget for a vacation, it is essential to prioritize expenses, look for cost-saving opportunities, and establish a realistic spending plan. By carefully planning and budgeting, individuals can make the most of their budget and enjoy a fulfilling vacation experience without overspending.
