The official currency used in Dresden, as with all of Germany, is the Euro (€ or EUR). It is divided into 100 cents, with banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, and coins in 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents.
The accepted currency in Dresden and across Germany is the Euro. However, when you visit a currency exchange, you'll find that they use currency codes. Specifically, the currency code for the Euro is EUR. Keep an eye out for this code if you're comparing exchange rates.
Dresden had traditionally low living cost compared to similar-sized cities in Germany. Probably the strongest contributing factor to that was low rent / housing cost, which started to increase in the recent years.
Bring euros. They are accepted everywhere in Germany, avoid on-the-spot exchange fees and poorer rates that come with converting dollars locally. Key reasons and practical tips: Acceptance and convenience Euros are legal tender; cash purchases, local markets, small cafes and regional transport often prefer cash.
The euro (Eur) is the official currency used in Germany. Notes are denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 euros; coins in 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. The easiest way to obtain euros is with a suitable debit/credit card at a cash machine (atm; Bankomat).
Leipzig and Dresden are, in fact, some of the most affordable cities to live in Germany. For example, rent in Leipzig is cheaper than in Stuttgart by over 38.7%, albeit their population size is similar. Dresden as well, is similar in size, and rent costs 37.1% less than in Stuttgart.
Do you tip in Germany? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Germany - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.
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.
When you use your card in Germany, you'll often be asked whether you want to pay in British pounds. This is called dynamic currency conversion (DCC). While it may make it easier to understand exactly how much you're paying in your home currency, you'll often get a poor exchange rate and pay additional fees.
Dresden is generally safe for solo female travelers. Still, do remember that safeness often depends on your actions and precautions. Although crime is rare, it's important to stay alert in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night and always be aware of your surroundings.
But people living in Dresden also understand standard German and when they notice they're talking to a non-native, they will do their best to be understandable. Spaeking English at the university and in some bars is no problem, but in the supermarkets or during your everydaylife could be a problem.
Tickets are available at many stops, on board the trams and S-Bahn trains or via the DVB mobile app. The latter also provides timetables, real-time departures, disruption reports and an interactive map. Contactless payment (Google Pay, Apple Pay) is possible at all ticket machines.
Paying with cash or a debit card is the cheapest payment method for consumers in Germany. Cash incurs the lowest costs per payment transaction, while debit cards are cheapest in relation to the amount of money spent. Paying with a credit card is in any case considerably more expensive.
Food in Germany is generally affordable, especially if you cook at home. If you shop smart, your monthly grocery bill can range from €150 to €250. Buying fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny will help you save money.
It would be hard to get by for less than €1,000 a month in Germany, and this rises to around €1,500€ - €2,000€ in the cities where rents are higher. Students can usually cover living costs for around €850 a month. Travel is fairly affordable, even in big cities, and food and drink prices are average for Europe.
This phenomenon is known as “Ruhezeit.” It basically means that on Sundays (and weeknights after 10 PM), making noise is actually legally forbidden. So, if you think about running the washing machine, mowing your lawn, or vacuuming your house on a Sunday, you might want to think twice.
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.
In the evening, you are not permitted to mow lawns after 8 p.m. General evening quiet time begins at 10 p.m. All loud activities are restricted throughout all of Sunday, to include lawn mowing, car washing, loud games or music...if it can be heard outside your dwelling or vehicle, it is too loud.
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.
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.
A German who rejects a drink is not just being shy or polite but does not want to drink. For some cultures it is uncommon to see teenagers order a beer at restaurants and pubs. Remember that the legal drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer and wine and 18 for spirits.
