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Germany Germany Currency Guide

The currency of Germany and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

Euro

EUR · €

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for Germany before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in Germany

Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and most populous city, ranking among the largest metropolises in the European Union. Surrounded by the state of Brandenburg, it's also a convenient base for visiting nearby Potsdam.

Munich

Munich is the largest city in Germany's Bavaria state, situated along the Isar River north of the Alps. It's also well known as the host city of the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Hamburg

Hamburg is northern Germany's largest port city, crossed by the Alster and Elbe rivers. Here you can also encounter its long history as a member of the Hanseatic League.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a city on the Main River in Germany's Hesse state, home to the European Central Bank and the country's economic hub. It's a great place to explore downtown while soaking up the energy of a financial center.

Cologne

Cologne is a city in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state, with a long history dating back to Roman times. As one of Germany's largest cities, it's well worth exploring on foot at a leisurely pace.