Germany Currency Guide
With Germany’s intricate past, the nation offers a plethora of opportunities to learn and discover. The country’s involvement in World War II, in particular, sparks the interest of many visitors. But beyond the war, Germany offers more than 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and more. In addition to exploring historical landmarks, visitors can also indulge in German culture, which is rich in traditions like Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. So if you’re a history buff looking for your next adventure, Germany is definitely worth a visit.
Taking Travel Money to Germany
If you’re travelling to Germany, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Euros (Euro).
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or Germany?
When travelling to Germany, it’s a smart move to exchange your currency in Australia. The Australian Dollar (AUD) isn’t as common in Europe, so you may face higher fees and less competitive rates if you wait to exchange overseas. By converting to Euros before you leave, you’ll secure a better rate and avoid the challenge of finding an exchange that accepts AUD. Arriving with Euros in hand means you’re free to dive into your German adventure with a clear, reliable budget from day one.
How much cash can I take to Germany?
If you are travelling to or from Germany with cash or payment equivalent of €10,000 or more, you are required to declare it to the customs authorities. This applies to all forms of cash and equivalent means of payment.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
If you’re considering backpacking through this beautiful country, it’s recommended that you set aside at least 80 EUR per day to cover your expenses. This budget assumes that you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, preparing your own meals, and exploring mostly free activities like hiking and walking tours. It’s also important to limit your drinking and use local transportation to get around. If you do plan on indulging in Germany’s renowned beer culture, be sure to add an additional 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.
Moderate
For a moderate mid-range budget of 160 EUR per day, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. This budget will allow you to stay in a comfortable Airbnb room, enjoy a few meals out, take the occasional taxi, sample some of Germany’s famous beers, take the bus between cities, and explore more paid activities like visiting museums and castles.
Luxury
If you’re looking to pamper yourself while travelling in Germany, setting aside a “luxury” budget of at least 320 EUR per day is a good starting point. This will allow you to indulge in high-end hotels, fine dining, and convenient transportation via taxis or trains. You’ll have the flexibility to book whatever activities and tours you desire without worrying about the cost. Literally, the sky’s the limit!
What is ATM access like in Germany?
ATMs in Germany are referred to as Geldautomat, and you can usually find them either inside or outside of bank branches for ATM withdrawals, as well as at most major airports. However, they are not as commonly found in places such as shopping malls and petrol stations. MasterCard and Visa cards are widely accepted when you withdraw cash.
Is tipping customary in Germany? How much is expected?
Tipping culture in Germany is not as strong compared to other countries like Australia, and some Germans do not tip at all. Tips usually range from five to ten percent, with most Germans tipping for one-off services like food delivery, restaurant servers, hairdressers, and taxi drivers. Tipping amount varies depending on the type of service received, and for small or casual meals, rounding up the bill and adding a couple of euros is common. Here’s a guide to help you navigate tipping customs.
Restaurants: If you are at a sit-down restaurant, it is generally expected to tip around 10%. If you are not satisfied with the service, it’s alright not to tip, but please inform your food server about the issue so they can help the restaurant improve for next time. However, remember that it is not common to tip at fast food restaurants or supermarkets in Germany.
Bars: When you have drinks at a bar, it’s fine not to leave a tip or just round up the bill to the next euro. For instance, if your drink costs 3.50 euros, inform your bartender to charge 4 euros.
Drivers: If you use a taxi or Uber app, you can add a tip to your bill easily. On the other hand, if you’re paying cash, rounding up the bill and adding a couple of euros is common. For example, if your fare is 33.20 euros, you may pay 35 euros in total.
Hairdressers: If you’re happy with your haircut, a 5% tip is appreciated for your hairdresser. Some hairdressers have a piggy bank or box with their name where you can deposit your tip.
Movers: Movers are tipped in Germany since they are considered one-time service providers. For a short move, the tip for every mover is around 5 euros per hour. On the other hand, for longer moves such as Hamburg to Munich, 10 to 20 euros per helper is appropriate. The exact amount should depend on your budget and how much the move physically challenges the helpers.
Delivery Services: If you use food delivery services or have your groceries delivered, you can tip the delivery person between one to two euros.
Must-Do's in Germany
1
Explore your way around Berlin
The first stop on your list should be Berlin – the capital city. Famous for its Schloss Charlottenburg palace and museums, Berlin is also home to one of the most extensive street art collections in the world. Take a walking tour to see murals and graffiti artworks in their natural habitats or explore the Berlin Wall, which used to separate East and West Germany. The city is also known for its buzzing nightlife and unique culinary experience, so plan an extra day or two into your itinerary to experience everything Berlin has to offer.
2
Raise a toast at Oktoberfest
Speaking of culinary experiences, make sure to add Oktoberfest to your list of must-dos. During the festival, Munich becomes a party hub, welcoming tourists and locals alike to enjoy some of Germany’s most famous beer. With carnival rides, games, and traditional food stalls, you’ll find yourself caught up in the festivities in no time.
3
Experience the fairy tale charm of the Black Forest
A particularly beautiful part of Germany, the Black Forest region offers dreamy landscapes filled with traditional German houses and fairy tale views. This beautiful forest is dotted with thermals and waterfalls that are well worth visiting. By experiencing the beautiful outdoors, you’ll quickly discover that the region was the inspiration for several fairytales, including Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood.
4
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
Famously known as the inspiration behind the Disney Castle, one must visit the Neuschwanstein Castle while in Germany. This beautiful palace is located near Fussen, surrounded by beautiful mountains and wilderness. This breathtaking castle is a vision of architectural artistry and was once the summer residence of a popular King, Ludwig II.
5
Drive the Romantic Road
The Romantic Road winds its way from Würzburg to Füssen and is a must-see when in Germany. As you travel along the Romantic Road, you’ll come across numerous hidden gems and treasure troves of history. Picturing how life was in the past will be made easier by the well-preserved medieval architecture, castles, and churches. Be sure to bring a camera so you can capture many of the beautiful scenes along the road.