Money, a Necessary Evil

The easiest and usually the least expensive way to obtain Euros while in Germany is to use a debit card at an ATM. It is worth a call to your bank to be sure, but nearly all ATM cards work here. ATMs can be found everywhere, including the airport, and can be used 24 hours a day. There is usually a daily limit on how much money you can get from an ATM, generally 200-300$. A four-digit pin number is required. Using a debit card at an ATM gives you the most current exchange rate and is associated only with withdrawal fees from your bank and maybe a few little other mysterious fees, but is almost always the least expensive way to get euros.

Money exchange places at airports and train stations are rip-offs.

If you want to exchange large quantities of dollars, do so at a bank. Bring your passport. They will charge an additional percentage and might not give you the best exchange rate.

Travellers cheques are out of fashion, can only be converted at banks during business hours, and banks charge extra for them.

Major credit cards ( visa, MasterCard, American express, cirrus) can usually be used, but not always. Always ask first. Certainly at fancy restaurants, major hotels, and most grocery stores a credit card can be used. If you want to get a cash advance from a credit card, you need to have a four-digit pin number and your passport.

Call your credit card company and bank before you go on a shopping spree in Germany so they don't put a hold on your card for "unusual activity".

Click on this link for further discussion about obtaining foreign currency in Europe: www.thereareplaces.com/infgdes/money/buycrncy.htm