Is cash still widely used?
Yes — more than almost anywhere else in Western Europe. Germany has a deep cultural preference for cash (known locally as “Bargeld”). Many restaurants, cafes, small shops, and even some supermarkets are cash-only. Asking “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” (Can I pay by card?) is a common necessity.
This is changing slowly, especially in Berlin and Hamburg, but cash remains king across most of the country.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
ATMs (Geldautomaten) are widely available. Sparkasse and Volksbank ATMs are the most common and typically free for their own customers. Foreign cards usually incur a fee.
- Fees vary significantly — typically 3-6 EUR per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Avoid ATMs inside convenience stores or independent machines — fees can be very high
- Sparkasse ATMs are the most widespread and reliable network
Card acceptance
Improving but still inconsistent. EC (Girocard) is the dominant local card system. Many places accept Visa and Mastercard but not American Express. Contactless is growing rapidly.
Tips for travelers
- Always carry at least €50 in cash when exploring Germany
- Many restaurants and bars are still cash-only — check before ordering
- Markets, flea markets, and smaller shops almost always require cash
- Some parking meters and public toilets (€0.50-1.00) require coins