What Is the best way to pay for things in Germany?
 

I haven't been to Germany in a number of years and I'm wondering if travelers checks are still used or if a different type of payment method is more appropriate such as credit card, ATM debit card or any other suggestions. Is there a good way to avoid transaction fees when using credit or ATM cards?

Generally, travellers cheques are not as common as they used to be. Sometimes, only banks will cash them and they may charge as service fee. Most travellers use ATM debit cards and withdraw sufficient cash for several days (there will likely be a small, fixed amount service fee) and use credit cards for larger purchases made in stores or hotels. Some bank cards advertise no foreign exchange fees, but unless you already have that card, it is probably not worth getting a new card for that purpose. Those fees become a cost of travelling.

Enjoy your trip.
tC

Traveler's checks are obsolete now. Use your credit card for large purchaes, and get cash for small purchases from an ATM machine. Use a CC that doesn't charge exoribtant (like 3% ), and an ATM card that doesn't charge you fees on the US side (there won't be any on the European side).

>>Generally, travellers cheques are not as common as they used to be. Sometimes, only banks will cash them and they may charge as service fee.<<

Not as common as they used to be?? That is an understatement for sure! Sorry -- but most banks will not cash them - they want nothing to do w/ them.

>>here will likely be a small, fixed amount service fee<< . . . assessed by your own bank, not the German bank.

In Germany IME more transactions are cash than are by credit card. Though ccs are accepted pretty much everywhere. So, yes use your ATM/debit card to get cash every few days and charge what you can.

You should use your credit card and ATM for purchases. In Germany mostly credit cards are used for transactions.

Banks in Germany will NOT cash travelers checks.

The only place that will cash them are the money exchanges located in the airports and large train stations. You will get the worst exchange rate possible, plus pay the highest fees around. No business will accept them either.

Use an ATM, credit or debit cards.

Traveller cheques have never been "common" in Germany to anyone except banks, businesses have never taken them as payment. Nowadays they are considered a thing of the past and obsolete.

Credit cards are not accepted everywhere because of the fees they charge from shop/business owners. Some places take them, others don't. No one will accept cards for small sums under 10 €. Everyone, however, will take cash. This is still very much a cash culture. You need to carry some cash all the time. A combination of ATMs to obtain cash (check the option of a debit card because of lower fees) plus a credit card for larger purchases and as backup will work best.

Generally Germans like cash (euro), but they will put up with Visa for reasonable sums.

AarenAce: "<i>In Germany mostly credit cards are used for transactions.</i>"

Not IME . . . .

Cash rules. Credit cards turn you into a credit slave. Obtaining a credit for anything other than real estate dishonors you! Unfortunately, nowadays quite a few younger people have no honor left.
Anything up to about 20000€ can easily paid in cash.

In Germany my own EXPERIENCE has been that

credit cards very much ARE accepted in places like department stores

whether or not there will be an ATM fee "on the European side" can vary depending on which machine you use

You may want to listen to those who live in Germany...

As to travelers' checks, I agree with the oave posters. They are useless, and when/if you do cash them, you'll get a bad exchange rate.

The best ways to get money are the credit card and the ATM.

I use my credit cards for major expenses like hotels because I earn miles with my card. I have taken numerous trips to Europe with my frequent flyer miles.

However, my card charges a 3% fee on each foreign purchase. That means that a $500 transaction would cost $15.

I use my ATM/debit card to obtain cash. My bank (Wells Fargo) charges $5.00 for each foreign transaction, so I withdraw $500 or its equivalent in euros.

Obviously, using cash is cheaper for me. However, I do love those frequent flyer miles.

I agree with those who live in Germany.

We have found credit card/debit card acceptance in Germany to be lower than in a lot of other countried - definitely lower than in the US where you can use a card for practically anything.

We get cash from the ATM every few days and then pay for meals, entrance fees, drinks, incidentals, local transport, etc. with cash. This removes the question about whether or not a business accepts cards. It also removes the issue of trying to pay for things like public transportation at an unmanned kiosk with a magnetic strip card (rather than chip and pin).

logos99
I am so sorry. I actually thought I could travel so I had better cancel my trip. 20000 euros works out at $AUD 25,000. I just don't have that amount. Just pay it in cash. I have travelled quite a bit and used both credit and debit cards My trip has already been paid for and I don't owe a cent to anyone but you have just made me feel like a pauper. Thanks so much.

I didn't think anyone made traveler's checks anymore? Seriously do they?

logos, credit cards are a convenience, to avoid carrying larger amounts of cash. It's possible to use credit cards and pay them off monthly, never paying a penny of interest.

logos99..I am not dishonored at all, not have I ever been in such a condition. I charge everything, pay it off on time, gather my airmiles and then I go and go and go!!! What ever causes you to be so negative. BTW my kids, all 6 adults now, and their spouses do the same!!! You certainly are missing out on rewards with your attitude!! LSky, AmX still does travellers checks but why bother..No one like them as far as I know overseas or here in No.Amer. 2468mary..A pauper?? No way. Not owing a cent makes you well off beyond description. I owe this month's charges until rhe 12th!! Then I will join you!!

I'm curious about why taking out credit to buy real estate does not dishonour your family name. Given the damage that any credit does to the economy (eating tomorrow's lunch today) how is any line of credit acceptable? :-)