Money and duty free for Germany
Currency and Money
Currency information
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit cards
These are widely accepted in most shops, petrol stations, mid- to upmarket restaurants and hotels. All major credit cards are accepted, but it is advisable to carry cash as well. Cheques are very rarely used.
ATM
Cashpoints compatible with international banking networks are located in all towns and cities, as well as airports, major train stations and other spots.
Travellers cheques
Traveller's cheques are no longer being used as a payment method in Germany.
Banking hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1600, Thurs 0830-1300 and 1430-1730 in main cities. Main branches do not close for lunch. Bureaux de change in airports and main railway stations are open 0600-2200.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared by all travellers.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.
Germany duty free
Overview
Germany is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.
Germany's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:
If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:
• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 60L of sparkling wine.
• 20L of fortified wines.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%.
• 10L of sweetened alcoholic beverages (alcopops).
• 10kg of coffee or products containing coffee.
Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.
Germany's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:
If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Germany by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €175 for children under 15).
Banned Imports
Unauthorised firearms and ammunition, unapproved fireworks, unconstitutional literature, pornography which is violent or involves children, instruments of torture, illegally obtained works of art and cultural assets, any food considered a health hazard, narcotics, dangerous dogs, endangered species and counterfeit goods.
The import of rough diamonds, textiles, plants and animals is restricted.
You also cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Germany.
There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.
