I am planning a trip to Germany in 2007 (Frankfurt area). What is the best way to handle expenses?

Question

Should I buy Euros before I leave? Are credit cards readily accepted? How about ATMs? Will any ATM withdrawals automatically calculate dollars to Euros?

Answer 1

Marry a rich German.

Answer 2

I agree with what Sabine_White said, but I do suggest converting a small amount of USD into EUR (maybe a max of $30) before you go, as you will probably see some things while walking through the airport that you want to buy right away and, unless the exchange counter is staring you in the face as you enter the terminal, then you will have to do some hunting to buy that perfect postcard - and, trust me, Frankfurt International Airport has some awesome postcards of the city that you will probably want ;-)

Answer 3

i was in germany in March and , no , it is almost impossible to find places that take visa or master, there are many ATM's and i had no problem withdrawing money from there,yes, they convert the euros into dollars at your bank that issued the card you use in the ATM,they might charge a small conversion fee,just a few cents.

Try and wait until you get there to exchange your money,i got a better rate at the german bank than at the airport.

Answer 4

Yes, go to TrevelEx and exchage a little before you go so you have some cash to buy something to drink, or whatever, when you arrive.  I have no problem getting cash from the ATM in Germany, even in some really small towns.  They're everywhere, and I've even paid for groceries with credit cards (Karstadt in Munich/Muenchener Freiheit).  Some restautants might have a minimum requirement to use credit cards (and some old-school wait staff are just plain afraid of them).  In general, though, credit cards are more widely accepted now than even 10 years ago....but I always make sure I have some cash in my wallet just in case because it's not necessarily a given yet that all establishments take them.  Some parking garges take them...some do not....you never know for sure.