
Practical matters
Currency
n Germany, the currency used is the euro (€). ATMs are easy to find across the country and work with most international debit and credit cards. Keep in mind that your bank may charge foreign transaction fees, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Card payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and most tourist attractions. That said, Germany is still somewhat cash-friendly, especially in smaller towns, local cafés, markets, or family-run places, where paying by card isn’t always possible — especially for smaller amounts.
Contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more common in cities, but it’s smart to carry both card and some cash when exploring the country.
Vocabulary
Hello = Hallo
Good day = Guten Tag
Thank you = Danke
Please = Bitte
Yes = Ja
No = Nein
Cheers = Prost
Visa
Most nationalities can enter Germany visa-free for short stays. If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or many other countries, you can stay in Germany (and the rest of the Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family — no visa required.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Border officials might also ask for:
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Proof of onward travel
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Accommodation details
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Sufficient funds for your stay
Always double-check the latest entry rules before you travel!