Exchanging Dollars to Euros
Categories: General Travel Info
There is nothing worth than being stranded somewhere without money. If you travel to another country, it is very important that you check out in advance what currency your will need to pay your expenses in, if you will be able to use your credit card and where you can exchange money. Live Like A German has collected some useful advice, which should help you to be able to enjoy a carefree stay in Germany.
If you want to be on the safe side, it is best simply to go to your American bank and exchange as many dollars as you think you will need on your trip to euros. This way you can arrive in Germany totally relaxed and won’t have to deal with any money issues for the whole time of your stay. However, you should not forget that it is always risky to run around with too much cash in your pockets. Should you have a big amount of money with you, we advise you to rent a safe in your hotel, store most of your euros there and only take how much you need each day. Another thing to remember is, that your American bank might not even offer this exchange service, but certainly charges a large fee for it and a small branch might not have the requested euros at hand but has to order the money from a bigger branch. Therefore, if you want to go this route, be sure that you visit your bank already some days before you leave for your holiday.
Americans usually get the best deal, if they wait until they arrive in Germany and then take a large amount of cash out of an European ATM with a US bank or credit union that charges low foreign transaction fees. The convenience of getting euros from an ATM machine cannot be beaten and actually is the best way to go as long as you do not forget about one thing. It is highly important to inform your bank in advance about your holiday so the bank is aware that it is yourself, who requests this money and won’t freeze the account.
Many Americans are used to paying for almost everything by credit card and naturally assume this is possible in any country. Of course, it is possible in many places, like hotels, big department stores or large restaurants. However, these foreign credit card transactions have much higher fees than they would in your own country and, even more importantly, many European businesses only accept cash. As a general rule, the smaller the town is you visit, the less likely you will be able to use your credit card.
To summarize, Live Like A German advises you not to rely on your credit card but either already bring euros with you or take money out at an ATM machine at the airport, so have cash in your pockets right away and can enjoy your stay from the get—go.
Find and book quality Germany Vacation Rentals and Holiday Apartments ...
By Vacation Theme: Alpine Villages, Beach Vacations, German Castles, Historic Old Towns, Lake Vacations, Metropolitan Cities, Small Villages, Spa Towns, [ + ] more ...
By State: Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, [ + ] more ...
About this Article
This travel guide has been written by Kathrin Wagner.
She grew up in a small town in Bavaria and then studied Media studies, Literature and History in Erlangen and Munich. As a student she already spent half a year in London and moved back there after graduation in 2006. She is still living in London, where she works in publishing.
More Germany Travel Related Articles
- ADAC Rally Race
- Bertha Benz, newest official historic theme route in Germany
- Strolling through Seltersweg in Giessen
- Discount Berlin Hotels
- Gratuity in Germany
- Faust - Festspiele in Kronach (Open Air Theater)
- Date Night Guide - Grafenwoehr
- Cologne Cathedral – a Monument of Christianity
- 100 Castles Route Münsterland
- Live Like a German is offering a special tour through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Cologne
Nearby Destinations Where You Can Find Nice Germany Vacation Rentals
Eisenach
Eisenach is a city in Thuringia, Germany. It is situated between the northern foothills of the Thuringian Forest and the Hainich National Park. Population was 43,626 in 2006.
Related: Eisenach travel guide
Bad Langensalza
Bad Langensalza is a city in the County of Unstrut-Hainich, Thuringia, Germany, with a population of c. 18,500 (2006). While strolling through the diverse parks and gardens many people realise for the first time again, which significance rest and unison…
Related: Bad Langensalza travel guide
Eschwege
Eschwege is the district seat of the Werra-Meißner-Kreis, is a town in northeastern Hesse, Germany. The town lies on a broad plain tract of the river Werra at the foot of the Leuchtberg (mountain) northwest of the Schlierbachswald (range) and east of…
Related: Eschwege travel guide
Heilbad Heiligenstadt
Heilbad Heiligenstadt is a Thuringian town in the Eichsfeld in Germany.
Related: Heilbad Heiligenstadt travel guide
Mühlhausen in Thüringen
Mühlhausen (official Mühlhausen/Thüringen) is a city in the federal state Thuringia, Germany. It is the capital of the Unstrut-Hainich district, and lies along the river Unstrut. Mühlhausen had c. 37,000 inhabitants in 2006.
Related: Mühlhausen in Thüringen travel guide
Feedback, comments, questions?
If you have visited here please share your experiences with our readers on Facebook. Or, if you have other cool trip suggestions and would like to contribute a travel guide here, please drop me an email. We also are encouraging free-lancers, travel guide writers or publishers who have great Germany related content to send us an email and get in touch with us.
