The Euro
is now the official currency of 12 EU member states including Germany.
The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002 and
completely replaced the Deutschmark on 28 February 2002.
Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations
of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations
of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Note:
Eurocheques are no longer guaranteed and can no longer be accepted
for encashments. However, they may still be used for payments without
the guarantee in certain places.
Currency
exchange
Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks,
bureaux de change, airports, post offices, railway stations, ports
and major hotels at the official exchange rates.
Credit & debit cards in Germany
These are accepted in approximately 60% of all shops, petrol stations,
restaurants and hotels. Nationals of other Western European countries,
Canada and the USA, will find less credit card availability than
they are used to in their own countries and it is advisable to carry
cash or a Eurocheque card as well. All major credit cards are accepted.
Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant
acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques generally provide the best rate of exchange.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised
to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local
or foreign currency.
Exchange
rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of
the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: |
