The euro has been legal tender in Europe since the beginning of 2002. One euro equals 100 cents. It is no longer necessary to change money or convert various European currencies' exchange rates if you are travelling either within or to countries within the euro zone. The euro and foreign currency and other forms of payment can be brought into and taken out of Germany without restriction. Travellers from the twelve member states of the European Monetary Union (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain) can pay in euros by bank transfer or cheque.

Opening hours are determined by the individual banks, and can vary greatly although no branches stay open later than 6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays all banks are closed. Many banks have a foyer with ATMs which can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Modern cash machines accept a variety of German and international debit and credit cards. The airports and major railway stations provide electronic currency changing machines which can be used to exchange foreign currency for euros. Credit cards are not universally accepted; particularly in smaller outlets, at Christmas markets and other street markets, cash is usually the only form of payment that is accepted.

There is generally no need to tip in Germany, as service is included in the bill, although it is widely considered appropriate. In restaurants a tip of between 5 and 10 per cent of the bill is recommended. When you pay, you round up the bill to include a tip. Tips are never left on the table in Germany. Ten per cent is recommended for taxi drivers. In hotels, it is conventional to tip the bell boy one euro per bag, and the room cleaner one to two euros per day.