Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The names and addresses of pharmacies open after hours (these rotate) are posted in every
pharmacy window, or call 011 41 for a recorded message of after-hour pharmacies.
Money
ATMs & Debit Cards
The easiest and quickest way to obtain cash is by using your debit (bank) card at an ATM
(
Geldautomat
) linked to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro.
ATMs are ubiquitous and accessible 24/7.
Many ATM cards double as debit cards and many shops, hotels, restaurants and other busi-
nesses accept them as payment. Most places use the 'chip and pin' system: instead of sign-
ing, you enter your PIN. If your card isn't chip-and-pin enabled, you may be able to sign the
receipt - ask first.
Cash
Cash is king in Germany, so always carry some with you and plan to pay with cash in most
places.
Changing Money
Currency exchange offices (
Wechselstuben
) can be found at airports and major train sta-
tions.
Reisebank
(
www.reisebank.de
)
Zoologischer Garten, Hauptbahnhof, Ostbahnhof and
Bahnhof Friedrichstrasse.
Euro-Change
(
www.euro-change.de
) Zoologischer Garten and Alexanderplatz stations;
Friedrichstrasse 80.
Reisebank keeps slightly longer hours (at least until 8pm); on Sundays, the airports are your
only option.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted (especially in hotels and upmarket shops
and restaurants), but it's best not to assume that you'll be able to use one - enquire first.
Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than American Express.
