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We normally camp in France but have decided this year to go to Germany. Everything is booked up and can't wait to go. However, someone at work just told me that Germany doesn't accept credit cards in the same way France does and recommended we should take lots of cash. Has anyone had any experience of this - it's so long since we went that I can't remember. Your comments and experiences would help so that I can work out how much money to take. Thanks

Arianrhod

Hi

we live in Germany I am not sure about the campsites and credit cards but most of the shops don't take them,we have to deal in cash.

                           Daz

Hi Arianrhod

This is kind of strange  We used to mini cruise (Harwich to Hamburg) all the time.

We NEVER had a problem using our UK bank cards.

I have a English friend in Germany with her (USA) airforce hubby, I can email to confirm. If you want?

Good Luck & Happy Holiday

La Touche - Thanks - It would be great if you could get some confirmation as Daz's experience of living in Germany seems to contradict your experiences!! Now I'm really confused. It'll be really difficult to work out how much to take. The campsite bit I can do but I'm not sure about living costs for 10 days.

Daz - how do you cope without being able to use credit cards? Do you have to have German bank cards or do they just not accept any!? What is the cost of living like (whereabouts in Germany are you?). We are going to stay near Koblenz.

Thanks,

Arianrhod

Hi,

I am in Muenster and before i got a german bank account i just had to get my money out of a ATM machine as most of the shops dont accept credit cards.  Cost of living in germany is good and the supermarkets do give a wide choice and the meats from the supermarkets are brilliant.  Great for BBQ's.  I haver a german bank account now but still have to get money from a ATM.  They are starting to accept some cards in the shops but it is a EC (electroinc cash) card.  There are plenty of ATM's about so no problem getting cash.  Most will come up in english when u put a UK card in.  Any other questions just ask.

This is an interesting subject. We are going to Germany later in the year. In the past I have not had problems getting money from the Geldomat with my bank card or in the past using Eurocheques, now defunct. Last time I was there I did try and buy diesel with a credit card as the garage showed that they accepted them, but despite trying 2 cards neither was acceptable. The cynic in me suggested that they did not want to take my credit card as it was not a lot of money! Likewise I tried to use my Natwest Switch Card which was also an EU card but no luck there neither! I know its not perhaps the best policy but I do tend to take quite a bit of cash with me.

David

Hi All

I have just spoken (on the phone) to my friend in Germany, and she is using a UK Giro Bank Visa Debit Card with NO problems. And her husband (a master sargent to AF1) uses his USA bank card!

I hope this help's.

we had problems with plastic cards in Germany last year, but always use Nationwide debit card to get cash from ATM there are lots of them around without any problem. Since the issue seems clouded I suggest you ensure that you have enough money in your bank account and expect to use ATMs while you are there.