Germany in cash.
Berlin the unruly, Bavaria of the castles, the Black Forest and the Romantic Road. A surprise to many: Germany remains a great cash nation — “Nur Bargeld” still hangs over many a counter.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your EUR travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Berlin
History laid bare, and the freest nights in Europe.
Museum Island — Pergamon, Nefertiti and five UNESCO museums on an island in the Spree.
East Side Gallery — 1.3 km of painted Wall — the Brezhnev–Honecker kiss made icon.
Munich & Bavaria
Century-old beer gardens, the Alps as a backdrop, and fairy-tale castles.
Neuschwanstein — Ludwig II's castle that inspired Disney — booking required, two hours from Munich.
Hofbräuhaus & Viktualienmarkt — The litre Mass (~€10) and the gourmet market — where cash is king.
Heidelberg & the Romantic Road
The rose-coloured castle above the Neckar, student lanes, and Rothenburg the perfect.
Heidelberg Castle — A romantic ruin above the rooftops, funicular included.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber — The intact medieval town of the Romantische Strasse — rampart walk free of charge.
Getting around.
ICE trains sprint between the cities (Berlin–Munich in 4 h) and the regional Deutschlandticket is unbeatable. In town: U-Bahn and bicycle. Many bakeries, kiosks and beer gardens accept cash only.
Cash & banknotes.
A third of all payments in Germany are still made in cash — a Western-European record. Beer gardens, bakeries and Christmas markets often take nothing else. Budget €60–110 a day in Munich (Oktoberfest doubles everything).
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
Germany — really a cash country?
Yes — about a third of payments are still settled in cash, a Western-European record. Beer gardens, bakeries, Christmas markets: “Nur Bargeld” is no legend.
What budget for Munich?
€60–110 per person per day excluding hotel: a museum or castle, two meals including a beer garden, and transport. Oktoberfest doubles everything.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français