Carry some cash
Bargeld
Germany still loves cash. About half of all payments in shops are made with notes and coins.
In the Bundesbank's 2023 study, 51% of all payments were made in cash (by number of payments). Cards and phones are growing fast, but cash is still normal.
Bakeries, small restaurants, kiosks, market stalls and some doctors may take only cash, or only a German debit card (Girocard). A sign saying „Nur Barzahlung“ means cash only.
UPI does not exist in Germany. Keep €20–50 in your wallet, especially in your first weeks.
You may hear
Hier nur Barzahlung, tut mir leid.Cash only here, sorry.
India and Germany
India moved to UPI very quickly. Many Indians are surprised that Germany, a rich country, still pays so often with coins.
German words for this
- das Bargeld · cash
- die Karte · card
- das Kleingeld · small change
- der Geldautomat · cash machine (ATM)
Sources
Last checked: 9 November 2026.
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