Money & Prices

Currency Exchanges (Geldwechsel) - You can find currency exchange desks at any airport you arrive into, most train stations (Bahnhof). Exchange rates

As of February 2016, extracted from: http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/

• 1.00 USD -> 0.90712 EUR
• 1.00 GBP -> 1.26475 EUR
• 1.00 CAD -> 0.66406 EUR
• 1.00 AUD -> 0.65232 EUR
• 1.00 CNY -> 0.13897 EUR
• 1.00 INR -> 0.01320 EUR

ATMs (Geldautomat)

The easiest way to get cash away from home is from an ATM, referred to as a Geldautomat. ATMs are multilingual so your Visa or debit card should be used without problems. Note that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank. Credit Cards Be aware that credit cards are not widely accepted in Germany. Smaller shops, such as bakeries, butchers, news agents, etc. sometimes only accept cash or the German EC card (a bank card). It is always a good idea to check before you buy or sit down to a meal to ensure which type of payment is accepted or that your particular brand is readily accepted (American Express can be a problem). Most petrol stations accept nearly every type of credit card offered. In Germany, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are commonly accepted, with the latter two cards predominating.

Tips and Bargaining

While diners in Germany have a range of opinions about the proper amount to tip, leaving 10 percent is a reasonable tip for good service. Even a five percent tip is acceptable, especially if you've only ordered a beer or small item; the 10 percent rule is mostly aimed at restaurant bills of 10 euros or more.

Bargaining over the price is not very popular in Germany. In shopping centers and chain stores the customers almost never negotiate prices with the sales personnel. However, buyers may negotiate prices at flee markets or fairs, particularly if they want to buy handicraft products or antiques.

Some examples for prices (to be considered purely indicative)

Transport
Taxi from Tegel airport to Ernst Reuter Platz (near TU Berlin): ca. 25 €
Taxi from Schönefeld airport to Ernst Reuter Platz: ca. 40 €
Single ticket for public transport: 2,70 €

All registered participants will received a weekly ticket for zone A and B upon on-site registration.

Prices in a restaurant depend on its standard and location Examples:
Coca-Cola in a restaurant 2,20 €
Cup of coffee 2,00-2,50 €
Glass of wine 3,00-3,50 €
Beer: 2,50 €
Average course meal at a restaurant: 10 €

Cultural activities:

Museums:
Pergamon Museum: 12 €
Reichstag Building: Free
TV Tower (Fernsehturm): 11 €
Topography of Terror: Free
DDR Museum: 7 €
Neues Museum: 12 €
Old National Gallery: 10 €
Altes Museum: 10 €
Bode Museum: 10 €