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Occasional in Germany

Scam in GermanyCards and ATMs

Poor ATM currency conversion in Germany

ATMs, including independent machines in tourist hotspots.

How it works

An ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This service, called Dynamic Currency Conversion, may use a poor rate with an exchange markup.

Warning signs

  • The ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of EUR.
  • The screen offers its own currency conversion.

How to avoid it

  1. Choose to be charged in EUR.
  2. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
  3. Read each screen before confirming the withdrawal.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check the exchange rate and charges on your statement. Contact your issuer if the transaction differs from what you accepted.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument.
  2. Check what is missing. Block stolen cards and secure any affected accounts immediately.
  3. Save receipts, transaction records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report the incident to police. Call 110 for urgent police help, or 112 for a medical emergency or fire.
  5. Contact your embassy or passport authority if your passport was stolen or given an unofficial stamp.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. Keep the police report details and copies of your evidence.
Where it happensATMs, including independent machines in tourist hotspots.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in GermanyPoor cash exchange rates and exchange fees: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor ATM currency conversion scam in Germany?

An ATM may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency. This service, called Dynamic Currency Conversion, may use a poor rate with an exchange markup.

How can I spot it early?

The ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of EUR. The screen offers its own currency conversion.

How do I avoid poor ATM currency conversion in Germany?

Choose to be charged in EUR. Decline the ATM's currency conversion. Read each screen before confirming the withdrawal.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check the exchange rate and charges on your statement. Contact your issuer if the transaction differs from what you accepted.

Where in Germany does this happen?

ATMs, including independent machines in tourist hotspots.

How common is this scam in Germany?

Occasional. Germany is generally very safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should mainly watch for pickpockets in busy places, false appeals for money in Berlin, and costly ATM or currency exchange offers. Near Checkpoint Charlie, souvenir passport stamps can also cause serious travel problems.

Are there similar scams in Germany?

Yes: high fees at independent ATMs.

Who can I report it to?

Police: approach an officer or patrol, or report the incident at a police station. Call 110 for an urgent police emergency. Officers generally understand at least basic English or can find a colleague who does. Federal police (Bundespolizei): approach federal police for incidents at airports, train stations and border crossings, where they are responsible for policing. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or passport authority: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or advice about an unofficial passport stamp. Foreign nationals who are arrested can also contact their embassy. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Germany?

Police emergency: 110, Medical emergencies and fire: 112.

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