Poor cash exchange rates and exchange fees in Germany

Businesses accepting foreign cash and banks exchanging money for non-customers.

How it works

A business may accept foreign cash but give an unfavourable exchange rate. Banks may charge considerable exchange fees to non-customers. These costs are not necessarily fraud.

Warning signs

A business offers to take foreign cash instead of euros.
A bank adds a fee because you are not a customer.
The final amount you will receive is unclear.

How to avoid it

Pay in euros.
Ask how many euros you will receive after all fees.
Compare the total cost before handing over cash.
Consider withdrawing euros from a bank-operated ATM, after checking your card's fees.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt. If the rate or fee differs from what was agreed, raise it with the business or bank.

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

Where it happensBusinesses accepting foreign cash and banks exchanging money for non-customers.

What travellers report

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

More scams in GermanyFalse appeal for money to travel home: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the poor cash exchange rates and exchange fees scam in Germany?

A business may accept foreign cash but give an unfavourable exchange rate. Banks may charge considerable exchange fees to non-customers. These costs are not necessarily fraud.

How can I spot it early?

A business offers to take foreign cash instead of euros. A bank adds a fee because you are not a customer. The final amount you will receive is unclear.

How do I avoid poor cash exchange rates and exchange fees in Germany?

Pay in euros. Ask how many euros you will receive after all fees. Compare the total cost before handing over cash. Consider withdrawing euros from a bank-operated ATM, after checking your card's fees.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt. If the rate or fee differs from what was agreed, raise it with the business or bank.

Where in Germany does this happen?

Businesses accepting foreign cash and banks exchanging money for non-customers.

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.

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.

Reviewed by @snuck