Special purchases include precision optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain,
handmade crystal, silver, steelware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from
Nuremberg and
Bavarian Loden cloth. Special purchases in eastern Germany include musical instruments,
wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains and Meissen china (the
workshops in Meissen are open to the public).
Cuckoo clocks, contrary to popular myth, did not originate in Switzerland, but in the Black Forest region.
Shopping hours: Most large shops
are open Mon-Fri 0900-2000 and Sat 0900-2000. All shops, except a few bakeries, are closed on Sunday.
Currency Information:CurrencyEuro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Cheques are very rarely used.
Currency ExchangeForeign currencies and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, post offices, airports, railway stations, ports and major hotels at the official exchange rates.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsThese are widely accepted in most shops, petrol stations, restaurants and hotels. All major credit cards are accepted, but it is advisable to carry cash as well.
Traveller's ChequesGenerally provide the best rate of exchange. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Visitors are advised to have their traveller's cheques exchanged at bureaux de change as banks often refuse to change them and they are not accepted as payment in stores.
Banking HoursGenerally Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and 1400-1600, Thurs 0830-1300 and 1430-1730 in main cities. Main branches do not close for lunch. Bureaux de change in airports and main railway stations are open 0600-2200.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | €1.06 |
| $1.00= | €0.73 |
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