Bar oder Kreditkarte?
Before we go shopping, we need to discuss how we can pay in a German store. In bigger cities and large department stores, you will most likely be able to use a credit card (Kreditkarte). But many smaller stores, local supermarkets and restaurants accept only cash (Bargeld) or a German debit card called ec-Karte, which usually only residents have. This card works like a Credit card, but the money is automatically deducted from the checking account immediately after the purchase. So when in Germany (and most other European countries) make sure to always have a little cash on hand or bring traveler’s checks with you; they are also popular.
Checks are not very popular at all. Germans have their monthly bills such as utilities and rent automatically deducted from their checking accounts.
If you have a credit card that you can use at a German ATM (ask your bank), you need to look for a “Geldautomat”; the signs pointing to one will probably bear the logo of the ec-system that you see in this picture.
