-
We have booked an all-inclusive cruise on the Danube in May 24 which stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. I know that the first three use the Euro, but my question is whether cards are accepted in most places in those four countries? I have been to Austria and Germany but not for many years, and never the others.
Germany and Austria used to be behind Slovakia and Hungary in terms of accepting card payments, but it’s improved significantly since Covid. I would still recommend having a few hundred Euros in cash just in case and for tips, etc., but you’d likely be fine just with cards.
In the towns and cities the vast majority of merchants accept cards these days. I’d always take some euros though, for tips (if going on excursions) and emergencies. Hungary you might have to wing it if they are still using forints (?), though some countries will also accept euros even if it’s not the official currency.
In Hungary in particular but everywhere else as well, avoid the blue Euronet ATMs like the plague. The charges are scandalous but the machines are everywhere. Find a bank ATM instead.
Was in Slovakia last year and also Austria, never used cash at all apart from buying an ice-cream in Slovakia and that was by choice.
Many thanks for the advice.
I got forints from a Eurochange in Manchester and had little need to use them due to the ubiquity of cards and apps. Indeed the Budapest airport bus allows you to buy tickets via the app and then validate them upon boarding via a QR code. Like others say, Germany and Austria can still be funny with cash. Including public toilets in shopping centres and department stores, where paying in Euro coins is expected.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Popular articles this week:
