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How much money do I need to travel Germany?

22nd November 2019

Plonked almost smack-bang in the middle of Europe is a lil (actually pretty big) old country called Germany. Boasting the world's fourth-biggest economy, tangled history, gorgeous countryside, unbelievably big beers and more pretzels then you could possibly eat, Germany is a must-visit for many travellers to Europe. 

As you map out your German route and calculate how much beer and bratwurst your body can handle, it can be easy to forget the other crucial b-word - budget. Calculating your holiday budget may not be as fun as estimating your bodies carb-limits, it is necessary to ensure you can roll through your holiday stress-free.

While we don't have a bratwurst to body weight calculator, we do have a pretty nifty holiday budget planner that will help you break down your total and daily expenses in Germany. 

Before we dive straight into the calculator, let's chat about what goes into a holiday budget. 

What goes into a budget for Germany?

Transport

Since Germany is basically on the other side of the world, your flights over there will generally be your most significant expense for the trip. Thankfully the route between Australia and Europe is a busy one, so flights aren't nearly as expensive as they used to be. Keep an eye out for deals and travel expos to secure a better price on your airfare. 

Once you arrive in Germany, you'll need to consider both cross-country and inner-city transport options. If you were to drive from one side of Germany to the other, it would take you between 10-15 hours (gotta account for snack and toilet breaks). Chances are you probably won't do that, so there are plenty of other options to consider. 

Car hire is an excellent option for those wanting to take the trip at their own pace and see the sights. Just be mindful of the young driver fee if you are under 25, and ensure you are covered by travel insurance. If car hire is your preferred method, you'll also need to budget for fuel. 

If you've got less time, either trains or flights are your best bet getting between major German cities. Low-cost carriers like RyanAir and EasyJet will often have excellent deals on flights within Europe - be sure to account for your baggage as paying for an extra bag at the airport can be a nasty expense. Trains are generally pretty reliable and comfortable in Europe, and Germany is no exception. If you're doing a more extensive Europe trip then a Eurorail pass is an excellent investment, otherwise, aim to book your tickets a few days or weeks in advance to get a reasonable price. 

If the water is more your style, Germany is also serviced by several luxury cruise boats that run along the Danube and Rhine rivers. Perfect if you're keen on seeing a few places without the hassle of having to unpack your bag in a new destination every day. 

Inner-city transport differs with each city you are in, though most major cities are well serviced by metro and bus systems, otherwise known as the UBahn. Just hop on Google for exact routes and pricing for your destination. 

Accommodation

Like anywhere you travel, accommodation costs will vary based on the location and level of luxury. In all major cities, you will be able to find a place to suit your needs, whether it be a bunk in a hostel or turn-down service in a five-star hostel. Peak travel periods like European Summer or Oktoberfest will inflate prices, so be mindful of this when booking your travel dates. 

As you go further out of cities, your accommodation options may decrease slightly. Don't let this deter you though, as quite often you'll have the chance to experience cosier, more traditional accommodation and atmospheres. If you're after a more traditional experience, be sure to hit up Airbnb or look for some cosy bed and breakfasts. All you need is a comfy pillow to rest your weary head after a day of exploring and carb-loading.

Food

My favourite part of any holiday is trying new food, and Germany is not short of delicious delicacies to indulge in. It's no lie that the Germans love a carb or two, so prepare your body for an onslaught of potato, bread, sauerkraut, bratwurst, roasted meat and stews. 

In bigger cities like Berlin and Frankfurt there are plenty of 'traditional German restaurants', now they will charge you an arm and a leg for a meal like roast or schnitzel - not to mention the cost of their beers. 

If you are on a budget, opt more for street markets and smaller food vendors. In Berlin, you can grab Currywurst and fries for less than 5 euros. Pretzels are also a great staple, filling you up for less than 2 euros. Berlin is a very multicultural city, so you will also have access to heaps of other cuisines. 

It's also worth noting that supermarkets like Lidl sell alcohol super cheap. No seriously, I got half-litre cans of beer for 0.50 euros. Sure you won't get them served in steins, but it's an excellent way to save a lot of cash. 

Finally, if you are after a you-beaut, traditional German meal, head to Munich or smaller country towns. Here you will be greeted with beer halls, huge bratwurst and more schnitzel then you're body can handle. 

Activities

Eating aside, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Germany's rich history means there is no shortage of day tours in all of the major cities. Costs for a full-day range between 30 and 100 euros, however, most cities will also have free walking tours. These are generally a pretty high standard and are an excellent way to get acquainted with the city, learn some history and meet fellow travellers. The tour is free, though it is worth having some cash on hand to tip the guide at the end.

Germany is also home to some epic castles and gorgeous national parks that charge minimal entry fees. 

If partying is more your vibe, be sure to budget for entry and drinks to Berlin's world-renowned clubs. Top tip - if you're on a budget only take cash on a night out. Once you run out, there is no chance of drunk you pulling out your card and spending more than necessary, plus you also remove the risk and stress of potentially losing your card.

Pre-departure expenses

Like any holiday, you also need to consider other costs like travel insurance, visas and any vaccinations. Germany is part of the Schengen zone, so Aussie's don't need a visa for stays under 90 days. 

How much does a trip to Germany cost?

Time to put this information to use and give our budget planner a whirl!

New to this travel budget planning thing? No stress, here are some step by step instructions. 

Step 1
Enter your destination (Germany)
Let us know how long you'll be away
Choose your currency. In this case, it will either be AUD or EUR
Shout Prost! And crack open a cold one to celebrate starting your Germany holiday budget. 

Step 2
Bratwurst, Currywurst, pretzels, schnitzels - the list of delicious German food is endless, and it's time to account for everything you plan on eating. Remember to try and put yourself in a holiday mindset - are you really going to opt for a supermarket muesli bar over a freshly baked pretzel?

Step 3

Shopping time!! Whether it's new clothes or cheesy souvenirs, account for your retail therapy in this section. 

Step 4

This is for all of your transport outside of flights and significant journeys. So basically, your day to day means of getting around. Have a quick Google of the transport options available in your destinations, so you know what to expect. 

Step 5

The hard work is done! Here you'll find a simple layout of your planned expenses in both Aussie dollars and euros. From here you can either go back and edit, or start saving for your holiday!

It's important to note here that this only accounts for your most basic expenses. You'll need to add in travel insurance and other daily expenses. It's also worth having a bit of wiggle room in the kitty for unexpected costs or particularly rampant shopping sprees. They happen, I've been there, and it was both invigorating and overwhelming for my bank account. 

German Budget Examples

Here are some examples of what the bones of your travel budget would look like. Please note all of these examples are based off seven nights accommodation and are quoted in Aussie dollars. Prices will, of course, vary with seasonality and availability. 

Couples trip

This couple loves to party, and party they will during a week-long trip to Berlin. In between exploring the incredible clubs, the plan on visiting many of the historical sights and sampling some of Germany's famous food. 

Flights

$1698 per person

Sydney to Berlin return with FinnAir. 

Accommodation

$1060

Queen room in a stylish, central Berlin hotel

Food

$150 per day

A bit of street-fare coupled with delicious restaurant cuisine (and a few drinks at the club). 

Activities

$100 per day

A few day tours coupled with a chance to explore the city on your own. 

Total for couple 

$6,206

Un-berlin-able!

 

Family getaway

A wholesome mix of museums, bustling city sights and delicious food is on the agenda as Mum and Dad treat the kids to a week in Frankfurt!

Flights

$5620

Sydney to Frankfurt return with Etihad. 

Accommodation

$2270

Two bedroom apartment in the city centre with a kitchen.

Food

$150 per day

Supermarket breakfast and lunch, coupled with plenty of pretzels and a treat for dinner. 

Activities

$200 per day

A few days of guided tours mixed with a day or two at the museums and exploring the city on foot. 

Total

$10,340

Not bad for all the pretzels you could possibly eat and a family pic on the other side of the world, right?

 

Solo traveller

Prost! This lucky traveller has their sights set on Munich and its many, many glorious beer halls and pretzels. 

Flights

$1443

Sydney to Munich return with Etihad. 

Accommodation

$300

A bunk in a six-bed dorm with breakfast included. 

Food

$50 per day

Supermarket snacks and street food keep the engine running.

Activities

$60 per day

A tour here or there, but most of this will probably be spent on steins at the beer hall.

Total

$2513

Missing out on this deal would be the wurst.

 

 

Last-minute tips

  • Budgeting doesn't have to be a dirty word. It might not be the most fun part of your holiday, but it is the most important. There is nothing worse than the unexpected stress of recalculating your budget mid-holiday. 
  • Research your 'per day' budget and include the things you want to do. Once you know the costs, you have a goal to save for and some flexibility to work with
  • Take advantage of Travel Money Oz's Best Price Guarantee. If you find a better price from a competitor, they will guarantee to beat it*.
  • Most things are cheaper to book in advance (especially if you're going near peak times), but some things can be more affordable to purchase in Germany. We recommend keeping an eye on sites like Groupon, as they can often have some epic local experiences for a fraction of the cost.
  • Lock in your exchange rate when the Aussie dollar is doing well with a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass.
  • Don't forget to factor in your pre-travel costs (e.g. travel insurance, immunisations and visas).
  • Budget for cheap eats some days so you can treat yourself on others.
  • Don't forget other cheeky costs like airport transfers, tours and tipping
  • Sign up for Rate Alerts. We'll let you know when the AUD is doing well against the EUR so you can purchase and maximise your travel money.
  • One bratwurst is never enough

 

Flight costs based on search from www.flightcentre.com.au and are indicative costs only for travel dates 4 - 11 August 2020. Prices were sourced on November 15 2019. ^Accommodation costs are based on an average per night price for budget, moderate or luxury hotels, as indicated in the table. ~Food based on the average cost of 1 coffee, 1 fast food meal and 1restaurant meal per person, per day. 

COST COMPARISON TABLE: All costs are based on estimated approximate costs from major metropolitan cities. “From” costs indicate costs that start from the indicated price and may be higher than shown. Average prices indicate a typical estimated cost you would pay for the indicated item. Prices may vary from time to time, and in different cities and towns within Italy. 

This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.