As you may know from reading our formalities section on Finances, cash and debit cards are the prevailing means of payment in shops and restaurants in Germany. Smaller shops and restaurants may only accept cash payments. Credit cards and checks are uncommon and rarely accepted. So make sure to find a cash machine/an ATM before you head for a night on the town. They are marked with the eurocash (“ec”) sign.
How to tip in restaurants:
The Service is always included in the price of your food and drinks. However, in Germany we generally tip waiters and waitresses for good food and service at 10% of the bill. The only time you don’t tip is when food or service were really bad. You don’t leave the tip on the table when you leave. Instead you round up the bill as you pay, e.g. when you are asked to pay 16.30 EUR, you want to say “Make that 18 EUR, please.”