Hi all,
I recently travelled around central Europe (Germany, Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland) by car and wanted to share this coin information to anyone who might find it interesting or helpful.
- the Bundesbank exchanges DM AND euro coins of all denominations in unlimited quantities. Appt is “required”, then pull a ticket to wait your turn. A teller shows the machine receipt then gives euro. Personally brought 10pf coins and up, based on value v. weight
- the Austrian Bank exchanges schilling AND euro coins of all circulating denominations. Appt is not required and self service; there is one schilling machine (that will often knock out some coins) and two euro machines. Machine produces receipt which must be brought to the teller to exchange for euro. Silver 5, 10, and 25 commemoratives are not exchangeable (yet some people will try to exchange despite having more silver value). Personally brought 50g coins and up
- Euro coins are much more sought after. Large old silver coins in average condition are cheaper than elsewhere (standard prices for Prussian 5 mark for 25 euro ea.; 3 mark 15 ea.). Coin shops will buy commemorative euro and DM coins for more than expected.
- Czech coins 1k and up are often used, and stores will exchange them with little issue, using tellercup weights. All machines accept these denominations
- Polish coins, even down to the 1g, are widely in use, although 1, 2, and 5g coins are stored away in large quantities at stores. Personally brought 10g coins and up
- Hungary coins are widely used, but had not brought any, so had little experience. 5f is the lowest denom., while 50f is the lowest value v. weight coin worth bringing
- Exchange your local currency to euro before returning! 98-99.8% rate vs 90-95% outside
- Every country accepts card by tap. Very rarely did I pay with cash
- If driving across several countries, be sure to buy the country vignette (except PL) and buy online; tolls are now completely digital
- Poland had the cheapest gas prices (1.3 euro/L), while Germany had the most expensive (1.8/L). Hungary was the cheapest in general
