Generally, cash is king at the Oktoberfest. You may be allowed to pay for a whole reservation using a card at the end of the night, but that may only include debit cards, no credit cards. Apart from that, the acceptance of cards is still very low. You can't expect individual orders to be paid using cards. You may be able to pay at some stalls or rides using cards, but you can never count on it.
The only thing you can rely on is cash.
There are ATMs at the fair grounds as well as in all big tents. However, most of them aren't operated by banks and come with ridiculous charges. Therefore, it's better to get cash before getting there.
If you're from a non-Euro country, check your bank's fees on getting foreign currencies from an ATM abroad. It's usually best to get foreign currencies directly from an ATM instead of exchanging cash or getting it back home. Make sure to use a bank's ATM and chose to be charged in Euro instead of your currency. This way you can avoid external fees.
FAQs
The only thing you can rely on is cash. There are ATMs at the fair grounds as well as in all big tents. However, most of them aren't operated by banks and come with ridiculous charges. Therefore, it's better to get cash before getting there.
Do you take cash or card at Oktoberfest? ›
Take out as much cash as you plan on spending at Oktoberfest before you enter Theresienwiese, which is a 10-minute train ride from Munich. Some tents accept cards, which is rare in Germany, but your order will be made much faster if you don't need to wait for a card machine.
How much money should you take to Oktoberfest? ›
We recommend you budget around EUR80-EUR100 per day. Entrance to the Oktoberfest is free. A 1 litre mass/stein of beer will cost you just over EUR11.
Does Germany prefer cash or card? ›
Despite the rise of cashless payments, cash continues to be one of the favorite payment methods in Germany. A 2021 report by the Deutsche Bundesbank found that German citizens paid in cash for around 58% of their total purchases.
Is Oktoberfest paid? ›
Oktoberfest reservations themselves are free, but to reserve a table you must purchase food and drink vouchers for each of the “10” people attending. These vouchers typically include 2 litres of beer + 1 wiesnhendl (half chicken) per person, but each tent has its own requirements/kickass Oktoberfest food.
Should I tip at Oktoberfest? ›
In fact, it's not really a tip – it's more like a “service fee”. It should be not more than 10 to 15% of the beer or food price. And yes, giving a bit of extra tip will ensure that the waitress will always serve you in time and in quality. What beer is served at Oktoberfest?
Are purses allowed at Oktoberfest? ›
Mobile, cash, MVV ticket, keys, Kleenex, lipstick – there are a few things you definitely need to take with you at the Oktoberfest. The bag you bring them in can be up to 3 liters in volume or no bigger than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in). For example that is a small handbag or a mini-rucksack.
How do you pay for Oktoberfest? ›
Generally, cash is king at the Oktoberfest. You may be allowed to pay for a whole reservation using a card at the end of the night, but that may only include debit cards, no credit cards. Apart from that, the acceptance of cards is still very low. You can't expect individual orders to be paid using cards.
Is water free at Oktoberfest? ›
Free drinking water stations on the festival grounds
They are located on the outside walls of the WC facilities in the central delivery street (behind the eastern beer tents). Visitors to the Oktoberfest can tap into fresh Munich drinking water free of charge.
Can you get into Oktoberfest for free? ›
Is the entrance to the Oktoberfest free? The Oktoberfest doesn't cost to enter; anyone can wander through the venue without needing a ticket. The reason there are sometimes queues at the entrance is that security personnel check visitors' bags so that everyone at the Oktoberfest can feel safe and relax.
Any person entering Germany from a non-EU country and carrying cash with a total value of 10,000 or more euros is obliged to declare that amount of money, immediately and unsolicited, in writing to the competent German customs authorities.
Can you use American cash in Germany? ›
It is not possible to pay for anything in U.S. dollars, but you should have no problem exchanging currency. The large number of banks and exchange services means that you can shop around for the best rate, if you're so inclined. But the cheapest and easiest way to go is using your ATM card.
Do I need cash in Munich? ›
Carry cash
While major supermarket chains and shopping outlets are likely to accept your credit card, most restaurants and stores in Munich will only accept cash or EC-cards (like debit cards). Make sure you have enough euros with you for everyday use.
Should I bring cash to Oktoberfest? ›
What to bring? Entry to both the Oktoberfest and the tents is free. One exception is the Oide Wies'n – the historical part of Oktoberfest that takes you back in time with old-fashioned beer, food, and rides; to enter, you have to pay a small fee (4 euro). Make sure you bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
Is Oktoberfest cash only? ›
Oktoberfest tents are cash only! Germany is a big cash country, so plan to carry euros with you.
Can you just turn up to Oktoberfest? ›
At least from Sundays through Thursdays, you should always be able to find free seats in the tents. The average Oktoberfest visit does not include a table reservation, hence, without one, you're in good company.
How much do you pay for Oktoberfest? ›
Entry costs for Oktoberfest 2023
The good news is that you don't need a ticket to visit Oktoberfest. It's only at the Oide Wiesn (the most traditional spot at the festival) that you'll need to buy a €4 ticket for entry. After 9 p.m., however, you can enter for free.
Can you just walk into Oktoberfest? ›
Is the entrance to the Oktoberfest free? The Oktoberfest doesn't cost to enter; anyone can wander through the venue without needing a ticket.
