How Should I Exchange Money In Germany?
When you're packing and planning for what to take on a trip or time studying in Germany, figuring out how to get U.S. dollars exchanged for Euros is just another hassle you'll have to sort out along the way. While most people end up opting for using a cash exchange at an airport or train station, there are other options available that might may more sense for you, based on how long your trip is.
First and foremost, consider how long you will spending abroad. If you are coming to Germany for a semester abroad, it doesn't make sense to get all of the money that you will need to bring with you exchanged for Euros you that have in hand from the start. Depending on where you are, cash exchanges at airports typically will wave or significantly reduce the fee if you exchange a larger sum (i.e. $500).
As you will probably end up working mostly on a cash basis, at least for a few days after you arrive, until your German bank account is set up, you may as well exchange up to the amount that will get you the reduced fee up front. After that, any money that you transfer over, or choose to carry over in USD (be careful carrying large amounts of money!), can be deposited directly into your account.
Any German bank will happily accept U.S. dollars and deposit them into your account, but the money will usually take 1-3 days to show up in your account, depending on which bank you have your account with. The exchange rate is better than what you will get from a money changing stand or shop, regardless of where you go.
While you are in Germany, if you are a tourist, it's worth checking the fees for withdrawing money internationally on whatever card or account you have in the U.S., and deciding from there if it makes more sense to pack USD that you can exchange later, or to exchange for Euros up front, and then withdraw cash from an ATM when you are over here. If you have a reasonable fee from your bank in the U.S., the exchange rate at the ATM will be better than at an exchanger. It's also worthwhile if you have the time prior to leaving for Germany to inquire at your bank in the U.S. as to whether or not you can withdraw money from your account in Euros while in the U.S..