Discussions

Any suggestions on how many Euros one should take for things like souvenirs? This is a work trip so all accommodations, travel and meals are taken care of, and there will not be much time for after hours extras.  
 
No one I know has ever been there so we really have no idea - are gifts comparable to say Mexico or Hawaii (ie dirt cheap and plentiful) or are souvenir shops more pricey like they are in Canada?  
 
And I guess other than going to CAA to find out/buy, does anyone know of special chargers or adapters they use in the country?  
 
I also was not able to get a clear answer from our bank, but what experience have you had with credit cards? I know they all say they have "international service charges", so I am wondering if we bypass the Euros all together and just use the credit card?  
 
I have only been to the US or Mexico, so I really don't have any idea!

....I've been to the airport in Frankfurt, everything was double the price. The euro at the time was 2x the American dollar. All the shops were very high end. Versace, Gucci. It was cool to window shop. Not sure about the city. I'd suggest taking twice as much American money as you thought about bringing. Souvenirs should be reasonable, but definitely not cheapy, cheapy like in Mexico or Dominican. Hope this helps.

G. said "....I've been to the airport in Frankfurt, everything was double the price. The euro at the time was 2x the American dollar. All the shops were very high end. Versace, Gucci. It was cool to window shop. Not sure about the city. I'd suggest taking twice as much American money as you thought about bringing. Souvenirs should be reasonable, but definitely not cheapy, cheapy like in Mexico or Dominican. Hope this helps. "

Like I say, I have no idea what Europe is like - especially right now with all the turmoil.  
 
Thankfully he does not have a lot of spare time to window shop and the trip is paid for!!

G. said "....I've been to the airport in Frankfurt, everything was double the price. The euro at the time was 2x the American dollar. All the shops were very high end. Versace, Gucci. It was cool to window shop. Not sure about the city. I'd suggest taking twice as much American money as you thought about bringing. Souvenirs should be reasonable, but definitely not cheapy, cheapy like in Mexico or Dominican. Hope this helps. "

Yes I totally agree with that. Euro is expensive as hell.  
 
Edited by ReneSt, 2016-08-17 14:49:52

Although, others might weigh in here, Trip Advisor Frankfurt Forums might be a good start.  
 
Are you going for Oktoberfest?  
 
Have a fabulous vacation!  
 
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g187337-i301-Frankfurt_Hesse.html

As long as the item is made in Germany, it will be worth the price.  
 
When I travelled, I took a cash advance on my credit card at any ATM featuring the VISA logo. There was a two or three Euro charge and then there may have been something at the bank as well. I planned to take out enough for two or three days so I would not incur this fee too often, but I also did not want seven days of spending money in my pocket so I balanced fees versus risk.  
 
Although all expenses will be covered by the business, there might be incidental expenses that are not worth the paperwork, an extra coffee or pastry, a beer in the pub before bed, etc. Carry at least 50 Euros so you do not miss the opportunity.  
 
The items may appear to be expensive but remember that taxes are i:ncluded in the sticker price. If it says 22 Euros, you give them that paper 20 and a couple of "Loonies" (to translate to Canadian), There will not be any taxes added on at the till like it is in Canada.  
 
Any food prices also i:nclude a commission for the server so there is not a requirement to add 10% tip to that beer you had before bed or the coffee and pastry that is served to you before the flight. If there is "shrapnel" like "dimes" or "half-Euro" coins, you can leave them on the table, but the 10% - 20% tip is not expected nor required.

He will be there during the Oktoberfest season, but his itinerary has no mention of festivities or time to go out and tour on his own, so I guess we shall see what he gets to do.  
 
Thanks for the detail, kat. Very helpful.

I just got back from Europe. While I did not personally go to Frankfurt, I was in Berlin and Munich.  
I bought my adaptor online on Amazon but you can get them at CAA.  
I took cash with me, which I got from my bank before I departed. The currency conversion rate isn't the greatest right now. Not sure what bank you bank at, but Scotiabank is part of the global alliance of atm networks. You can take cash out at Deutsche Bank with no service charges - just the currency exchange. I found this quite convenient when I needed some extra cash. Pretty easy to find an atm for this bank in Germany. Most credit cards charge a 2.50% currency conversion fee for exchanges, which is why I did most of my transactions in cash. I found an exception to this is Amazon's rewards credit card - 0% currency conversion fees. I got one and used mine in Switzerland where there were no global alliance ATMs.  
I didn't buy a lot of souvenirs when I was gone, as I was backpacking. You have your average tourist stuff which are cheaply made and under €10. (Post cards, magnets, shot glasses, things like this) I got a hoodie for €35. All depends on what your looking for I guess.  
Wish I could be of more assistance for you! Safe travels and enjoy Frankfurt!