Cash or card in Munich — what do locals actually use?

Munich runs heavily on cash. Unlike most western European capitals, many restaurants, beer halls, and smaller shops still refuse cards outright — this includes some well-known spots in the Altstadt and almost every traditional Bavarian Wirtshaus. Carry at least €50 on you at all times. ATMs (called Geldautomaten) are easy to find; Sparkasse and Volksbank machines charge no withdrawal fee if your card runs on a major network, while standalone machines in tourist corridors often tack on €3-5. The Viktualienmarkt vendors are almost exclusively cash-only, as are most Imbiss stands and street food stalls. Cards are reliably accepted at supermarkets like Rewe and Edeka, chain pharmacies, and upscale restaurants. Public transit (MVV) ticket machines take both, but the MVV app removes the friction entirely. The cultural preference for Bargeld is generational and genuine here — locals will have a wallet with notes, not just a phone, and you should too.

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• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in Munich?
• Where do locals drink coffee in Munich?
• What does a local breakfast look like in Munich?
• Where is the street food in Munich actually good?
• Where can I eat after midnight in Munich?
• How do I get from the airport to the city in Munich?