Traveler-compatibility checks for this destination are still pending. Local notes are useful, but phone, payment and signup eligibility are not yet sourced per service.
In Germany 'ride-hailing' really means licensed taxis — Uber/Bolt dispatch regulated cars, not gig drivers, so prices sit close to a metered taxi.
Dominant delivery app (Just Eat) with by far the widest restaurant coverage.
Launched in Munich relatively recently; smaller restaurant selection than Lieferando or Wolt.
Not delivery — cheap surplus-food boxes from bakeries/restaurants near closing. Hugely popular locally.
Gorillas and Getir both shut down in Germany in 2024 — don't bother looking for them.
No fare gates in Munich — buy/validate a ticket in-app or at a machine, or use MVVswipe (check-in/check-out). Pay via Apple/Google Pay, PayPal, SEPA or credit card. Tapping a bank card at a reader to ride is NOT a thing here.
MVG's official app — buy single tickets and the Deutschlandticket, plus MVVswipe check-in/check-out.
Regional transport-authority app; best journey planner for the whole MVV area, also sells tickets and swipe.
~€58-63/month nationwide flat rate for all local/regional transport — what most residents actually carry. Subscribe inside MVGO or DB Navigator.
Foreign Visa/Mastercard work in larger shops and supermarkets, but many bakeries, Biergärten, kiosks and market stalls are cash-only or reject foreign cards — always keep euros on you.
Germany's default debit card (successor to the 'EC card'); needs a German bank account. Contactless, no PIN under €50.
Still essential — carry euro notes and coins for small shops, cash-only restaurants and public toilets.
Contactless is now widely accepted in shops and supermarkets — add a card before you land.
A German/EU eSIM roams across the rest of Europe at no extra cost thanks to EU roaming rules.
Best overall network coverage. For cheaper access to the same network, use congstar; ALDI TALK uses O2/Telefónica, not Telekom.
Paid Swiss privacy app used in German/Austrian/Swiss (DACH) business and official circles.
The secondhand/classifieds marketplace everyone uses (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) — furniture, bikes, flatshares.
Calls to 110 and 112 are free from any phone, no SIM needed.
Nationwide police emergency.
Fire brigade and medical/life-threatening emergencies — also the free EU-wide emergency number.
Non-emergency doctor on-call service for evenings/weekends when it is not life-threatening.
Giftnotruf München — 24/7 poison emergency line for the region.
Official German emergency app — reaches 110/112 with your GPS location; supports silent and accessible (deaf) calls.
Only relevant if you're relocating, not for a short trip — but Germany's bureaucracy hits fast (address registration is mandatory within ~14 days of moving in).
Munich is a serious cycling city with dedicated bike lanes; note that shared e-scooters have parking bans and no-ride zones in the Altstadt (old town).
Six concrete setup decisions for Munich. No fake personalization—just the local default, the local caveat, and what to do before day one gets expensive.
Mark only what you have actually set up. Progress stays in this browser.
Set up data before you need a ride, ticket, map, or verification code.
Best overall network coverage. For cheaper access to the same network, use congstar; ALDI TALK uses O2/Telefónica, not Telekom. A German/EU eSIM roams across the rest of Europe at no extra cost thanks to EU roaming rules.
Know the local default before accepting a taxi quote or opening a global app.
The default across Germany — hails licensed taxis at metered fares. Pay in-app or cash to the driver. In Germany 'ride-hailing' really means licensed taxis — Uber/Bolt dispatch regulated cars, not gig drivers, so prices sit close to a metered taxi.
Compare the official airport-to-city option before paying for a car.
MVG's official app — buy single tickets and the Deutschlandticket, plus MVVswipe check-in/check-out. No fare gates in Munich — buy/validate a ticket in-app or at a machine, or use MVVswipe (check-in/check-out). Pay via Apple/Google Pay, PayPal, SEPA or credit card. Tapping a bank card at a reader to ride is NOT a thing here.
Open the map that works best locally and save your hotel or first stop.
Default for driving, walking and transit — shows live MVV/MVG departures.
Check the local card, cash, and wallet reality before your first purchase.
Germany's default debit card (successor to the 'EC card'); needs a German bank account. Contactless, no PIN under €50. Foreign Visa/Mastercard work in larger shops and supermarkets, but many bakeries, Biergärten, kiosks and market stalls are cash-only or reject foreign cards — always keep euros on you.
Use the service locals answer—and note any calling or registration restriction.
The default — everyone uses it, including many businesses and clubs.
This is an arrival checklist, not an app ranking. Open the full local toolkit below for alternatives, coverage limits, and services you may need later.
Local tender, realistic foreign-currency acceptance, and a daily USD reference before a terminal or exchange desk chooses the rate for you.
Reference only. Your bank, card network, ATM, or exchange counter may add fees or use a different rate.
The normal currency for prices and payment.
Cards are common, but cash is still useful at smaller cafes, independent shops, markets, and public facilities.
Country payment guidance reviewed Jul 21, 2026