The Federal Office warns all citizens: This is the amount of cash that everyone should always have at home.
In light of the spread of electronic payment, cash does not seem necessary for some. However, experts advise keeping a sufficient amount of money at home for emergencies, especially if ATMs stop working due to power outages.
The German Crisis Prevention Agency recommends having a cash reserve, without specifying the amount, while the Austrian civil defense suggests having 500 euros. The ideal amount depends on the number of family members, as single individuals need less compared to families.
Recently, Germany experienced disruptions in electronic payments, making cash the only option for more than a day in some stores. Cash should be stored in secure places, but these places should be inconspicuous and easily accessible. Experts recommend avoiding traditional places known to thieves.
There are no laws preventing the keeping of large amounts of money at home, but caution should be taken regarding the risks, as insurance does not cover large cash losses in the event of theft or damage.
In general, keeping an amount between 200 and 500 euros is sufficient to help in sudden crises.