When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad
Yes, you need cash when traveling abroad. In today’s digital-first world, it's easy to assume you can just swipe your card or tap your phone just about anywhere. But when it comes to international travel, cash is still king. While point-of-sale systems go down and credit cards fail, cash never does. It is an important backup payment method and is the most common payment for small transactions.
Although card security protections are designed to protect your account by quickly locking your card when suspicious activity occurs, this is not easy to deal with when traveling. Being stuck in an unfamiliar environment, navigating how to pay for your next meal or having your family wire you money when it’s 3am back home, is both very stressful and time-consuming.
Whether you’re trying to buy a keepsake at a souvenir shop in Athens or visiting the Grand Bazaar Market in Istanbul—here’s when—and why you should bring cash when traveling abroad.
1. Upon Arrival, Transportation, and Initial Expenses
Even in major airports, cash can come in handy immediately upon landing. Not all taxis or shuttle services accept cards, especially in smaller countries or late at night. Having local currency allows you to pay for transportation, snacks, tips, and a SIM card. Local ATMs can be unreliable and expose your card to fraud, so it is best to exchange currency before you leave.
2. Local Markets, Street Food, and Small Shops
Some of the best travel experiences like wandering through a bustling street market or grabbing a local snack doesn’t come with a card reader. Small, family-run businesses or pop-up vendors often only accept cash. Additionally, many international merchants prefer cash since credit card processing fees and exchange rates highly affect their profit. Thus, by paying with local currency, the vendors are more willing to negotiate on the price of goods or services. And who doesn’t like to brag about a great deal?
3. Entry Fees, Public Toilets, and Small Attractions
Museums, historical sites, or even public restrooms require a small cash fee and many times card payment is not an option. Carrying local currency ensures you won’t miss out on spontaneous experiences just because you can’t pay on the spot.
4. Tipping Culture
Tipping customs vary around the world, but in many places, it’s customary to leave cash tips for hotel staff, drivers, and tour guides—even if the service itself was paid by card. Having small bills in the local currency ensures you can show your appreciation and support these hard workers.
5. Emergencies
Power outages, poor internet, or technical glitches can render card machines useless. Having cash as a backup ensures you can easily pay for any food, transportation, or medical expenses.
6. Avoiding Fees & Fraud
Using your credit card abroad comes with hefty foreign transaction fees or dynamic currency conversion fees. These small charges can add up, especially when the fee is more than the price of the cup of coffee. Paying in cash helps you avoid the extra costs and gives you more control over your spending
7. Remote Areas and Small Towns
While major cities are increasingly card-friendly, rural areas or off-the-beaten path destinations often aren’t. You may find yourself in a charming village cafe, doing an outdoor excursion, or at a countryside guest house where cash is the only option.
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Currency Exchange International (CXI) is a leading provider of foreign currency exchange services in North America for financial institutions, corporations, and travelers. Products and services for international travelers include access to buy and sell more than 80 foreign currencies, gold bullion coins and bars. For financial institutions, our services include the exchange of foreign currencies, international wire transfers, purchase and sale of foreign bank drafts, international traveler’s cheques, and foreign cheque clearing through the use of CXI’s innovative CEIFX web-based FX software www.ceifx.com
