The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1
No-fee card plus local cash: the winning duo
Pay as much as possible by card (secure, good rate) and keep cash for markets, taxis and tips.
- 2
Always refuse DCC
When a terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, say no. The local Visa/Mastercard conversion is always cheaper.
- 3
Withdraw big, not small
One 300-dollar withdrawal incurs fewer fixed fees than six 50-dollar ones. Space your withdrawals out.
- 4
Exchange the minimum at the airport
Airport exchange desks have the worst rates. Just enough to last a few hours, then use a city ATM.
- 5
Tell your bank before you leave
An unusual charge abroad can block the card. A quick note in the app or a call avoids the nasty surprise.
Ways to pay when travelling
A comparison of the options for managing money abroad, with typical fees and the right way to use each.
| Method | Typical fees | Best for | Tip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card payment (no-fee) | 0 to 1 percent with a neobank, 2 to 3 percent with a traditional bank | Most spending: hotels, restaurants, shops | Check the no-foreign-fee feature before you leave | |
| ATM withdrawal | Fixed fee 0 to 5 USD plus local operator fee | Getting cash at a fair rate once on the ground | Withdraw large amounts, refuse DCC, avoid Euronet machines | |
| Cash | No usage fee, but a poor exchange rate | Markets, taxis, tips, small shops, rural areas | Always carry a little, broken into small notes | |
| Exchange bureau | 5 to 15 percent margin on the rate | Backup, or using up leftover cash | Compare with the real rate, avoid airports and stations | |
| Data eSIM (for banking apps) | 5 to 30 USD for the trip | Authenticating payments and tracking accounts | Connection needed to validate a transaction via app |
Our sources
FAQ
Should I exchange money before leaving or once I arrive? +
Once you arrive, in the vast majority of cases. A local ATM gives you the Visa/Mastercard network rate, far better than an exchange bureau back home. Only change a small amount before you go (50 to 150 USD) for the taxi and first expenses, especially if you land at night or in a cash-heavy country.
What is DCC and why should I refuse it? +
DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) is when a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency instead of the local one. It looks reassuring, but the merchant or ATM then sets a rate 3 to 7 percent worse. Always choose the local currency: your bank applies the network rate, which is far better value.
How much cash should I carry when travelling? +
Plan for the equivalent of 50 to 150 USD in local currency to start (transfers, first meal, tips). Withdraw the rest from ATMs as the trip goes on. Adjust to the destination: in a highly digital country (Northern Europe, South Korea) little cash is needed; in cash-dominant areas (rural Southeast Asia, Africa) bring more.
Which bank card should I use to travel without fees? +
A card with no foreign exchange fees: neobanks like Wise, Revolut or N26 apply the interbank rate with almost no markup on weekdays. Several US cards (Chase Sapphire, Capital One) also waive foreign transaction fees. A traditional card often charges 2 to 3 percent per transaction. See our guide to the best travel bank cards.
Should I tell my bank before going abroad? +
Yes. An unusual charge on the other side of the world can trigger a security block. Flag your dates and destinations via the app or an adviser, and note the international lost-card number. Travelling with two separate payment methods (two cards on different networks) is the best insurance against a block.
How do I avoid ATM fees abroad? +
Three reflexes: withdraw large amounts at once to dilute the fixed fees, refuse DCC (choose local currency), and use real bank ATMs rather than independent machines like Euronet, which apply abusive fees and rates. Some neobanks refund or cap withdrawal fees.
How much should I tip in different countries? +
It varies widely. United States and Canada: 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, this is expected. Europe: service is often included, round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good service. Southeast Asia: 5 to 10 percent is appreciated but not required. Japan, China, Korea: no tipping, it can even cause discomfort. Check each destination's practical page.
Is it risky to pay for everything by card abroad? +
No, it is often the safest and best-priced method. But always keep some cash: certain shops, taxis, markets or rural areas take cash only, and a card can be blocked or declined. The golden rule: never rely on a single payment method.
What do I do with leftover local currency at the end of the trip? +
Spend it first (souvenirs, airport snacks, tips). Coins cannot be exchanged back and bureaus take a heavy margin on notes. Keep a small note as a souvenir if you like, or drop the coins in the charity collection points found in many airports.
Marie Laurent
Verified authorSoutheast Asia specialist ยท 12 years experience.
๐ Updated: June 10, 2026 ยท โ Verified by 3 experts