Card acceptance is broad in most destinations, but not universal, and some situations still call for cash: small vendors, rural areas, tips and local transport.
The details that cost money are foreign transaction fees, dynamic currency conversion at the point of sale, and ATM withdrawal charges.
What to check
- Carry two cards from different networks, stored separately
- Decline conversion to your home currency when a terminal offers it
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce fixed ATM fees
- Keep a small cash reserve for arrival day
- Tell your bank your travel dates if their system requires it
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