The modern wallet is increasingly digital, with most everyday purchases made by card or mobile payment. But even those who rarely carry cash at home should consider arriving overseas with some local currency.
Why? Because travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Having a bit of cash on hand is one of the simplest ways you can prepare for the unexpected.
Payment habits vary widely from country to country. Having cash to cover immediate expenses like tips, snacks or transportation is practical, and sometimes necessary.
11 Reasons to Carry Cash When Traveling
- Card terminals can malfunction and internet connections can be unreliable.
- Public transportation often requires cash. Buses, trams and even some metro systems in smaller cities may not accept cards or may require exact change.
- Tipping customs vary. In many countries, tips for hotel staff, guides or drivers are expected in cash, even if you paid for the service by card.
- You may need small denominations. Paying with large bills can be difficult in markets, taxis or rural areas where vendors may not have change.
- Street markets and local vendors are usually cash-only. Some of the most memorable travel experiences like food stalls, artisan markets and pop-up shops don’t accept cards.
- Emergency situations are easier to navigate. Whether it’s a delayed train, a last-minute taxi or a need to quickly change plans, cash can save valuable time.
- Avoiding foreign transaction hiccups. Even when your card should work internationally, fraud alerts or security blocks can temporarily freeze access.
- Rural and remote destinations may have limited banking access. ATMs can be scarce or unreliable outside major cities.
- Split payments and group travel are simpler. Cash makes it easy to divide costs for shared expenses like taxis, tips or small purchases.
- Some places add surcharges for card use. Paying in cash can help you avoid extra fees at smaller establishments.
- Privacy and peace of mind. Cash transactions don’t rely on networks or devices, which can be reassuring when you’re navigating unfamiliar places.
It Pays to Be Prepared
Getting cash before your departure is easy with AAA foreign currency exchange services. AAA offers more than 80 types of foreign currency, so you can be ready for everything from taxis to souvenir shopping.
Members can order foreign currency up to $3,000 at their local AAA branch, with most orders delivered within three days. Keep in mind that requests for currency for smaller nations or less commonly traveled destinations may take longer to process. Orders of more than $300 U.S. are shipped free.
AAA recommends budgeting $50 to $100 U.S. dollars’ worth of foreign currency per person, per day.
Purchasing currency in advance saves you time when you arrive and helps you avoid airport lines, unfavorable exchange rates and the high fees commonly charged when exchanging money abroad.
If you have foreign currency left when you return, AAA can also buy it back, but it only if it was purchased from AAA. Members can sell back a maximum of $1,000 U.S. per day. Coins cannot be returned.
Leave with added peace of mind. Learn more about AAA foreign currency exchange.
Last updated on May 13, 2026 by AAA Staff
Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.
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