Cash or Card Abroad: A Country-by-Country Guide for 2026

The Cash-Card Balance

The question of whether to carry cash or rely on cards while travelling used to have a simple answer: carry both. Today, the answer depends heavily on your destination. In Stockholm, you can go weeks without touching a physical banknote. In parts of rural Morocco or Indonesia, cash is still the only option.

This guide breaks down payment preferences across major travel destinations based on actual conditions in mid-2026. The information is drawn from traveller reports, payment industry data, and observations about infrastructure and cultural norms. Individual businesses may differ, and conditions change, so always verify before relying entirely on one payment method.

Nordic Countries: Nearly Cashless

Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland have moved further toward cashless societies than anywhere else in the world. In Sweden, many bank branches no longer handle cash at all, and some businesses legally refuse cash payments. You can pay for a hot dog from a street vendor in Stockholm by card or Swish (the local mobile payment app).

Card acceptance is universal. Contactless payments are the default. You might go an entire trip without seeing a banknote. Keep a small amount of local currency — equivalent to USD 50–100 — for the unlikely event you encounter a cash-only situation, but do not expect to use it.

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work everywhere contactless cards work, which is everywhere. There is no practical need to download local payment apps as a short-term visitor.

United Kingdom: Cards Rule, Cash Exists

The UK is overwhelmingly card-friendly. Contactless payments are the norm — London’s entire public transport network, including buses, the Tube, and even black cabs, accepts contactless. Pubs, market stalls, and small corner shops almost universally take cards.

Cash is still useful in specific contexts: some independent market stalls, particularly in smaller towns; church jumble sales and village fetes; barber shops and small independent hairdressers; and adding a cash tip (though service charges are increasingly included).

Carry GBP 50–100 in cash. Withdraw from any Link-network bank ATM, which is free. Avoid the independent ATMs in corner shops and pubs that charge GBP 1.50–2.50.

Western Europe: Card-Dominant with Cash Pockets

In France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland, cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Contactless is common. Small cafes, bakeries, and market stalls may have minimum card amounts — typically EUR 5–10 in France and EUR 10–15 in Germany.

Germany is notably more cash-friendly than its neighbours. A surprising number of restaurants, especially traditional ones, remain cash-only. Bakeries, beer gardens, and smaller shops may not take cards at all. Carry EUR 100–200 in cash when visiting Germany outside major cities. In Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, card acceptance is much higher.

Switzerland uses Swiss francs (CHF) and is generally card-friendly, but some mountain huts and small village shops remain cash-only. CHF 100 in cash is a sensible reserve.

Southern Europe: Cards Growing, Cash Still King in Places

Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece have rapidly adopted card payments in the last five years. In major cities and tourist areas, cards are accepted almost everywhere. However, cash remains important outside city centres.

In Italy, small family-run trattorias, gelaterias, and market stalls in smaller towns often prefer cash. Some may have a card machine but say it is “broken” — this can genuinely happen, but it is also a way to avoid card processing fees. Carry EUR 100–150 in Italy.

In Greece, the situation improved dramatically after capital controls forced electronic payment adoption. Most businesses in Athens, Thessaloniki, and tourist islands accept cards. In very small villages on less-visited islands, cash is still preferred. Carry EUR 100.

Spain and Portugal are similar: cards work nearly everywhere in major cities and the Algarve/Costa del Sol, but smaller inland towns and villages may have cash-only businesses. EUR 100 in cash is a safe bet.

Japan: Cash Declining Fast but Still Present

Japan’s relationship with cash has transformed. Before the pandemic, cash was dominant. Today, cards and electronic payments are widespread in cities, convenience stores, chain restaurants, and most shops.

However, important cash-only holdouts remain: many smaller ramen shops and traditional restaurants use ticket vending machines that only accept cash; temple and shrine entrance fees are often cash-only; some rural ryokan (traditional inns) prefer cash; and local buses in smaller cities may not accept IC cards.

Carry JPY 20,000–40,000 in cash (approximately USD 130–260). Replenish at 7-Eleven (7Bank) or Japan Post ATMs, which accept foreign cards reliably. Suica and Pasmo IC cards, which you can load onto an iPhone via Apple Wallet, cover most urban public transport and convenience store payments.

Southeast Asia: Mixed and Rapidly Changing

Thailand: Cards are accepted at hotels, shopping malls, chain restaurants, and upscale establishments. Street food, markets, local buses, tuk-tuks, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. Carry THB 2,000–5,000 in cash. ATMs charge THB 220 per withdrawal.

Vietnam: Cash remains dominant outside international hotels and high-end restaurants. Street food, local markets, taxis, and most everyday transactions require cash. Carry VND 1,000,000–2,000,000. ATMs are widely available with withdrawal fees of VND 30,000–60,000.

Indonesia (Bali): Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas of Bali. Outside the tourist zones, cash is essential. Carry IDR 500,000–1,000,000. ATM fees are IDR 25,000–50,000 per withdrawal.

Singapore: Almost entirely cashless. Cards and mobile payments like PayNow are ubiquitous. SGD 50–100 in cash covers the rare hawker stall that has not adopted electronic payments — but most now take them.

Malaysia: Cards work in cities and malls. Cash is needed for street food, night markets, and rural areas. Carry MYR 200–400.

Middle East

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Extremely card-friendly. Everything from taxis to souks accepts cards. Carry AED 200–500 for very small purchases.

Turkey: Cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, coastal resorts, and major cities. In smaller towns, central Anatolia, and at local markets, cash is preferred. Carry TRY 1,000–2,000. ATMs are everywhere and fees are low.

Latin America

Mexico: Cards are widely accepted in cities, tourist zones, resorts, and chain businesses. Small towns, local markets, colectivos (shared vans), and street vendors require cash. Carry MXN 1,000–2,000. Withdraw from major bank ATMs.

Colombia: Cards are growing but cash is still widely used. In Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, many businesses accept cards. In smaller towns and for street food and local transport, cash is essential. Carry COP 200,000–400,000.

Argentina: Cash is essential due to economic volatility. Many small businesses prefer cash, and the “blue dollar” informal exchange rate makes cash transactions more attractive. ATMs have low withdrawal limits and high fees. Carry USD in cash and exchange as needed. Research current conditions carefully before travel, as the situation changes frequently.

Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are overwhelmingly card-friendly. Contactless is near-universal. You can travel for weeks without touching cash. Keep AUD/NZD 50–100 for the rare market stall or small cafe without a terminal.

Farmers’ markets in both countries increasingly accept cards, but some individual stallholders remain cash-only. Parking meters in some rural towns still require coins. These are small, specific exceptions.

North America

United States: Card acceptance is near-universal in urban and suburban areas. Cash is preferred or required at some food trucks, farmers’ markets, and very small independent shops. Some restaurants and bars are cash-only by choice. Carry USD 100–200.

Canada: Similar to the US but with even higher contactless adoption. Carry CAD 100 in cash. Interac is widely used for debit.

Bottom Line

The global trend is unambiguous: cards are displacing cash everywhere. In 2026, the majority of international travellers can cover 80–100% of their spending by card in most destinations. The remaining cash-only situations cluster in small, independent businesses, rural areas, and informal economies.

Carry a modest amount of local currency — enough for a day or two of typical spending — and rely on cards for everything else. This balances convenience, security, and cost. If you run low on cash, withdraw from a major bank ATM during business hours when support is available if something goes wrong.

Last updated: July 2026. Payment acceptance varies by individual business within each destination. Conditions can change rapidly. Verify current payment practices for your specific destinations and accommodations before travel. Currency amounts are approximate and based on mid-2026 exchange rates. This does not constitute financial advice.