Travel money in Europe: Best cards, ATMs & cash tips
Navigating money across the Eurozone and beyond: how to handle euros, non-euro currencies, and the best cards for a multi-country European trip.
Overview
Europe is one of the easiest continents for card-based travel spending — contactless is universal, ATMs are plentiful, and the Euro simplifies multi-country trips. But there are important nuances: non-euro countries (UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, etc.) require local currencies, some German and Austrian businesses are surprisingly cash-only, and Dynamic Currency Conversion traps lurk at every ATM and card terminal. A good multi-currency card plus a no-FX-fee credit card will cover 95% of European travel spending.
Best card combination for Europe
Wise multi-currency card (hold EUR + spend in non-euro countries with on-the-fly conversion)
Travel credit card with no FX fees for hotels, car rentals, and large purchases
Wise gives you mid-market rates for EUR and 50+ currencies, making it perfect for multi-country Europe trips where you'll hit non-euro countries. A backup credit card handles pre-authorizations (hotel, rental car) that debit cards sometimes struggle with, and earns rewards on big purchases.
Card acceptance
Excellent in most of Europe. Contactless payments are standard — you can tap your card or phone for almost everything. Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland) are nearly cashless. UK and Netherlands are strongly card-first. Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Greece) has good card coverage but small cafes and markets may prefer cash. Germany and Austria are the outliers — many restaurants, beer gardens, and smaller shops are cash-only. Always carry €50-100 in cash in Germany/Austria.
ATM tips
Use bank-owned ATMs (not independent Euronet ATMs — they charge high fees and offer terrible DCC rates). Most European bank ATMs don't charge operator fees for foreign cards (your card issuer's fees still apply). Avoid ATMs in tourist zones, inside convenience stores, or standalone in nightlife areas — these often have high fees. Withdraw euros from bank ATMs in larger amounts to minimize per-use fees from your card issuer.
Cash culture
Rapidly declining. Most urban Europeans under 40 rarely carry cash. However, Germany, Austria, and parts of Italy remain cash-strong. Always have a small amount of local currency as backup — especially on Sundays and public holidays when some ATMs run out. Farmers' markets and Christmas markets are typically cash-only.
Tipping
Varies by country. Generally 5-10% in restaurants for good service, but not as institutionalized as the US. In France and Italy, service is usually included (servizio incluso / service compris) — rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. In Germany and Austria, round up to the nearest euro or tip 5-10%. No tipping at pubs in the UK/Ireland (but 'one for yourself' for the bartender is a nice gesture).
Typical costs
Prices are approximate and based on mid-2026 data. Actual costs vary by season, location, and exchange rates. Always check current rates with your card provider.
Top money tips for Europe
Frequently asked questions
Should I get euros before traveling to Europe?
Not necessary for most travelers. ATMs at European airports (bank-owned, not Euronet) offer competitive rates. Ordering euros from your home bank usually comes with a 5-8% markup. If you want peace of mind, bring €100-200 exchanged before departure, but use ATMs for the rest. The exception: if your home currency is volatile, pre-loading EUR on Wise locks in the rate.
How do I handle countries that don't use the euro?
A multi-currency card like Wise handles this seamlessly. Even if you haven't pre-loaded Czech Koruna or Swiss Francs, Wise converts at the mid-market rate with a small fee (0.35-1.5%). You don't need to carry six different currencies — one good card covers all of them. For small amounts, withdrawing local currency from a bank ATM with your multi-currency card is efficient.
Is contactless payment universal in Europe?
Nearly universal in Western and Northern Europe. You can tap your card or phone for almost everything — even small purchases like a €1.50 coffee. Eastern Europe is rapidly catching up but some smaller shops and rural areas still prefer cash. Always have a physical card as backup — some older terminals don't support contactless.
Last updated: 2026-07-11. Exchange rates, fees, and acceptance patterns change. Always verify with your card provider and check local conditions before traveling.