Money can be used to solve oh so many problems in life and especially while traveling. Shit happens, and you need to be able to act. Or sometimes you’re just sleepy or feeling like a sweet little treat and you simply need to spend.
For that reason, have a lot of ways to pay for stuff. Lots of ways. Every single one listed below. You’d be surprised how often you need to get creative with how to give people money. I hope this helps!!!
- Local currency & USD backup
- Some countries hate cards and you need cold hard local cash
- In some countries you need to have USD to use ex. Cuba
- Also you can always exchange USD, so it is a very useful backup
- 2 Debit cards
- One being Schwab bc of the ATM fee rebate
- One preferably one of the international ones like Wise or Revolut
- Some places hate cards and cash so you need debit (looking at you Netherlands)
- As many credit cards as you have
- Spread across your bags and wallets
- Visa is generally best but options are always good
- Paypal and/or Zelle and/or Venmo
- Venmo only works in America so just cry about it and then get over it
- Have cards in your phone e-wallet too
- In a place like the UK you won’t need cash at all, just tap that phone baby
Misc related payment tips
- Use credit cards whenever possible if you’re American bc of the pointzzz
- I recommend keeping one of each option above on you when you are out and about
- When withdrawing money from an ATM, accept their necessary ATM fee but reject their conversion rate since your bank’s will be better
- If a restaurant asks if you want to be charged in USD or the local currency, choose local
I hope this helps! For more tips and tricks, check out this trip prep guide 🙂