In many countries you can now pay almost everywhere by card, iPhone or Apple Watch. Going completely cash-free is still rare: for a late-night taxi, coffee at the bar, the market or a tip. The basics of paying by card are in our money abroad guide – this one is about cash.
How much cash?
- For arrival: a small amount in local currency for a taxi, a snack and tips is usually enough.
- The rest from an ATM: exchange offices at the airport and at home often have poor rates.
- Split it up: don't carry all your cash and cards in one place – a spare card belongs in your suitcase or the hotel safe.
- Declare large amounts: when entering or leaving the EU, cash of €10,000 or more must be declared to customs.
Withdrawing cash cheaply
- Use bank ATMs: ideally inside or right next to a bank branch. Stand-alone third-party ATMs in tourist areas often charge high fees.
- Decline the conversion: if the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, always choose the local currency (“decline conversion”). Otherwise the ATM operator uses a poor rate.
- Know the fees: there may be your bank's fee, a foreign transaction fee outside your currency area and an operator fee, which is shown before the cash comes out.
- Fewer, larger withdrawals: fixed fees per withdrawal then only apply once.
- Debit or credit card? Cash on a credit card is often expensive – a fee plus interest from day one. Check your card's terms first.
- Visa and Mastercard work at most ATMs worldwide, American Express not everywhere.
Within the euro area, a card from another euro country usually has no foreign transaction fees. Some ATM operators still charge their own fee – it's shown before the cash comes out, so look for another ATM.
Tipping: what's usual where
| Country | Restaurant | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 18–22% | Tips are part of wages. Also usual at the bar ($1–2 per drink), in taxis and for housekeeping. |
| Canada | 15–20% | Similar to the US; card terminals often suggest percentages. |
| United Kingdom | 10–12.5% | If a “service charge” is already on the bill, the tip is included. |
| France | round up | “Service compris” – service is included. A few euros extra for good service. |
| Italy | round up | “Coperto” (cover charge) is often on the bill. A little extra is nice but not expected. |
| Spain and Portugal | round up to 10% | Small amounts are common, big tips aren't. |
| Japan | no tipping | Tipping is unusual and can even cause confusion – good service is a given. |
| Turkey | 5–10% | Usual in restaurants; round up in taxis. |
These are rules of thumb – if in doubt, watch what locals do or ask at your hotel.
Read more
- Money abroad: cards, cash and exchange rates
- Public transport with Apple Pay: Express Mode in London, New York and Japan
- eSIM abroad: mobile data without roaming shock
After landing, Voynera's arrival briefing shows you what matters at your destination – and your card benefits are always with you in the app.
As of November 2026 · without guarantee · Quellen: Zoll (Barmittelanmeldung), Verordnung (EU) 2021/1230; Trinkgeld: Faustregeln – ohne Gewähr