Why Carrying Some Cash Still Matters
Even in destinations where card payments are common, small vendors, local transport and tipping situations often still expect cash. Carrying a reasonable amount of local currency for your first day or two, before you've settled in, avoids the stress of hunting for an exchange counter or ATM right after landing. It's generally wise not to carry your entire budget in cash, though, for safety reasons.
What a Forex Card Adds
A forex card lets you lock in an exchange rate in advance and load multiple currencies, which protects you from currency fluctuations during your trip. It's also safer than carrying large amounts of cash, since a lost or stolen card can be blocked immediately. For bigger expenses like hotels or shopping, a forex card is usually more convenient and easier to track than cash.
- Carry some local cash for your first day or two
- Use a forex card for larger, trackable expenses
- Forex cards can be blocked immediately if lost or stolen
- Locking in a rate in advance protects against currency swings
- Avoid carrying your entire trip budget as cash