With so many transactions going contactless or through mobile pay services, more and more people are going on holiday abroad without any cash.
However this could be a mistake that ends up causing a headache and costing holidaymakers money, a travel expert has said.
In a survey by Be Clever With Your Cash, 39% of respondents said they had been caught out without cash.
While prepaid cards and contactless payment methods cover many payments, some circumstances still require coins and notes, such as tipping in taxis or shopping at small retailers which may not accept foreign cards or mobile transactions.
Those who venture beyond large cities and into more rural areas can also run into trouble, as these areas are less likely to be equipped to accept digital payments.
But it’s not just the trouble of being unable to pay for a meal or tip a waiter. Leaving the cash at home can actually rack up a sizable bill.
This is because ATMs abroad routinely charge fees for transactions involving overseas bank accounts and cards.
And for those looking to change money into the local currency, change bureaus can also leave you out of pocket.
Holidaymakers who need to exchange money are advised to plan ahead, with airport exchange desks often offering worse rates than their high street counterparts.
Even where card payments are accepted, it’s a good idea to check your card’s policies on overseas payments and currency conversion before setting off.
Travellers should also check their insurance, with many policies offering cover for stolen or lost cash while abroad.
A total of 91% of annual and 86% of single trip policies included cash cover as standard, research by Defaqto found.
Money expert Amelia Murray from Be Clever With Your Cash said that many holidaymakers have a ‘blind spot’ on cash.
‘Many people assume that having a fee-free card is enough, but that can be a false economy if you end up using an ATM abroad that charges or get stung by poor exchange rates’, she said.
‘It’s not about carrying wads of cash, it’s about being prepared for those moments when a card simply won’t cut it.’
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