Before heading abroad, it's better to combine cash and a bank card rather than relying entirely on one or the other. Here's how to strike the right balance depending on your destination.
Bank card abroad: convenient, but not free of charges
The bank card remains the simplest tool for paying for purchases and withdrawing money in most countries. It saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and offers welcome security: if it's lost or stolen, you can have it blocked within minutes. It's also the most suitable option for major expenses such as hotels, car rentals or restaurants.
Be careful, however, of bank charges abroad, which are often underestimated. Outside the euro zone, your bank generally applies:
- a currency exchange commission on each payment or withdrawal (frequently in the range of 2 to 3% of the amount, depending on your bank);
- fixed fees per withdrawal at the ATM, which make small withdrawals barely worthwhile;
- sometimes a surcharge applied by the local ATM itself.
Be wary too of "dynamic currency conversion": when a terminal offers to let you pay in euros rather than in the local currency, the rate applied is almost always unfavourable. Always choose the country's currency.
Cash: essential, especially outside major cities
Many travellers think a card is enough everywhere. That's a common mistake. In many destinations, paying in cash remains the norm: markets, taxis, small shops, tips, local transport, tourist sites without a payment terminal. Outside major cities, and in several countries in Africa, Asia or Latin America, cash is often the only option accepted.
Keeping cash on hand offers several concrete advantages:
- you're not stuck if an ATM is out of order, nowhere to be found, or refuses your card;
- you stay in control of your budget, with no nasty surprises on your statement;
- you avoid piling up small withdrawal fees over and over.
The ideal approach is to prepare part of your budget in local currency before you leave. This saves you from hunting for a currency exchange office on arrival, where airport rates are rarely advantageous. At Paris Change, we offer the purchase and sale of more than 53 currencies, which you can reserve online and then come and collect in store, ready to use on your departure day.
How much cash should you plan for your trip?
There's no universal figure: it all depends on the destination, the length of your stay and your travel style. A few common-sense pointers:
- Short city break: plan enough to cover transport, meals and small purchases for the first few days, with the rest going on your card.
- Countries where cash dominates: count on a much larger share in cash, spreading the notes across several places.
- In every case: keep an emergency reserve, separate from the rest, in case of a problem with your card.
The golden rule is diversification: never put all your payment methods in the same place. One card on you, one card in reserve, and cash spread out greatly limit the consequences of a theft or loss.
The right strategy: combine the two
Pitting cash against card doesn't really make sense: the two are complementary. The card covers big expenses and serves as a safety net; cash handles day-to-day needs and situations where technology lets you down. By exchanging part of your money in advance, you arrive with peace of mind, at the day's rate, without depending on local ATMs or your bank's fees.
Paris Change is a currency exchange office approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. We exchange more than 53 currencies commission-free, and our shop is open 7 days a week: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. You can even prepare for your trip at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to exchange your currency before leaving or on arrival?
Exchanging part of your budget before departure spares you the often unfavourable airport rates and the risk of not finding an ATM on arrival. You can reserve your currencies online and collect them in store at a time that suits you.
What charges should you expect with a bank card abroad?
Outside the euro zone, expect a currency exchange commission on payments and withdrawals, as well as fixed fees per withdrawal. Always decline the conversion to euros offered by terminals and pay in the local currency.
How much cash should you take?
It depends on the destination and the length of your stay. Plan at least enough to cover your first few days plus an emergency reserve, spreading your notes across several places for greater security.
Prepare for your next trip with complete peace of mind: reserve your currencies online or come and see us at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, open 7 days a week, to exchange your money commission-free at the day's rate.
