When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (2024)

When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (1)Ordering foreign currency is easy with OnlineFX.

Order Foreign Currency

Your international travel date is quickly approaching with exciting details completed: excursions booked, hotels meticulously planned, and your travel route crystal clear, but someone asks—are you bringing foreign currency on your trip?

Thisquestion is one that US travelers don’t track as closely, and is possibly one of the last thoughts most consider when planning a trip.

Bringing foreign cash, and how much to bring, is as important as making sure your credit card providers know you are traveling internationally. Foreign currency enables you to pay like a local, provides an important backup payment method, and is the most common payment for small transactions.

Use cash in addition to your card while traveling abroad to ease your payment worries. This ensures you have a secure backup payment, and you're ready to buy how you want when you want.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Foreign Currency Abroad?

While merchants love accepting cash, cash is also the most accepted payment worldwide. Cash is a secure payment with no reliance on technology and card processors. While card security protections are designed to protect your account by quickly locking your card when suspicious activity occurs, this is not easy to deal with when traveling.

Being stuck in an unfamiliar environment, navigating how to pay for your next meal or have your family wire money, is time-consuming. Therefore, having foreign currency in your wallet is an important complement to your credit card on your travels.

What Are the Pros of Using Cash While Traveling Abroad?

The top two reasons leisure travelers venture out internationally are to experience the local culture and shopping. World-renowned markets like the Borough Market in London, Le Marché Monge in Paris, or the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul give you access to amazing local food, unique clothing, and exposure to other goods you’ll never find anywhere else.

Along with shopping, think about your transportation needs, how you plan to move around cities, and where you’ll be eating. Taxis, cafés, gifts, and street fare are common small-ticket items typically paid in cash.

Many international merchants prefer cash, since credit card processing fees and exchange rates affect their profit. Consumers can help cut out those costs by paying with cash. Thus, the vendors are more willing to negotiate on the price of goods or services. And who doesn’t like to brag about the deal they got?

Here are some additional pros to having foreign currency while traveling abroad:

When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (2)

Cash is king, credit card machines can still be unreliable in many areas

When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (3)

Paying for tips and splitting bills is easy with cash

When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (4)

Having cash for small transactions ensures you're not continuously exposing cards


Planning your travel wallet will save you time, headaches, and money. With foreign currency as a staple in your travel wallet, you’re a travel pro.

7 Tips You Need to Know for International Travel >

About Currency Exchange International
Currency Exchange International (CXI) is a leading provider of foreign currency exchange services in North America for financial institutions, corporations and travelers. Products and services for international travelers include access to buy and sell more than 90 foreign currencies, traveler’s cheques and gold bullion coins and bars. For financial institutions and corporations, our services include the exchange of foreign currencies, international wire transfers, global EFT, the purchase and sale of foreign bank drafts, international traveler’s cheques, and foreign cheque clearing through the use of CXI’s innovative CEIFX web-based FX software www.ceifx.com

Disclaimer: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsem*nt.

As an enthusiast and expert in international travel and foreign currency management, I've accumulated extensive knowledge and practical experience in the intricacies of navigating financial matters while abroad. I understand the nuances of currency exchange, the benefits of carrying foreign currency, and the importance of having a well-rounded approach to financial preparedness during international trips.

Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article "Ordering foreign currency is easy with OnlineFX" and explore the key aspects of managing finances while traveling:

  1. Order Foreign Currency:

    • This implies the process of obtaining foreign currency before embarking on an international trip.
    • The article suggests that ordering foreign currency can be done easily with OnlineFX, presumably an online platform or service for currency exchange.
  2. Benefits of Taking Foreign Currency Abroad:

    • The article highlights the advantages of carrying foreign currency, emphasizing its acceptance worldwide.
    • Foreign currency allows travelers to pay like locals, serves as a secure backup payment method, and is commonly used for small transactions.
    • Unlike credit cards, cash transactions don't rely on technology and card processors, providing a level of security in unfamiliar environments.
  3. Pros of Using Cash While Traveling Abroad:

    • The article discusses the top reasons for international travel, such as experiencing local culture and shopping.
    • Cash is touted as the most widely accepted payment method, particularly in markets and small transactions.
    • Merchants often prefer cash to avoid credit card processing fees and exchange rate fluctuations, potentially leading to better deals for consumers.
  4. Additional Pros of Having Foreign Currency:

    • Cash is considered more reliable than credit card machines in certain areas.
    • Cash facilitates easy payment for tips and splitting bills.
    • Having cash for small transactions minimizes the continuous exposure of credit cards.
  5. Currency Exchange International (CXI):

    • The article mentions Currency Exchange International (CXI) as a leading provider of foreign currency exchange services in North America.
    • CXI offers services for financial institutions, corporations, and travelers, including buying and selling more than 90 foreign currencies, traveler’s cheques, and gold bullion coins and bars.
    • Services for financial institutions and corporations include foreign currency exchange, international wire transfers, global EFT, and more.

In conclusion, managing finances during international travel involves strategic planning, and the article emphasizes the importance of having both credit cards and foreign currency. It suggests that a balanced approach, including the use of foreign cash, can enhance the overall travel experience, providing convenience, security, and potentially better deals for consumers.

When to Bring Cash When Traveling Abroad - Currency Exchange International, Corp. (2024)
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