Three steps to cheaper travel spending
1. Pick your destination
Every destination has different money rules. Japan is cash-heavy; Sweden is nearly cashless. We break down what works where.
2. Compare products
Wise vs Revolut vs prepaid vs credit — we compare exchange rates, fees, and features so you can pick the right card.
3. Travel with confidence
Know which ATMs to use, how to avoid hidden fees, and when to use cash vs card. Save $50-200+ per trip.
Find the right travel money product
From multi-currency accounts to travel credit cards, we compare the options so you don't have to.
Wise
Multi-Currency Digital AccountHold 50+ currencies, spend in 200+ countries with the real mid-market exchange rate. The most popular travel money card for international travelers.
Revolut
Digital Banking & Multi-CurrencyAll-in-one financial app with competitive FX rates, budgeting tools, and premium travel perks on paid plans. Great for frequent travelers who want extras.
Multi-Currency Travel Cards
Product Category GuideYour complete guide to multi-currency cards: how they work, who they're best for, and how to pick the right one for your travel style.
Prepaid Travel Cards
Product Category GuideLoad a fixed amount of foreign currency before you travel. Prepaid cards lock in your exchange rate and help you stick to a travel budget.
Travel Credit Cards
Product Category GuideThe best credit cards for international travel: zero foreign transaction fees, travel rewards, and premium perks. Find the right card for your spending habits.
Overseas ATM Withdrawals
Product Category GuideHow to get cash abroad without paying excessive fees. Compare ATM networks, bank partnerships, and cards that minimize overseas withdrawal costs.
What's the best way to pay in...
Every country has different money rules. We've researched the best cards, ATMs, and cash strategies for popular destinations.
Japan
Japanese Yen (JPY / ¥)Japan is a cash-first society despite its tech reputation. Know which cards work, where to find fee-free ATMs, and how to handle cash-heavy transactions.
Europe
Euro (EUR / €) in 20 countries + local currencies in non-EurozoneNavigating money across the Eurozone and beyond: how to handle euros, non-euro currencies, and the best cards for a multi-country European trip.
Southeast Asia
Multiple — Thai Baht (THB), Vietnamese Dong (VND), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Philippine Peso (PHP), Cambodian Riel (KHR), Lao Kip (LAK)A mixed bag of cash economies and digital-savvy cities. How to handle a dozen currencies, find fee-free ATMs, and avoid the $6-8 per-withdrawal trap.
Cards vs Cash vs ATM: Which costs least?
See side-by-side comparisons of every way to spend abroad. Find out which method saves you the most on your next trip.
Compare all optionsFrequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to spend money abroad?
For most travelers, a multi-currency debit card (like Wise or Revolut) combined with a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card is the cheapest combo. The multi-currency card gives you near mid-market exchange rates and free/low-cost ATM withdrawals. The credit card handles large purchases, hotel deposits, and earns rewards. Avoid: exchanging cash at airports (5-10% markup), using your regular bank debit card abroad (2.5-4% FX fee + $3-5 ATM fee), and accepting Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — always pay in local currency.
Which is better: Wise or Revolut for travel?
For pure FX savings: Wise. It always uses the mid-market rate with no weekend markup, supports 50+ currencies (vs Revolut's 30), and has transparent flat-fee pricing. For an all-in-one travel financial tool: Revolut Premium. It includes travel insurance, lounge access (on Metal/Ultra), budgeting tools, and unlimited FX (on paid plans). Many travelers carry both: Wise for currency conversion and ATM withdrawals, Revolut for daily spending and perks.
How much cash should I bring abroad?
It depends entirely on the destination. For card-friendly countries (UK, Nordics, Australia, Singapore): $50-100 equivalent as backup. For mixed countries (France, Spain, Thailand): $100-200. For cash-heavy countries (Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Morocco): $200-400. Always use ATMs in your destination to get local currency rather than exchanging large amounts before departure — airport exchange desks and home-bank currency orders typically cost 5-8% more than ATM withdrawals with a good travel card.