How much money to take abroad: cash, cards, and currency

Financial mistakes abroad can ruin your trip and increase your expenses. It is important to know how to prepare cash, cards, and online payments. Learn more about how to avoid unnecessary expenses and not be left without money abroad

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peace of mind while traveling outside Ukraine

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Before traveling abroad, it is important to consider not only your itinerary, accommodation, and documents, but also financial issues. Properly organized payments will help you avoid unnecessary expenses, commissions, and stressful situations while traveling.

Below are some basic tips to consider before leaving.

Money abroad: what to take with you and how to avoid unnecessary expenses

Cash

It is not worth relying solely on cards. A small amount of cash will come in handy in the first hours after arrival or in situations where cashless payments are not available (public transport, small purchases, tips).

Recommended amount:

100–300 euros or the equivalent in the currency of the country you are visiting.

At the same time, you should not take the entire amount in cash — it is dangerous, inconvenient, and often economically disadvantageous. It is better to keep most of your money on cards.

Bank cards

Bank cards are the most convenient and common way to pay abroad. You can use them to pay for purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and use online services.

Before traveling, be sure to check:

whether international payments are active;

whether limits are set on payments and cash withdrawals;

whether there are fees for currency conversion and cash withdrawals abroad.

It is also advisable to have two cards from different banks. This will serve as insurance in case of blocking, technical failures, or loss of one of the cards.

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Currency and conversion

In most countries, it is more profitable to pay for purchases in the local currency. If, when paying by card, the terminal offers a choice between paying in hryvnia or in the local currency, it is better to choose the local currency to avoid double conversion and unnecessary commissions.

It is not recommended to exchange money at airports, as they usually offer the worst exchange rates. It is better to do this in the city or withdraw cash from an ATM.

Online payments

You will need a card or payment apps to book accommodation, buy tickets, use taxis, and other services. Before traveling, make sure that your bank does not block online transactions abroad and does not require additional confirmation for each payment.

It is also useful to have access to mobile banking so that you can quickly control your expenses and change your limits if necessary.

The best strategy for traveling is to combine cash, cards, and a financial reserve. This approach allows you to feel confident in any situation, from small daily expenses to unforeseen circumstances.

Thoughtful financial preparation is the key to a peaceful and comfortable trip abroad.

If you are planning an active holiday abroad, it is worth having reliable insurance. You can do this online in a few minutes at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! The cleanliness of a city often determines the first impression of tourists and can both enhance their love for a location and ruin their trip. A new study has shown which megacities have become a model of order and which have received the most criticism from travelers. Read more about the cleanest and dirtiest cities in the world included in the ranking and why they were there.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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