Avoid surprise travel costs
A lightweight money checklist before cards, cash, and conversions get messy.
Before Departure
- Check foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and daily withdrawal limits for each card.
- Save your home currency and destination currency as a converter pair.
- Set a daily spend target, then keep one buffer category for transit, snacks, and mistakes.
Choose The Right Card Moment
- Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for normal purchases when the merchant accepts cards cleanly.
- Carry a small amount of local cash for markets, taxis, lockers, and backup transit.
- Consider a multi-currency account or travel card when your bank charges painful conversion or ATM fees.
On The Ground
- Choose local currency when a terminal offers dynamic currency conversion.
- Log larger expenses the same day while the category is still obvious.
- Settle group expenses while everyone still remembers who paid for what.