First foreign holiday since COVID. What do we do about money?

[SoGladofYou]

We’re off to Rome at Easter. Is it more usual now to tap for payment rather than use cash, as in the UK? And if we’re forever tapping for things, what is the best card to use? Thanks in advance for your advice ☺️

Starling

Chase. There's 1% cash back on card purchases.

Chase card absolutely fantastic for using abroad.

I use my Monzo card abroad.

Basically check for one that doesn't charge you fees to use in the country you are going. Monzo, Starling and Chase all don't and all v easy to open.

I've been with Monzo since the days they were a prepaid card (which I got to use abroad as it happens).

I had the same query when we first went abroad post covid. Monza all the way for me.

Another Chase fan here too. 1% cash back for a year as well.

Chase

Waze, Monzo or Starling
haven’t used Chase so can’t comment on that one
just check ATm cash limits which are low with those 3 cards, before they start charging.

I use Waze or Monzo for Apple Pay/contactless, always in the local currently not converted to £ for you
but use my regular branch based bank acc card to withdraw cash when needed.

All of the above, plus Revolut or Wise.

We use Revolut both at home and abroad. No need to worry about exchange rates, just tap. Even includes travel insurance if you don’t already have it.

I think I pay £6.99 a month

I absolutely love Monzo.

Asda travel card. We found it good as no fees unlike some of the others.
You can withdraw cash for free from atms, make contactless payments and no links to your bank account. There's an app so you can top up and check your balance.

Just back from Canaries, used my Chase to tap and pay for most things. Took out a little cash while there for taxis etc. It's great and gives you an instant notification and good exchange rate.
Remember to say pay in euros as even tapping gives the choice sometimes.