How much cash do you take on holiday?

[llamalines]

It's years since I went on holiday, all advice gratefully received!

I need to go get some cash out for a week's holiday in the EU. I think my card works there. We'll be mooching about the town, going to cafes, the beach etc.

Would you take a lot of cash or just buy things with your card?

How much cash would you bring for yourself?
How much fur each DC?

(My budget is moderately cheap, can't afford deluxe!)

Very little, virtually everywhere takes card. Maybe €100?

Only a small amount but im going to get either a Revolt or Monzo card and add a load of funds to it. These cards don't charge you for using them abroad, unlike most banks that do charge you.

I just take my card

Actually most places you can pay by card even on buses but I do take some cash for tips and taxis.
Not all cards are the same for spending, check with your bank or credit card first. I use a Chase debit card and a Halifax Clarity CC and they don't charge fees. I always get a better exchange rate using card than changing cash.
Also remember wherever you are opt to pay in the local currency never in UK pounds.

Depends which country and which card you have.

Many places take card just like the UK. But not all, eg many restaurants in the German city I went to earlier this year were cash only.

If you have the right card, it's best to pay on card or withdraw cash abroad.

But if you have the wrong card it could cost a fee and a worse exchange rate each time which will really add up for multiple transactions.

It's also worth knowing that in Spain it's very hard to withdraw cash without paying a fee.
The only way I've found is if you have Santander card and go to a Santander bank.

There's a good article on Moneysavingexpert.com.

We just use a credit card. Even market stalls etc mostly take card now, and tips are via card.

I’d have maybe 10 or 15 quid in change in my purse for cash tips or lockers but it mostly wouldn’t be touched.

I don’t take any…. I’m in Spain this weekend, and have 3 €5 notes in my bag, which is left over from €100 I got out of a cash machine in Nice in 2021. I’ve probably been to Europe 12 or so times since then, and it’s taken that long to get rid of it!!

I don't take any these days, even the US when there will be a tipping requirement, I just take my Chase card which allows free withdrawals.

€100 for taxis, just in case, but otherwise none. In most parts of Europe you don't need cash, just like the UK.

Our DS was going for two holidays with different friend groups earlier this year.

We had 500 euros in our drawer so we gave him a couple of hundred.

He brought it all back after the first holiday, not touched any of it. Everything paid by card.

The second holiday was Amsterdam. He brought half of it back. Said he could pay for "most things" by card. I didn't want to press him on what he spent the 100 Euros on - I probably don't want to know!

About 100 euros for a week, but usually end spending up for the sake of it rather than out of necessity! Don’t use your debit card abroad you’ll likely get charged per transaction. Get a preload travel money from the post office

I usually take about £100 in local currency, everything else goes on a card. Withdrawals are free from my card too so I can get more if needed.

If it's Euro zone, I'll only take an Euros I happen to have lying around (usually less than 20) and I might take out about 100-150 Euros for a week when I'm there but I usually won't use all of that these days.

About 200 euros…..rest on a starling card

None. Withdraw there if needed - which we did have to do this time as the safety box deposit was €10 and had to be paid in cash. Withdrew €50 and gave the rest to the kids to spend. Use Monzo when I'm away.

About €200 for tips. Card for everything else.

None. Might take out a little from a cashpoint when I get there.

We brought about $30 and some leftover shrapnel from.previous trips.

Use the Halifax clarity card or Apple pay (also Halifax card) for everything inc adding tips to restaurant bills

We e only used cash for tolls

Probably £50 each for tips/emergencies but pretty well everything goes on the cards (Chase and Halifax) via Apple pay. We take the actual cards too and don't rely on apple pay, especially in petrol stations.

Depends where. In Austria for example example it’s still 50/50 in some places for card. Half our local restaurants and attractions even big places like museums are cash only

Always take approx €200 for tips and taxis.

use card in bars and restaurants. Though some bars only take cash.

None, they have cash machines abroad if you need cash but to be honest i haven't drawn any out in 10 years

Lots of five and ten euro notes for tips that's it

I’m off to Italy tomorrow. We have €340 and the rest is on a Starling card. I’ve used the Starling many times in Italy, and also Austria and Portugal. Also use Apple Pay connected to the Starling.

I love the ease and lack of fees. Your balance on the App is also live, so there’s no shock credit card bill later.

Whatever is in the change jar (under €3 this year) and a starling card/Apple Pay.