- Perfect for: Small purchases, taxis, markets and for tipping (where customary)
- Pros: Widely accepted across the euro area and useful as a backup payment option
- Cons: Harder to track spending and not as secure
Why use foreign cash?
- Cash is widely accepted across the euro area and remains a common way to pay in person.
- Carrying a small amount can help at markets, smaller shops and places where card payments are unavailable.
- Tipping customs differ across Europe. Check your bill for a service charge and follow local customs at your destination.
Things to consider:
- Carry only the cash you expect to need and store it securely. Avoid keeping all your money in one wallet or bag.
- Cash spending can be harder to track. Keep a simple daily budget or check your remaining euros at the end of each day.
- Perfect for: Loading euros before your trip and managing several currencies on one card.
- Pros: Reloadable, easy to manage through the app and not linked to your bank account.
- Cons: Direct BPAY top-ups generally take two business days. Some ATMs may charge their own fees.
Why use a prepaid travel card?
- Load euros before you leave, then pay online or in person wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted.
- Hold several supported currencies on one card, which can help if your trip includes European countries that do not use the euro.
- Check your balance, move money between currencies and freeze your card through the Travelex Money App.
- Review the exchange rate and Australian dollar cost before confirming your top-up.
Things to consider:
- Travelex does not charge an international ATM withdrawal fee, but the ATM operator may charge a fee or set its own limit.
- Direct BPAY top-ups generally take two business days and attract a 1% fee when made outside the Travelex website or app.
See how our award-winning Travelex Money Card can help you carry and manage euros across Europe.
- Perfect for: Hotel deposits, car hire, larger purchases and emergency backup.
- Pros: Convenient for card payments at many hotels, restaurants and retailers.
- Cons: Some banks charge foreign transaction fees. Acceptance can also vary by country and merchant.
Why use a debit or credit card?
- Pay for accommodation, car rental and larger purchases without carrying extra cash.
- Keep as a backup if your euro cash or travel money card is unavailable.
- Use a credit card for hotel deposits or car hire, where a pre-authorisation may be required.
Things to consider:
- Your card provider may charge an international transaction fee on overseas purchases. This can apply even if the transaction appears in Australian dollars.
- Hotels and car hire companies may place a temporary hold on your funds or credit limit.
- Carry some cash in euros as a backup, as card acceptance can vary across businesses and destinations.
