How much cash and pocket money do you need in different countries?
When you travel abroad, it is still common to need cash, even in countries where cards and mobile payments have become increasingly common. In markets, taxis, small restaurants, taxes and tips, cash is often the easiest – and sometimes the only – way of payment. This is the FOREX quick guide to how much pocket money you need to take with you to popular destinations.
Quick guide – how much cash do you need on your trip?
Many travelers ask how much cash they really need to take with them. The answer depends on the country you are visiting. In some countries, cash is still used in more than 40% of all payments, especially for smaller purchases.
In this guide, we'll go through popular destinations where cash still plays an important role, as well as how much cash it can be good to bring as pocket money during your trip.
A good rule of thumb is to have cash for smaller purchases every day, while hotels, larger shopping malls and some activities can often be paid for by card.
Approximate guidelines
- €20–50 per day in Europe (approximately SEK 220–550)
- 10–40 euros per day in Asia (about 110–440 SEK)
- 15–30 euros per day in North Africa and Latin America (about 165–330 SEK)
Cash is most commonly used for taxis, markets, tips, local transportation, and small restaurants.
Countries where cash is still widely used
Thailand – street food, markets and taxis
Thailand is one of the Swedes' most popular travel destinations and cash is still used a lot in everyday life. In tourist areas, cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but many smaller businesses only take cash.
When cash is needed:
- Street food and street food
- Local markets
- Tuk tuk, taxi and boat tours
- Massage and spa
- Gratuities
Small banknotes are especially handy when shopping for food or travelling short distances.
Recommended spending money
Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 baht per day
Mexico – taxis, street food and local shops
Mexico is a popular holiday destination where cash is still widely used. Smaller restaurants, markets, and street stalls often only accept cash.
When cash is needed:
- Taxi
- Street food
- Markets
- Gratuities
- Small local shops
In tourist areas such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, cards work well in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is still most common for small purchases.
Recommended spending money
about 300 to 600 Mexican pesos per day
Greece – taverns, taxis and tips
Greece is a classic holiday destination where cash is still commonplace, especially on smaller islands and in smaller villages.
When cash is needed:
- Taverns and cafes
- Taxi
- Beach bars and sun loungers
- Gratuities
- Small hotels and guesthouses
- Tourist tax
It is common to leave tips in cash even if you pay the bill by card.
Recommended spending money
about 20 to 40 euros per day
Turkey – bazaars and local transport
Turkey is a very popular tourist country where cash is often used for smaller purchases.
When cash is needed:
- Bazaars and markets
- Taxi
- Local public transport
- Gratuities
- Smaller restaurants
In markets and bazaars, cash can also make it easier to bargain.
Recommended spending money
Approximately 300 to 700 Turkish Lira per day
Italy – cafes, taxis and small shops
Italy is one of Europe's more cash-based countries, especially in smaller towns and in family-owned businesses.
When cash is needed:
- Espresso Bars & Cafes
- Taxi
- Markets
- Parking
- Smaller restaurants
- Tourist taxes
- Gratuities
Although cards are accepted in many places, small purchases can still be easier to pay for in cash.
Recommended spending money
about 20 to 50 euros per day
Spain – tapas bars and markets
Spain is one of Europe's most visited tourist countries. Card payments are common, but cash is still commonly used for smaller purchases.
When cash is needed:
- Tapas bars
- Markets
- Taxi
- Beach Bars
- Gratuities
Many smaller restaurants also have a minimum amount for card payment.
Recommended spending money
about 20 to 40 euros per day
Japan – a high-tech but cash-friendly country
Despite its technological development, Japan is still a country where cash plays a major role in everyday life.
When cash is needed:
- Small restaurants
- Temples and sights
- Local markets
- Vending machines (Arcade, transport and vending machines)
- Smaller hotels
Outside the big cities, cash is particularly important.
Recommended spending money
about 3,000 to 6,000 yen per day
Vietnam – cash dominates everyday life
Vietnam is a popular destination for backpackers and leisure travelers alike. Cash is still the most common means of payment.
When cash is needed:
- Street food
- Taxi
- Markets
- Souvenirs
- Small hotels
- Guided tours
Cards work mainly in hotels and larger restaurants.
Recommended spending money
Approximately 200,000 to 500,000 Vietnamese dong per day
Indonesia – cash in Bali and other tourist islands
Indonesia, especially Bali, is a popular destination where cash is still used in many everyday situations.
When cash is needed:
- Beach Bars
- Taxi
- Local restaurants
- Markets
- Gratuities
Digital payments are becoming more common, but cash is still important in many smaller places, especially in Bali.
Recommended spending money
about 200,000 to 400,000 Indonesian rupiah per day.
Egypt – tips and excursions
In Egypt, cash is a central part of the everyday economy, especially in the tourism industry.
When cash is needed:
- Gratuities for hotel staff and guides
- Taxi
- Markets
- Smaller restaurants
- Excursions
Tips, often called baksheesh, are almost always given in cash. USD, US dollar is a well-accepted alternative currency.
Recommended spending money
about 200 to 400 Egyptian pounds per day
Albania – one of Europe's most cash-based tourist countries
Albania has quickly become a trending destination in Europe. Despite increased tourism, cash is still very common and widely used.
When cash is needed:
- Restaurants
- Taxi
- Beach Bars
- Stores
- Markets
In larger cities, cards work more often, but along the coast and in smaller towns, cash is still most common.
Recommended spending money
about 2,000 to 4,000 Albanian lek per day
Poland – cash is common for smaller purchases
Poland is a popular destination in Europe where card payments have increased rapidly. At the same time, cash is still widely used in everyday life.
When cash is needed:
- Markets
- Small cafes
- Local Stores
- Taxi
- Gratuities
In major cities like Warsaw and Krakow, cards work almost everywhere, but cash is handy for smaller purchases.
Recommended spending money
Approximately 50 to 120 Polish zlotys per day
Why cash is still important on the road
Although digital payments are becoming more common, there are many situations where cash is still needed when travelling, having a sum of cash makes travel easier, especially for taxis, tourist squats, tipping culture and reduces the risk of problems if card payments don't work.
Tips for the trip
- Exchange currency before of travel
- Always have small banknotes for taxis and small purchases
- Pay for larger purchases with cards that don't have a currency markup
- Store cash in several different places
This way, you are prepared both for digital payments and for situations where cash is still needed.
Frequently asked questions about cash on the trip
How much cash should you take on the trip?
It depends on the destination and the length of the trip, but a common recommendation is to have at least the equivalent of 20 to 50 euros per day for smaller purchases.
Is cash still common in tourist countries?
Yes. In many popular tourist countries, cash is still used in more than 40 percent of all payments, especially for smaller amounts.
Should you exchange money before the trip?
It is good to have local currency already on arrival, for example for taxis, public transport and small purchases. You also avoid expensive withdrawal fees at local ATMs and airports.
Is it safe to use cash abroad?
Yes, as long as you don't carry large sums of money and store money in several different places.