The FOREX Cash Index gives you a clear picture of how much cash is used in different parts of the world. The index shows the proportion of payments made in cash in over 120 countries and provides a practical recommendation on how much cash you may need on your trip. The data is updated continuously and provides up-to-date and easy-to-understand guidance so that you are well prepared when you travel.
Cash use varies widely around the world. In the Nordic countries, it is low compared to most other countries. – In Sweden and Norway, for example, cash use is among the lowest globally. It is easy to forget that cash can play a major role when you are abroad.
In popular travel destinations such as Thailand, Greece, Mexico, Italy and Vietnam, cash is still common, in tourism and service. This is especially noticeable when it comes to smaller expenses on the trip - such as taxis, tips, tourist taxes, beach purchases, markets, grocery stores and restaurant visits - where cash is often the most convenient or only payment option.
How much cash you should have with you varies depending on where you are traveling. In some popular destinations, cash is still the most common means of payment, such as Albania, Egypt or Thailand. For other countries, such as Greece and Italy, cash is preferred, for example, for taxis, tourist taxes, markets and tips.
The FOREX Cash Index shows the percentage of payments made in cash in different countries, making it easier to determine:
There is no exact answer to how much cash you should carry – but with the help of the FOREX Cash Index you can make a better estimate based on your destination. By adjusting how much cash you bring with you, you reduce the risk of both unnecessary fees and payment problems during your trip.
The list below shows the cash usage and preferred payment method of 123 countries, especially in tourism. The countries are listed from highest to lowest in percentage.
Exchanging currency before your trip is often a safe option, especially if you are traveling to a country where it is still common to use cash. This way you will have money ready upon arrival and you will not have to look for ATMs for transport, food and small purchases.
Spend your vacation vacationing – not looking for ATMs – so remember to buy currency before you travel.
In many destinations, it is common for:
Therefore, it is often wise to have cash with you from the start.
Although cards may be accepted in many places, cash is still widely used for smaller expenses such as tourist taxes, taxis and local transport, tips, and in smaller shops and markets.
Relying entirely on cards or withdrawing money on site can also be more expensive than you think. Withdrawals from foreign ATMs often involve both your own bank's withdrawal fees and exchange rate, as well as the local bank's fees. When paying by card, your bank's currency surcharge is usually added to each purchase.
In many popular travel destinations, digital payments have grown rapidly among locals, but that does not always mean that the same solutions work for tourists. Local apps and payment systems often require domestic bank accounts, phone numbers or verification that foreign visitors lack. Therefore, cash is still important, especially for smaller purchases, transportation, markets and services - even if the country is generally perceived as digital.
The FOREX Cash Index is a guide that shows how much cash is used in different countries, with a focus on travelers and tourists. The aim is to help you understand how much cash you should bring to your destination and how common cash is as a means of payment.
The index is produced by compiling the latest available global and national payment data from central banks, payment reports, industry studies and other reliable sources. The figures in the FOREX Cash Index have been adjusted to reflect tourist behavior, where everyday expenses such as restaurants, taxis, tips, markets and small purchases are particularly taken into account.
The result is an approximate percentage that shows how relevant cash is as a means of payment. The Cash Index should be seen as a practical guide and a decision-making aid for travel, rather than an exact measurement of all payments in the country.
The Cash Index is an indication and gives travelers and tourists a guideline. The figures are approximate average values ​​in percentages, based on several reports, articles and data sources. The index refers to an entire country and does not take into account specific areas, cities or individual businesses, where payment options may vary.
