Money
Is duty-free worth it?
Duty-free is sometimes cheaper on alcohol and tobacco for eligible travelers crossing borders — compare terminal price to destination supermarket plus allowance limits before you buy. Cosmetics and electronics are often not bargains; “travel exclusive” sizing can mask higher per-ml cost. Buy if you planned it and know home-country import allowance; skip walking the aisle bored before boarding.
Last updated 2026-08-05
When to consider
- Known brand liquor or perfume you already use — quick price check online.
- Gifts in sealed packages within your import allowance.
When to skip
- Chocolates marked up for souvenir packaging.
- Electronics without warranty clarity in your country.
- Buying over allowance — customs fines erase savings.
More money guides
ATMs and cash abroad
Withdraw local currency from bank-affiliated ATMs in cities rather than airport-only kiosks when possible — airport rates and fees are often higher. Take enough for a day or two on arrival, then refill as needed; carrying large stacks invites pickpockets. Decline DCC at the ATM screen and let your home bank convert.
Credit and debit cards abroad
Carry at least two cards on different networks, prefer local-currency charges when the terminal offers a choice, and know your bank's foreign transaction fee before you leave. Contactless works in many cities but buses, small shops, and rural areas still want cash — cards complement, not replace, local money.
Mobile and contactless pay abroad
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work in many cities for shops, transit, and taxis — often with the same card FX fees as physical plastic. Add cards before departure, test a small purchase at home, and keep a backup physical card for places that reject phone tap or need a PIN. Transit systems may need a local wallet app even if contactless cards work elsewhere.
Banking apps and two-factor auth abroad
Banking and card apps need two-factor codes that may SMS your home number — which fails if your home SIM is off or roaming is blocked. Before travel, enable authenticator apps, backup codes, or bank-approved travel notices. Test login on hotel Wi‑Fi early so you are not locked out when you need to freeze a card.
Money abroad — cards, cash, and ATMs
Pay with a no-foreign-fee card when merchants accept it; carry modest cash for tips, markets, and places that only take notes; withdraw from bank ATMs in local currency and always decline dynamic currency conversion at the terminal. Keep two cards in separate places in case one is blocked or swallowed.
Splitting travel costs in a group
Group trips need one visible ledger — shared spreadsheet or Splitwise-style app — and same-day settlement after meals. Designate one payer per category (hotels, groceries) or rotate; avoid one person fronting everything without tracking. Discuss tips and taxes upfront — splitting evenly when some ordered wine and others did not breeds resentment.
Apply this on your trip
Planning guidance only — not legal, medical, or booking advice. Verify entry rules, insurance terms, and prices on official or partner sites before you travel.