The days of converting physical cash for travel may be over. Photo / Unsplash
For the longest time, the process of going abroad has always involved the ritual of converting our cash into foreign currency, whether at a local bank, foreign ATM or airport currency exchange booth.
Yet, in just a few years, my little snaplock bags of pounds, Yen, Euros and US dollars have become relics of a bygone era; a time before you could largely travel with a tap of your credit card or mobile wallet.
While digital payment options have been in the works for a decade, the pandemic was an undeniable catalyst that prompted more people to shop online while in lockdown and favour tap-to-pay over handling physical cash.
Combine this changing landscape with a lack of travel and it’s fair to feel a little uncertain about how to do money well while overseas.
Keep a little cash
Overseas shops, restaurants, markets and attractions may be embracing contactless payment options but don’t ditch all your cash just yet. Recently, while travelling around the big city fo Quito, Ecuador I was relieved to have a few coins on hand when visiting a public bathroom after realising you had to ‘buy’ toilet paper from a coin-operated machine. So, it pays to have a little cash when travelling around smaller, less urban cities or places with a strong tipping culture.
Always go local
If you aren’t familiar with the phrase ‘Dynamic Currency Conversion’ allow me to introduce you to one…
