Cards rule, mostly
Across much of Europe, card and phone payments are now the default. In cities such as Amsterdam, Dublin and London, you can often go days without touching a coin, and some places no longer accept cash at all. Contactless payment works on many public transport systems too, either at ticket machines or directly at the gates.
Elsewhere, habits vary. In some countries, small cafes, market stalls, rural guesthouses and family-run restaurants still prefer cash or have a minimum spend for cards. Germany, for instance, was long known for its cash culture, although cards are now widely accepted there too.
Why carry some cash anyway
A small amount of local currency is useful for tips, public toilets that charge a coin, small purchases at markets, and the occasional place where the card machine is not working. It is also a backup if your phone battery dies or a card is unexpectedly declined.
You do not need a lot. For a weekend city break within the eurozone, many travellers find a modest amount in small notes is plenty. Avoid carrying large sums, and split your money between a wallet and a separate hidden place.
Getting cash sensibly
Exchanging money at the airport is convenient but tends to offer less favourable rates than other options. Withdrawing from a bank cash machine on arrival, using a card with low foreign fees, is often better value. If you are travelling from a country outside the eurozone, compare your bank's charges for withdrawals abroad before you go.
Destinations in the AeroVista network use different currencies. Most use the euro, but you will need pounds in London, Swiss francs in Zurich and Czech koruna in Prague, although cards are widely accepted in all three cities.
Keep money safe
Pickpockets target crowded places: busy trams, popular squares and train stations. Use a zipped bag worn in front of you, keep your phone out of back pockets, and be wary of distractions such as someone asking for directions while another person is close by. Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
Save your bank's emergency number somewhere other than your phone, so you can block a card quickly if it is lost or stolen.
Good to know
- Carry a small amount of local cash in small notes for tips and markets.
- Withdraw from bank cash machines rather than exchanging at the airport.
- Note which currency your destination uses; not all of Europe uses the euro.