Why you still need travel money abroad.

You’ve packed your suitcase, triple checked you’ve got your passport and set your out of office. But when was the last time you thought about taking cash abroad?

You’re not alone. We surveyed 3,000 British holidaymakers about their experiences with money abroad and 38% revealed they’ve been caught without cash when they needed it most. While many of us are used to cashless payments, it’s easy to forget some holiday hotspots still rely on cash-in-hand. In fact, only a third of respondents had researched how reliant their chosen destination was on cash before jetting off.

Make sure you’ve got some Euros if you’re going to one of these popular tourist destinations: Spain, France, Austria, Greece and Turkey.

Spain, Turkey, Greece, France and the USA top the list of destinations where UK tourists are most likely to encounter cash-only scenarios. Whether it’s at bustling food stalls, souvenir spots or a quick taxi ride, many everyday experiences still require physical money. 61% of Brits surveyed found they needed cash when shopping at local markets, 58% for tipping, and for paying in smaller shops and restaurants.

The result? 7 in 10 holidaymakers said it put a serious dampener on their trip, causing unexpected stress on what should be a time to unwind. Carrying cash means you’ll be ready for any surprises, from the restaurant’s card machine being out of order to cash-only public transport.

However, for many UK travellers, cash is still king. Well over half (57%) prefer to use cash for taxis and tipping, while 48% find it more convenient than cards while abroad. For 33%, cash is a safety net for emergencies, while 21% want to avoid foreign card charges, or because they know from experience that cash is more widely accepted in their chosen destination.

1. Buy your currency before you go – Exchange rates at the airport aren’t usually very good, so it’s better to get your travel money before you go! Sorting your currency in advance not only means a better exchange rate, but peace of mind – which money can’t buy! Tesco Clubcard customers are eligible for Clubcard Prices on travel money both in-store and online. What’s more, Tesco Travel Money offers home delivery, so you can spend less time worrying and more time packing.

2. Double-check what currency you need – It may go without saying, but it’s always worth confirming what currency is used in your chosen location. This is especially crucial if you’re heading to regions where multiple currencies are accepted or if you’re crossing borders on your trip. A quick check now can save you any hassle later!

3. Take a mixture of cash and coins – It’s easier to spend smaller amounts of cash in local shops, markets and taxis, who can often struggle to break large notes, especially for small purchases. Make things easier by bringing a mixture of larger and smaller currency or break your notes at larger stores like supermarkets before you go exploring, to avoid any awkward situations.

4. Make sure you can withdraw cash abroad – If you’re worried about carrying too much cash with you or want to avoid any foreign card fees, we recommend a Multi-currency Cash Passport Travel Money Card. Available in-store at Tesco’s Travel Money Bureaux or online. This prepaid card can now be loaded with up to 22 currencies!*

5. Bring back your leftover cash – If you have notes left at the end of your holiday, take it to one of Tesco’s in-store Travel Money Bureaux and they’ll buy it back – in most bank note values – even if you bought it elsewhere. Customers who purchase Tesco’s Buy Back Promise when ordering their travel money can even return the currency at the rate they bought it, which might just save money in the end! – T&Cs apply.

*Tesco Travel Money is provided by Travelex. Delivery charges may apply. Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard® International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.