08-07-2025
Warning for Brits heading on holiday who don't carry cash with them
Warning for Brits heading on holiday who don't carry cash with them
UK holidaymakers are being warned they could face a 'costly mistake' if they don't pack any cash before heading abroad, as research suggests many are getting caught out
Are you heading abroad this Summer and want to save some cash?
(Image: Getty Images/John Harper )
The Summer holidays are fast approaching and UK holidaymakers are being warned that departing without cash could dent their wallets when travelling due to unexpected costs. Research has showed that failing to pack notes and coins could result in unnecessary expenses for some tourists abroad.
A study by Be Clever With Your Cash revealed that 39 percent of travellers have faced unexpected situations where cash was indispensable and over a third of people have found themselves needing hard currency whilst on holiday.
Tipping, local transport fares, and purchases at small-scale vendors were among the most common outlays requiring cash. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Prepaid and specialist travel cards can help tourists rely less on physical cash while journeying overseas. However, those suddenly requiring cash could end up facing additional charges, as per the survey conducted by Opinium.
The survey of 2,000 people across the UK who have travelled abroad discovered that some tourists who had to make an emergency cash machine withdrawal on their last trip overseas were charged an ATM fee.
Some holidaymakers admitted they resorted to airport exchange desks for last-minute cash, despite potentially getting a worse deal than if they had shopped around for travel money and planned ahead.
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Venturing beyond major cities can also pose challenges as rural and remote areas in some countries may be less likely to accept cards.
Amelia Murray, a financial guru at Be Clever With Your Cash, commented on the common oversight when it comes to cash usage. She pointed out, "There's still a blind spot when it comes to cash."
Expanding on this she remarked, "Many people assume that having a fee-free card is enough, but that can be a false economy if you end up using an ATM abroad that charges or get stung by poor exchange rates."
She emphasised preparation over carrying large sums: "It's not about carrying wads of cash, it's about being prepared for those moments when a card simply won't cut it."
Ms Murray advises travellers to take a 'cash cushion' , which is just enough local currency for tips, local transport, or in case cards are not accepted.
She underscored the importance of understanding your card policy when it comes to fees and foreign exchange before travelling. Amelia also recommended checking the coverage amount from your travel insurance for lost or stolen cash while overseas.
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According to May figures from financial information firm Defaqto, cash cover is standard in 91 per cent of annual and 86 per cent of single trip travel insurance policies.
Defaqto's study highlighted that about a third (35 per cent) of single trip policies covered amounts ranging from £200 to £299, whilst a quarter (24 per cent) provided cover between £300 to £399.
