When planning a travel budget, you should choose a safer and more practical form to keep the money. It is worth noting that there is no unambiguously correct answer: it all depends on the destination, the purpose of the trip and your self-organisation. This article will help you understand the peculiarities of different types of payments and help you determine your perfect option!
Where do you need a credit card when travelling?
Cashless payment is very convenient in everyday life. In addition, the payment process is faster, and you are guaranteed not to be deceived by change. Below you will find out where and why the card will be appropriate and even saving.
Security of card payments
You are already drawing virtual pictures of the upcoming delightful vacation… However, no one is immune from theft on public transport or an armed attack in a dark alley. An imposing wad of cash always attracts unwanted attention on the street. On the other hand, when paying by card or smartphone, no one can guess what budget you have. A small piece of plastic is convenient to hide among clothes and quickly get out if necessary.
If the card is lost, you can report it to the bank soon. So the attacker does not gain access to your account. You can also track the thief’s movement and the withdrawal of funds, which will help the guardians of law and order. When cash is stolen, you must deal with losing it forever.
The card is a personal item, making it more hygienic than cash. Paper bills and coins pass through hundreds of hands carrying pathogens and drug particles. The card can always be cleaned and disinfected after use.
Rental and booking
Renting a car for travel, consider offers in advance and book a vehicle to save the price. You should provide credit card details to do this. You should supply credit card details to do this. The card is also required for a deposit (a debit card is also acceptable – click here to learn more).
Check out the optimal rental deals on Rental24.co.uk to get around the country and see how convenient it is. Choose the best hire a car in the UK and secure your cards, cash and luggage on the road. When travelling with a large group, it is better to pay attention to the 7 seater car hire offers to save on rent and move around together.
When will cash help you out?
Despite the advantages of contactless payment, coins and banknotes have their pros. Predictions of worldwide cash riddance haven’t yet come true. Some countries aren’t yet too keen on the transition to cashless payments, and you should accept the game rules.
Opportunity to save
Paying with a card has hidden costs, like a transfer fee. Currency conversion is also chargeable. Paying in cash allows tracking the money left visually and avoiding commissions.
If you’re a shopaholic, you’d be better off limiting yourself to cash and a debit card on your trip. A credit card can increase the risk of being tempted to go over budget, resulting in serious bank debt.
Tourist highlights
When travelling to an exotic area, you should understand that contactless payment is sometimes impossible. It may be due to poor communication or the absence of a terminal in the establishment. You may encounter such a situation:
- in a provincial diner or market,
- in the gift shop,
- hiring a guide for an excursion,
- if you want to leave a tip,
- when your card is unexpectedly blocked.
Research the specifics of your destination so you know what to expect and stock up on cash if needed.
Feel yourself confident
Today, significant expenses, like plane tickets, are most conveniently carried out using a smartphone. It makes sense since large amounts are difficult to transport and store, while contactless payment implements with a couple of taps on the screen.
The technology works great as long as your phone is charged and online. Therefore, regularly charge your gadgets and take a plastic card with you for safety. It is also worth taking cash with you in case of a physical breakdown or degaussing of the card.
Conclusion
How to pay during a trip is mainly determined by the possibilities at the destination and personal preference in payment methods. The best solution would be to have both: a card and cash on the trip. So you will be ready for all occasions and be calmer in a critical situation.