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Ah yes. One of the biggest questions travellers ask (right after “Are 12 outfits enough for a 7-day trip?”). Should I bring cash or just use my card in Europe?
It’s a fair question. Between tap-to-pay technology, borderless banking apps, and countries that feel practically cashless, it’s easy to assume your card will cover it all. But then reality hits: a charming little café with a hand-written “cash only” sign, or a public toilet that wants €1 in coins can catch you off guard.
But worry not. Here’s a guide to whether you need to pay with cash or card on your Europe trip.
Disclaimer: as much as this is a helpful starting place, we’d always advise to carry a card and a little bit of cash of the relevant currency, because who doesn’t love the best of both worlds (and not being ever caught out when you fancy a bottle of lemonade or a cute souvenir).
What’s the best way to pay in Europe?
Long story short? You’ll get by with a card 90% of the time – especially in cities. But having some local cash in your pocket is still a smart move. Think tips, toilets, tiny cafés, street markets, or that charming-but-ancient corner shop.
Regional breakdown
1. Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)
Card is king. In fact, in Sweden, some places straight-up refuse cash. You can live your entire trip without touching a single coin. So, cash is only for emergencies.
2. Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, Estonia etc.)
Big cities are card-ready. But step outside the capital, and cash becomes your best friend. Some transport, local restaurants, and markets still prefer physical money.
3. Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia)
Cards work in tourist hubs. But cash-only cafés and smaller independent shops still exist, especially in older towns and islands.
4. Western Europe (France, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, etc.)
Mostly card-friendly, but you might need cash for smaller purchases. Plot twist: Germany still loves cash though.
5. Balkans (Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Montenegro, etc.)
More card acceptance than you’d expect – but cash is still the go-to in many places. Especially for transport, local food joints, and small towns.
Image source:Contiki
Not just Euros: Other currencies you need to know about
While many European countries use the euro, quite a few still stick to their own currencies (especially in Eastern Europe, the Nordics, and the Balkans). Here’s what to know so you don’t end up paying in the wrong currency.
- Albania – Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Bulgaria – Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Czechia – Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Denmark – Danish Krone (DKK)
- Hungary – Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Iceland – Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Montenegro & Kosovo – Use the euro unofficially, even though they’re not in the Eurozone
- North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar (MKD)
- Norway – Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Poland – Polish Złoty (PLN)
- Romania – Romanian Leu (RON)
- Serbia – Serbian Dinar (RSD)
- Sweden – Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Switzerland & Liechtenstein – Swiss Franc (CHF), though euros are sometimes accepted near borders or in touristy areas – but change comes in francs
- United Kingdom – British Pound (GBP)
Pro Tip: Even if a country unofficially accepts euros, you’ll nearly always get a better deal paying in local currency so if your card supports multi-currency payments, you’re golden.
Image source:Contiki
Tips to keep in mind
1. Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (or get a travel card like Revolut, Wise, or Monzo). You’ll save a surprising amount over a multi-country trip.
2. Avoid airport exchange booths, they offer terrible rates. Instead, use ATMs in town, ideally attached to an actual bank.
3. You’ll need coins for public toilets (especially in Germany, Austria, France, and Italy). Keep some €0.50 or €1 coins handy.
4. Tap-to-pay is widely accepted, but still bring a backup card or a bit of cash. Tech fails, cards get blocked, and not every corner café is card-equipped.
5. Always choose to pay in local currency. If the card machine asks whether you want to pay in your home currency: say no. Choosing local avoids sneaky conversion fees.
6. Tell your bank you’re travelling. Or set a travel notice in-app. Otherwise, a sudden transaction in Prague might get flagged and frozen.
7. Stick to real bank ATMs – avoid sketchy-looking ones in tourist areas (like Euronet). They often charge high fees and offer bad exchange rates.
8. Have at least two cards. Preferably from different networks (like Visa and Mastercard), and keep one separate in case of loss or theft.
9. Some countries have card limits for small purchases. In places like Italy or Czechia, small shops may ask for cash if you’re under €5.
10. In markets and rural areas, cash is still preferred. Even in card-friendly countries, you’ll find local vendors or farmers’ markets are still cash-first.
11. Offline access is your friend – screenshot or download important card details, emergency contacts, and backup codes (just in case Wi-Fi fails when you need it most.)
12. Tip in cash if you can. Even if you pay your bill by card, some waiters or drivers can’t receive card tips. A couple of coins or small notes go a long way.
