Local Currency Matters When Americans Travel Abroad

Travel with cards. Carry some local currency. Be prepared for both.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Payment habits abroad don't always work the same way they do in the United States.

Despite its global importance, the U.S. dollar isn't accepted everywhere. Some businesses in popular tourist destinations may accept U.S. dollars, but many others expect payment in local currency.

For travelers, being prepared means understanding how people pay at their destination and having more than one way to pay.

"Travelers don't need to choose between cash and cards," said Louis-Philippe Roberge, Marketing Director at Exchange Corporation. "The goal is simply to be prepared. Having some local currency before you arrive means one less thing to worry about when you reach your destination."

Payment Habits Change Around the World

Every destination has its own payment culture.

In Japan, Mexico, and many parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia, cash remains important for transportation, markets, restaurants, and small businesses. In the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Australia, and many major European cities, cards are widely accepted. In China, mobile payments are deeply integrated into daily life. Even in highly digital destinations, however, having some local currency can still be useful.

Payment habits can even vary within the same destination. A card that works at a major hotel may not be accepted, especially at a local market, taxi, café, or family-owned business. That's when having cash can come in handy.

Cards can occasionally be declined because of fraud-prevention systems, merchant restrictions, network connectivity issues, or differences in local payment practices. Cash doesn't require Wi-Fi, a charged phone, or a functioning payment terminal, making it a simple and reliable way to pay when traveling.

Prepare Before You Fly

Waiting until arrival to get local currency can mean searching for an ATM after a long flight and possibly paying international withdrawal or ATM fees.

Having some local currency before departure means you're ready for the first taxi, train, meal, or tip while still using cards when convenient.

With Click & Collect, travelers can reserve foreign currency online and pick it up at participating U.S. airports before departure.

Reserve online. Pay and pick up at the airport. No prepayment. No obligation.
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Travel prepared. Travel with confidence. Travel like a local.
Learn more about foreign currency services and airport locations.

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SOURCE International Currency Exchange