**British Travellers Warned: Cash Payments May Be Essential in Holiday Hotspots**
Britons planning trips to popular European destinations this summer are being urged to reconsider their holiday spending habits after fresh concerns have been raised about reliance on cash versus card payments abroad. Retail giant Tesco has highlighted the common pitfalls faced by travellers, with mounting evidence showing millions get caught out each year, risking disruption to their well-deserved breaks.
Whilst contactless payments and mobile wallets are staple conveniences at home across the UK, the story looks different in destinations such as Spain, Greece, France, Turkey, the United States, and Austria. Many everyday experiences, from sampling neighbourhood delicacies at local markets to hailing a taxi or picking up a memento from an independent stall, still require physical currency. This difference in payment customs has proven to be a stumbling block for holidaymakers accustomed to tap-and-go purchases.
Surprisingly, research indicates that only a third of British tourists investigate the cash requirements of their chosen locations before jetting off. As a result, numerous holidaymakers find themselves hunting for cashpoints at inopportune moments, risking payment refusals and unnecessary stress. Common scenarios where cash proves essential include tipping service staff, settling bills in small eateries, and shopping in traditional markets—components that make up the fabric of authentic travel experiences.
During the peak holiday period, a spokesperson for Tesco Insurance and Money Services, Ban Mahsoub, stressed the importance of being prepared. “You don’t want the hassle of scrambling for an ATM when you just want to relax, try local food, or get around town. Falling back on cards and mobile payments might not always work outside the UK’s familiar infrastructure.”
According to Mahsoub, the ideal solution is to embrace a ‘hybrid wallet’ for travel, pairing regular payment cards with a sensible supply of local cash. This approach, she advises, offers peace of mind and prevents the pitfalls of being caught out in masterfully cash-driven situations.
As part of their ongoing advice campaign, Tesco has shared several practical strategies for managing money abroad. First and foremost, they recommend securing foreign currency before leaving the UK. Those leaving it until arrival at airports or foreign exchange bureaus might face less favourable rates and heavier transaction charges. By arranging currency in advance, travellers can avoid these extra costs, make a confident start to their trip, and sidestep the disappointment of ATM surcharges abroad.
Double-checking the currency required is another simple but often overlooked suggestion. In regions where multiple forms of currency circulate, or when crossing borders, verifying what’s accepted can save unnecessary hassle down the line.
For ease of use, tourists are advised to carry a range of smaller denomination notes and coins, not just larger bills. This helps when paying at market stalls, independent retailers, or taxis, all of which may be unable or unwilling to break large notes. It also makes tipping and minor purchases vastly more straightforward.
Those disinclined to carry excessive cash on their person but still wary of foreign ATM charges might consider pre-loaded cash passport cards, which can support multiple currencies and can be arranged before setting off. By loading these cards in advance, holidaymakers gain the flexibility of card payments while steering clear of surprise fees.
Finally, Tesco highlighted options for leftover cash on return: Tesco customers, for example, can sell their unused foreign notes and coins back at most stores, and with certain programmes, even recover their currency at the same rate they originally bought it—helping to ensure value for money.
These reminders serve as a timely caution for UK residents flocking abroad for some summer sun. A bit of planning around travel money—adopting a blend of plastic and paper—could mean the difference between a smooth escape and unexpected holiday headaches.