Travel money tips for UK travellers: cards, cash and currency

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

The money you lose to bad exchange rates and card fees can easily add up to a meal or a day trip on every holiday. Here's how to avoid them, wherever you're travelling from the UK.

1. Use a card that doesn't charge foreign fees

Many standard UK debit and credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee (often a few per cent) on every purchase abroad, plus cash withdrawal fees. Several UK banks, app-based banks and credit cards don't. Check your card's terms before you travel. A specialist travel card or a fee-free credit card is one of the simplest savings you can make. Credit cards also offer Section 75 protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000.

2. Always pay in the local currency

When a card machine or ATM asks "Pay in GBP or EUR?", always choose the local currency. Choosing pounds triggers "dynamic currency conversion", where the merchant's bank sets the rate, often far worse than your card's. This is the single most common way UK travellers lose money abroad.

3. ATM tips

• Use bank ATMs (inside or attached to banks) rather than standalone machines in tourist areas, which often charge high fees.
• Decline the ATM's conversion offer, as above.
• Take out larger amounts less often, if your card charges a fee per withdrawal.
• Watch out for machines that show high access fees and cancel the transaction if you're unhappy.

4. Buying currency in the UK

If you want cash before you go, compare rates online and order ahead for collection. Airport bureaux usually have the worst rates. Many people now take a small amount of cash only and rely on cards.

5. Closed currencies

Some currencies can't be bought in the UK at a normal rate, or exported in large amounts. They include the Moroccan dirham, the Tunisian dinar and the Algerian dinar. You get them on arrival, from ATMs or exchange offices, and should change leftovers back before leaving (keep your receipts). See our Marrakech, Tunis and Algiers guides.

6. Volatile currencies

The Turkish lira and Egyptian pound have seen large swings. Prices in local currency may change quickly, and some hotels quote in euros or dollars. Pay in the local currency on cards with fee-free spending. Compare prices in pounds when deciding.

7. Euro countries outside the eurozone

Not all EU countries use the euro. Poland (złoty), Hungary (forint) and the Czech Republic (koruna) have their own currencies, so pay in those, not euros or pounds. Read our Kraków, Budapest and Prague guides.

8. Tipping

• Europe: tipping is generally modest. Rounding up or leaving around 5–10% for good table service is common. Check whether service is already included.
• Egypt: tipping (baksheesh) is expected for many small services. Carry small notes.
• Morocco and Tunisia: small tips are appreciated in cafés and for guides and porters.
• UAE and Qatar: service charges are often included, and small extra tips are common.

9. Contactless and mobile payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay work widely in Europe and the Gulf. In North Africa and Egypt, cash is still more common outside hotels and bigger restaurants.

10. Safety and backups

• Take two cards from different banks, and keep one separately.
• Tell your bank you're travelling if it requires that (many don't now).
• Have your bank's overseas emergency number saved.
• Use a money belt or zipped pockets in crowded areas.

Also save on data: see our travel eSIM guide.

What does a budget trip look like?

Here's a quick pre-trip money checklist. Check whether your card charges foreign fees and get a fee-free option if it does. Note your bank's emergency number. Decide whether you need any cash, and if so, order it online in advance. If your destination uses a closed currency, plan to use an ATM on arrival. Download your bank's app and turn on spending notifications. Finally, practise saying "local currency, please" when card machines offer conversion. It's the one habit that saves UK travellers the most money abroad.

Before you book: a quick checklist for your trip

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

Should I pay in pounds or local currency abroad?

Always choose local currency. Paying in pounds usually means a worse exchange rate.

Which currencies can't I buy in the UK?

Closed currencies such as the Moroccan dirham and the Tunisian and Algerian dinars are obtained on arrival.

What is the cheapest way to spend money abroad?

A card with no foreign transaction fees, paying in local currency, usually gives close to the best rate.

Is it better to take cash or cards?

In Europe and the Gulf, cards work widely. In North Africa and Egypt, carry some cash too.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.