Carrying cash abroad: practical tips by destination

Carry enough cash for the first two or three days and for places that do not take cards, and use cards for hotels and large purchases. Keep cash in two places, never all in one wallet.

Large notes are often refused by taxis and small shops abroad. A mix of small and medium notes is easier to spend everywhere.

United States: tipping is expected; carry 1, 5 and 20 dollar notes. Europe: many small cafés and markets prefer cash. UK: largely contactless, so carry less. Dubai: cash helps in souks and taxis. Singapore: hawker stalls are often cash only. Thailand: cash for almost everything outside malls.

Many countries ask you to declare cash above a set amount when you arrive. Check the rule for your destination before you fly.

Sell back leftover notes rather than keeping them for years. Notes can be withdrawn or redesigned, which makes them harder to exchange later.