But actually, you'll find that debit and credit cards are widely accepted in most European cities. Paying by card can be easier and more convenient, without the potential security risk of carrying cash around you. You'll just need to check your card provider's fees for spending abroad.
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While credit cards are easy to carry and more secure than cash, you should always have some local cash on you when traveling. It's just good sense. Besides the fact that some local shops and vendors won't accept credit cards, having some cash provides a safety net in case your bank shuts off your card for any reason.
It can be done, but you'd have to budget money carefully and watch how much you spend on food, sights, etc (and that takes away some fun & spontaneity. I prefer to go the 3 star route and free up extra spending money (I'd still avoid fancy dinners every night).
Paying with cash in FranceYou can use your card in France for most things, but if you want to shop at the street markets, you'll need cash — ATMs are typically onsite. Places like Porte de Clignancourt and Les Puces de Montreuil in Paris have some amazing deals for things you never thought you'd find.
If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.
Flying with a large amount of cash on a flight is not illegal. Nevertheless, bringing cash to the airport increases the chance it will be seized for a civil asset forfeiture proceeding during a search and detention.
PayPal, cash, gift cards and debit cards all make it possible to pay for travel without a credit card. If a debit card is your preferred payment method, make sure you have a bank account that waives ATM fees so that you can avoid paying extra fees.