?50 a day is enough to live of if your accommodation is paid for and your tastes aren't too extravagant, but it's a lot of cash to carry around. ATM's are the way to go. For our twice-annual trips to London (usually 6-9 nights), we bring ~?400 cash, and use credit cards, without Foreign Transaction Fees.

London has become an almost entirely "cashless" society in 2026, meaning you need very little physical currency. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or "tap" credit cards) are the standard for everything from the Underground and buses to street food markets and small pubs. In fact, many venues no longer accept cash at all. For a one-week trip, carrying around £50 to £100 in cash is more than sufficient for emergencies or the very rare "cash only" antique stall. For daily budgeting, a "mid-range" traveler should plan to spend between £150 and £220 per day, which includes a £8.50 daily transport cap (Zones 1-2), roughly £50 for meals, and £30 for attractions. Budget travelers can manage on £65 to £95 per day by utilizing free museums and supermarket meal deals. Since ATM fees can be high for foreign cards, it is best to rely on a travel-friendly card with no transaction fees and only use an ATM if you encounter a specific need, as you will likely find yourself returning home with the same notes you arrived with.