How often do you need cash in Europe?

Don't Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.



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If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. 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.

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Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.

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With 10,000 USD, you could easily travel around Europe for a few weeks. You could stay in budget hostels and eat at local restaurants or cook your own meals. If you plan carefully and look for deals, it's possible to stretch that amount even further.

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European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

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While there are some situations where it may make sense to use DCCs, it's usually better to pay in the local currency – especially if you use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.

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So, you might be wondering - how much cash should I bring on a three-week vacation to Europe? You can use the costs in our table above, and the $100-per-day rule of thumb, to calculate how much money you'll need for your trip. So for a three-week trip, you'll be needing over $2,000.

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While your exact expenses depend on a lot of factors, here is the short answer to the question: how much do I need to budget for backpacking Europe? Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.

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By far one of the easiest ways to secure cash in Europe is to simply withdraw the right currency from ATMs during your travels. ATM withdrawals are often a hassle-free way to get cash. ATMs are everywhere across Europe, especially in the busiest hubs and almost all machines have English language options.

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Currency exchange shops and kiosks in airports are not the best places to exchange money. For the best rates, try a local bank or a bank ATM to make your currency exchanges. Check to see if your U.S. bank offers foreign ATM fee refunds for using a foreign ATM. Not all currency exchanges charge the same rate.

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Your Wallet in Front Pocket A lot of guys keep their wallets in their back pockets, but this is an extremely easy target for a pickpocket. And that is why it is advisable to keep your wallet in your front pocket.

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Bring 100€-200€ in cash with you to Paris to cover small expenses, tips, and perhaps a cab ride into the city. Use a credit or debit card from a bank with low or no foreign transaction fees to charge most other purchases while in Paris, such as restaurant meals and any shopping you might do.

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Average cost of meals An average estimate is also about 20 Euros per meal. Lunch and breakfast are usually cheaper than dinner, especially if drinks are involved. In Western Europe, you'll easily spend 20 Euros on just breakfast or lunch with a coffee or drink. Dinner could be 30 or 40 Euros with wines and cocktails.

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You don't need to bring any cash. You might want to get 100 Euro from an ATM at the airport when you arrive in Italy and hit ATMs as needed throughout you trip. Consider getting larger sums to avoid the (roughly) $2 ATM fee everytime you use an ATM.

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