ATMs are the best way to access money abroad and are increasingly available. Your bank or credit card company may charge fees for withdrawals overseas and may have a limit on the amount you can withdraw daily, so be sure to consult with your bank about this.

For travel to Europe in 2026, the "best practice" has shifted heavily toward a digital-first approach supplemented by local ATM withdrawals. While most major European cities—especially in the UK, Scandinavia, and Western Europe—are now nearly cashless, you should not rely entirely on credit cards. It is highly recommended to use local ATMs (bank-owned machines, not "Euronet" or generic convenience store kiosks) upon arrival to withdraw a small amount of Euros or the local currency for small bakeries, public toilets, and rural markets. Bringing large amounts of physical cash from your home country is generally discouraged due to poor exchange rates at kiosks and the safety risk of carrying large sums. Instead, use a "travel-friendly" credit or debit card that offers no foreign transaction fees. Many travelers now use digital banks like Revolut or Monzo to get the mid-market exchange rate. Always choose to be charged in the "local currency" rather than your home currency at ATMs and card readers to avoid "Dynamic Currency Conversion" fees, which can quietly add 5–10% to your total costs.