What is the best way for Americans to pay for things in Europe?

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.



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While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It's also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

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As already discussed, an international travel card is the most secure option for paying while travelling abroad. Niyo Global is the best Travel Card that you must add to your list. It is an international debit card that helps people make payments in more than 150 countries hassle-free.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Credit card transaction fees are typically higher than debit cards. Shops may charge a fee, and banks may charge a conversion fee for the payment. If the merchant hasn't displayed fee notices, travelers should inquire with the staff. Credit cards may be subject to ghost charges or temporary holds.

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NerdWallet's Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards of November 2023
  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Bonus category cash back.
  • Wells Fargo Autograph? Card: Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee.
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Bonus travel rewards.


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US dollars: I carry $100–200 as a backup. While you won't use it for day-to-day purchases, American cash in your money belt comes in handy for emergencies, such as when banks go on strike or your ATM card stops working. I've been in Greece and Ireland when every bank went on strike, shutting down without warning.

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A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling.

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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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Best No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards
  1. Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating category rewards.
  2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for occasional travelers.
  3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: Best for intro APR.
  4. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best travel card for beginners.


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Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure.

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To quickly recap, if you are traveling to Europe, you are looking at spending around 120 euros per day on average. However, once you have your itinerary in place (try using our convenient tour builder), you will have a tailored and accurate answer to the ever-relevant question - how much to budget per day in Europe.

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