How Much Cash Should You Bring to Europe?

How Much Cash Should You Bring to Europe?

The short answer is: Yes — but not like in the old days. It’s no longer worth carrying thousands of euros in a money belt, but traveling with zero cash is an unnecessary risk. Today, the ideal approach is a hybrid strategy.

Europe widely accepts credit and debit cards, including contactless payments. In major cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Berlin, it’s entirely possible to go days without using a single euro note.

However, in small establishments, local markets, street fairs, public restrooms, and smaller towns, cash is still widely used — and in some cases, essential.

👉 In other words: it’s not mandatory, but it makes a difference.

The Downsides (Why You Shouldn’t Bring Too Much) — Cash or Card in Europe

Even in ultra-tech Europe, paper money still has its place:

Security: Lost or stolen cash cannot be refunded.

Unfavorable exchange rates: Physical exchange offices often offer worse rates than global accounts using the commercial exchange rate.

Practicality: Carrying coins and bills requires constant attention and takes up space.

Small businesses: In cities like Berlin or villages in Italy and Greece, many cafés, street markets, and newsstands still operate on a “Cash Only” basis for small amounts.

Tips and Free Walking Tours: If you join those “free” guided tours, tips at the end are expected in cash.

System outages: Metro ticket machines that don’t accept your card or systems temporarily offline can disrupt your trip.

Public restrooms: Yes — in many places in Europe (such as Germany), you’ll need €0.50 or €1.00 coins to access restrooms in train or metro stations.

💡 Traveler tip: Never keep all your money in one place. Don’t carry everything in your wallet — distribute it between your backpack, money belt, and suitcase.

How Much Cash Should You Bring to Europe? (The Golden Rule)

A good rule of thumb is to calculate around €50 to €60 for every 5 days of travel. The rest should be digital.

The Best Current Strategy: The Winning Combo

📱 Global Account (e.g., Wise, Nomad, Avenue): Use for 90% of your expenses. The IOF tax is only 1.1%, and the exchange rate is the commercial rate — not the more expensive tourism rate.

💳 International Credit Card: Keep as a backup for emergencies or car rentals (where debit cards are sometimes not accepted for deposits).

💶 Cash for specific situations: A strategic reserve purchased in Brazil to avoid the abusive exchange rates at European airports.

This combination gives you freedom, security, and financial control throughout your trip.

So, Is It Worth Bringing Cash to Europe?

Yes, it is.

But not as your main payment method — rather as part of a smart travel strategy.

The traveler who relies only on cards takes risks. The one who carries only cash does too. The traveler who combines both travels with peace of mind.

✈️ Experienced traveler’s conclusion

Bringing cash to Europe isn’t a mistake — it’s planning.

And planning is what separates a stressful trip from an unforgettable experience.