While cards are accepted for 90% of transactions, particularly in major cities, carrying some cash in Europe is highly recommended for smaller purchases, public toilets, tips, or in cash-heavy areas like Germany or rural regions. Rely on credit/debit cards for most expenses and use ATMs to withdraw local currency as needed.
We suggest making as few withdrawals as is possible—only once if you can manage it, though we know not all travelers feel comfortable carrying large sums of cash. Also, don't be shy with using your credit and debit cards when making purchases. Most shops, cafes, and restaurants accept major credit brands.
Cash is great for keeping down costs by allowing you to pay in the local currency – just remember to shop around to find the best euro rate before you travel (and when you've chosen a vendor, check whether they charge commission… by the way, travel money from eurochange is commission-free!).
Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Read more about what you need to apply and payment exemptions.
While much of northern Europe is embracing cashless transactions, it's worth remembering many people still prefer to spend money that's in their bank account and not rely on credit cards.
In 2027, the European Union will roll out restrictions limiting cash payments to €10,000 ($11,508). In fact, EU member countries have had more severe restrictions in place for a long time (Table 1). Belgium prohibits cash transactions over €3,000 ($3,452), and Greece prohibits them at just €500 ($575).
Sweden has officially become the first country in the world to go completely cashless. Almost every shop, café, and public transport system in Sweden now accepts only digital payments like cards or mobile apps. The popular app “Swish,” launched in 2012, is used by millions of Swedes to send and receive money instantly.
Starting in 2026, American citizens traveling to most European Union countries must apply for an ETIAS authorization (European Travel Information and Authorization System).
UK nationals are required to have a valid ETIAS travel authorisation if they travel to any of the European countries requiring ETIAS for a short-term stay (90 days in any 180-day period).
Avoid carrying your passport unless needed for travel, especially in tourist areas. Instead, carry a copy or photo of your passport's bio page. Consider leaving your passport in a secure place, like a hotel safe. You will need your passport to check in to any hotel in Spain, and you may need it for trains.
The use of coins and notes is steadily declining across Europe, yet it remains widespread. In many eurozone countries, cash is still the most common payment method both in terms of the number and value of transactions.
So for 2 weeks in Europe, a budget traveler may spend around 1,120 Euros. This could be lower if you budget to the extreme. Keep in mind, a work exchange cuts your accommodation costs down to 0, and your food, transport, and activity costs may be lower as well depending on what your host offers.
Can I keep cash in my pocket through airport security?
Can I Keep Cash in My Pockets through TSA? No. TSA agents will ask that you remove everything, even a half-used tissue, from your pockets before going through metal detectors and scanners. Especially if you have coins in your pocket, you will get flagged for further search.
How much cash should I bring to Europe for 1 week?
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, and you can withdraw local currency from ATMs as you go. A good rule of thumb is to land with €50–€150 per person in cash for small expenses (taxis, snacks, public washrooms, markets), and then top up from ATMs instead of carrying a big stack of bills.
EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.
No, you do not need an ETIAS travel authorisation if you only remain in the international transit area. However, you must have a valid travel authorisation if you leave this area and enter the territory of any of the European countries requiring ETIAS.
The Schengen Area was created following the Schengen Agreement, named after the village in Luxembourg where it was signed in 1985. The Schengen Convention, which followed in 1990, set out more details on the operation of the borderless area.
Yes, UK citizens will need an ETIAS authorization to travel to most European countries for short stays (up to 90 days) once the system launches, currently expected in late 2026, as it's a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, similar to the US ESTA. This applies to the Schengen Area and other countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, but not Ireland due to the Common Travel Area.
ETIAS is the new travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries. ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point.
According to the Swedish central bank, only 8% of the population used cash in 2022, and the amount of physical currency in circulation has dropped by half since 2007. With digital wallets, instant mobile transfers, and biometric identification, daily transactions in Sweden have become almost entirely virtual.
The UK is rapidly moving towards being a low-cash, but not fully cashless, society, with digital payments dominating, yet cash remains crucial for millions, especially vulnerable groups, leading to government efforts to protect access via legislation, banking hubs, and ATMs, even as some businesses go card-only and digital ID plans emerge. While cash use has plummeted (less than 10% of payments in 2024/25), the Bank of England and officials stress that a completely cashless system isn't feasible or desirable yet, focusing on maintaining choice and access for everyone, including the elderly and low-income individuals.
Across the world – from China to India to much of Europe – cash is being eliminated from financial transactions through the expansion of bank cards and digitised systems (QR codes, mobile payment services). This shift towards a cashless economy is no longer just an economic issue, but a human rights one too.
