Cards, cash, and ATMs

Realistic expectation

Many restaurants, hotels, chain stores, and transit systems accept cards. Some cafés, market stalls, tiny shops, and older vendors prefer cash or domestic cards. Treat cash as a backup, not optional fluff.

Cards

• Notify your bank of travel dates; enable overseas usage.
• Prefer chips / contactless where accepted; carry a second card from a different network if possible.
• Foreign cards can fail without warning (issuer fraud filters, minimums, or terminal settings). Have a plan B.

Cash

• Withdraw from bank ATMs when possible; convenience-store ATMs vary in foreign-card support and fees.
• Keep a modest daily float for snacks, street food, and “card declined” moments.
• Don’t flash large stacks in crowded tourist spots — normal city caution.

Currency exchange

Airport and city banks/exchanges both work; compare spreads if changing a large amount. Receipts help if you need to reconvert leftovers (policies vary).

Transit money

T-money top-ups are commonly done with cash at convenience stores; some kiosks/cards allow other methods — follow the machine prompts.

Tip

Avoid inventing “always free ATM” rules. Check your bank’s partner network and on-screen fees before confirming a withdrawal.

Related: Payment troubles, Essential apps.