A new survey suggests that people are more likely to pay for items with cash when they are on holiday overseas compared to when they are in the UK. According to the survey, 44% of consumers use cash more on foreign trips, while only 7% use it less. The most common reason cited for using cash instead of a card while on holiday is that it is the only accepted form of payment at the destinations they visit. Other reasons include managing expenses better while away, avoiding bank charges and ATM fees, and concerns about card details being compromised.
Abta, a travel association, advises travellers to bring some cash with them on holiday to ensure they can make payments without having to incur costly ATM withdrawal fees. In certain countries such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, withdrawing cash from ATMs can lead to charges ranging from two to six euros, with additional currency conversion fees. In some places like Germany, cash is preferred in bars and restaurants over card payments.
Graeme Buck, the director of communications at Abta, highlighted the importance of carrying foreign currency for a more convenient and stress-free holiday experience. The survey, conducted by research company YouGov, involved 2,060 UK adults and took place online across two days in June. It revealed that cash remains a popular choice for spending while travelling abroad due to varying payment preferences across different countries. The survey results emphasise the continued relevance of cash as a primary payment method during holidays.