Europe without the hassle 2025: how to pay (and not lose money) on your trip
If you're planning a trip to Europe in 2025, there's one question that will inevitably keep you up at night: should I bring cash or pay by card? 💳💶 The short answer is "both," but the long answer—and the one that will save you a lot of headaches—deserves a proper discussion. Because beyond the itinerary, insurance, or luggage, understanding how to pay in Europe can make all the difference between enjoying your trip and feeling like you're being overcharged at every turn.
💡 The trick is in the coin and the choice you make on the card reader.
When you're in front of the card reader in Paris, Rome or Lisbon and they ask you if you want to pay in your currency or in euros , always choose to pay in the local currency.
Although it may seem like a minor detail, that decision can make a big difference to your budget.
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If you choose to pay in pesos or dollars, the merchant applies their own conversion rate (with hidden fees or a less favorable exchange rate).
- 💶 On the other hand, If you pay in the local currency , your bank will convert it at the official exchange rate; it's more transparent and has fewer surcharges.
- ✨ That difference It may seem small, but added up to coffees, tickets or purchases, at the end of the trip it can represent several extra euros.
In cities like Madrid or Lisbon, paying in euros is the norm, but airports and tourist shops often offer the option to "pay in your local currency" to "make things easier." It sounds good, but you end up paying a hidden fee. 😬 So, you know what to do: if the card reader gives you the option, choose the local currency.
💳 Credit or debit card for travel?
Although both work abroad, a credit card is usually your best friend on an international trip. 🌐
Why? Because in addition to facilitating payments almost anywhere in the world, it offers benefits and protections that most debit cards don't. Here's what those benefits are: 💰
- 💳 Greater security and support : If any duplicate charges, fraud, or errors occur, banks typically respond more quickly with credit cards. Plus, you don't handle your money directly, giving you an extra layer of protection.
- 🛡️Insurance included: Many credit cards offer travel insurance, coverage for lost luggage, accidents, or medical assistance, at no extra cost.
- 🏨Hassle-free bookings: Hotels, airlines, and car rental agencies usually require a credit card to guarantee the reservation or deposit.
Besides, Make sure your card has a chip and PIN (magnetic stripe cards are not accepted in Europe).
💶 Cash: the ally that never goes out of style
Even though Europe is becoming increasingly digital, carrying cash is still important. Not because it's required everywhere, but because it saves you in places that don't accept cards: 🧺 a local market in Naples, 🥐 a bakery in a French village, or 🚕 a taxi in a rural area.
It's also possible that some small hotels prefer cash payments to avoid bank fees. In those cases, having some cash on hand makes things easier.
- 📌 If you are carrying more than 10,000 euros or its equivalent, you must declare it at customs.
- 💡 Ideally, you should carry between €300 and €500 in cash for the first few days, and then you can use local ATMs as needed. (This is an estimate, as it all depends on your travel plans.)
💰 In Colombia, you can buy euros before leaving—this way you avoid depending on the airport exchange rate. And if you're wondering how to take euros to Europe, the wisest thing to do is distribute them: some with you, some in your carry-on bag, and never all in the same place.
Furthermore, some countries are more “cash friendly” than others:
Germany
In Germany, cash continues to play a major role.
Nordic countries
In the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland) almost everything is paid for by card or mobile phone.
France and Italy
France and Italy are in the middle.
💱 Is it better to bring cash or a card to Europe?
It depends on the type of traveler you are. If you're the type who likes to keep a close eye on your spending, cards let you see your expenses in real time through your bank's app. But if you're the type who enjoys spontaneity, having physical euros can give you freedom. ✨
- ✅ a main card
- ✅ one backup
- ✅ and a little cash
Think of it this way: cash is like a portable charger for money. 🔋💶 You don't use it all the time, but when you need it, it saves the day.
🚗 The invisible side of the journey: fees, tolls and small details
One of the most frequently asked questions is how to pay tolls in Europe. Don't worry: on most highways you can use your card without any problem. The toll booths accept chip, contactless, or even automatic card readers.
- 💳 Some countries, such as Switzerland or Austria , use electronic vignettes.
- 🚘 In Italy, tolls operate with automatic barriers.
- 🇫🇷 In France the system is mixed.
And speaking of hidden expenses, don't forget small bank fees. Sometimes you don't see them right away, but they add up at the end of the month. 💸
The good news 🎉 is that there are more and more options to avoid that, such as digital or multicurrency cards , which allow you to load several currencies at the real exchange rate.
📱 Traveling connected is also part of the budget
There's nothing more frustrating than being unable to make an online purchase because you don't have an internet connection. If you're going to rely on mobile payments or maps to find ATMs or banks, you need to be connected all the time. 🌐
That's where Conecty comes in: your ally for staying online throughout your trip. With an international SIM or eSIM , you can pay, receive bank alerts, or confirm transactions from any European city, without relying on hotel Wi-Fi. 💳📲
If you don't already have one, check out the article about SIM card and eSIM for traveling to Europe — it will save you more than once.
Furthermore, with a good internet connection you can use digital banking apps, track your spending, check limits, and even compare exchange rates in real time. Connectivity , though it may seem like a minor detail, is also part of managing your travel finances.
💼 Cards that are actually worth it
Not all cards are the same. Some, like digital or multi-currency cards, let you hold several currencies and spend directly in euros. A good example is the Wise Europa card , one of the most popular among travelers because it allows you to have balances in different currencies and pay with the real exchange rate, without hidden fees.
With it, you can load funds in pesos, dollars, or euros, and upon arrival, simply pay as if you were a local. It's practical, straightforward, and without the typical surprise commission at the end of the month. ✅
If you already have one of these options, take it. If not, your traditional Colombian card will still work fine; just check its limits and fees before you leave. And don't forget something key: the answer to "what currency to use when paying with a card abroad" should always be the same: pay in euros. 💶🇪🇺
🏙️ Little tips that will make you feel like a local
In big cities like Madrid or Paris, paying by card is the norm; even in cafes or bakeries, no one bats an eye if you take out your phone and pay contactless. But if you go to small towns or rural areas, cash is your best friend. 💵🤝
If you're interested in learning more about how to get around there without stress, we recommend reading the Complete Guide to Traveling in Europe: Transportation, Connectivity and Essential Tips.
And if Madrid is on your route, take a look at the article What to do when you travel to Madrid , because in addition to knowing where to eat or what to visit, you'll know where it's best to use cash or card.
💬 Mini FAQ: Paying in Europe without losing money
