Travel money
Plan how much travel money to take
Sketch how much you may spend, how much cash to carry, and what that looks like in the destination currency. Figures update as you type. Sample rates, not a live quote.
Estimate an ATM withdrawalConvert an amountPrepare travel money
Practical
How to use the plan
A few habits that keep a sketch useful once you are actually travelling.
Start with a daily figure, then add the lumps
Food, local transport and small purchases sit in the daily amount. Hotels, car hire and tickets are easier as separate trip totals so they do not get counted twice.
Cash is for gaps, not the whole trip
A cash share of around 20–40% covers markets, tips and the first day. Cards usually handle hotels and meals where contactless works. Adjust the slider for how you actually pay.
Keep emergency money separate
A modest extra line is a buffer, not spending you plan to use. Keep it on a second card or in a different pocket so a lost wallet does not take the whole budget.
Compare the rate you are offered
The destination total here uses a labelled sample rate. A bureau, card or ATM will use its own figure plus fees. Compare what you would actually receive before you commit.
Related
Continue with Wayfare tools
After a plan, convert an amount, estimate an ATM withdrawal, or prepare travel money.
Travel money
Prepare cash, cards and exchange before you travel.
Open travel moneyCurrency converter
Convert an amount with the dedicated converter.
Open converterATM withdrawal calculator
Estimate local cash and optional fees before you use a foreign ATM.
Estimate a withdrawalCurrency explorer
Search published currencies and open a destination guide.
Browse currenciesFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short answers on trip budgets, cash versus cards and how this planner is calculated.
How much travel money should I take?
There is no single right amount. A practical sketch is daily spend × days × travellers, then add known lumps such as hotels or tickets. Use this planner as a starting point and adjust for your destination and habits.
How much cash should I carry?
Enough for the first day, tips and places that prefer notes — often a minority of the trip total. The cash slider is a preference, not advice. Carry less than you would mind losing, and keep a backup card.
Should I use cash or a card abroad?
Most trips use both. Cards are convenient where they are accepted; cash still matters for smaller vendors and backups. Check your card’s foreign-transaction fees before you rely on it.
How much emergency money should I keep?
A buffer that would cover a night, a taxi or a replacement card collection is enough for many travellers. Keep it separate from daily spending. This tool does not set a recommended amount.
How should I budget daily spending?
Think about meals, local travel and incidentals for one person, then multiply by travellers and days. Put accommodation and long-distance transport in their own fields so the daily figure stays realistic.
Does this planner use live exchange rates?
No. Destination amounts use clearly labelled sample / demo rates so you can see the conversion. A bank, card or ATM will use a different rate and may add fees.