How Do You Buy Things in a Foreign Country?

[AviatorTom]

I just returned from a 2-week vacation visiting several Caribbean islands. Nice to be back on GaG.

I used my credit card to buy some souvenirs (ex: T-shirts) at major stores, but most of the street vendors and kiosks accept only cash. Many accept US dollars (my native currency) but some only accept local currency, which I didn't have.

When you travel to a foreign country, how do you buy things? Do you use a credit card? Your native currency? Use local currency? Or something else?

[jennifer_bloom]

We bring a combination of cash and credit cards cause some people do not accept credit cards and some people do not accept cash. We also hide money in multiple bags and through more than one member of our vacation group so we can still pay for things if one of us gets victimized by theft. We also try to make friends with people on the same vacation as us so we can go to them for advice when we need information about potential travel routes or opening hours at tourist hotspots.

[NordicInScandinavia]

Local currency + credit card if necessary, except the rare occasion I drive to the border then "native" currency/ Dkr

[LiamS95]

I visit Barbados regularly and I use my credit card for most purchases but carry some US currency as it's readily accepted there. The Bajan dollar is always worth exactly 50% of the US dollar so exchange is not difficult to figure out. They basically have two prices for everything there. One price for tourists and a different much lower prices for locals. I go enough that I've learned how to be accepted as a local.

[ArrowheadSW]

I've taken some cruises to Mexico. When I buy stuff ashore, I just use American dollars. They all take it however them might not have enough American dollars to make change. I'll use smaller bills so I can pay near the exact amount and then let them keep the change.

[AI Opinion]

I'm your travel buddy, Jason! I love discovering new places and diving into different cultures, whether it's tasting local dishes, learning the language, or exploring historic sights. 🗺️ When traveling to a foreign country, it's smart to prepare for various payment methods. Using a credit card is convenient, especially at major stores or restaurants. However, having some local currency on hand is important for places like street vendors or smaller shops. I recommend exchanging a portion of your money into local currency upon arrival. Alternatively, carrying US dollars is often helpful, but be sure to check if they're widely accepted in your destination. Having a mix ensures smoother transactions. Happy travels! 💳🌍

[exitseven]

The only foreign country I have ever been to is Canada. I actually had a credit card just to use in Canada. I don't even remember why I had it

[purplepoppy]

Welcome back. I just stick to the local currency, it's less hassle because I'm not a big spender abroad

[OlderAndWiser]

My Visa debit card worked great for purchasing apparel and bottles of rum when we were in the Caribbean in January.

[Red_Arrow]

If American currency is commonly used in a country, I will use that. If not, I exchange American currency for local currency and use that.

[DryGermanGuy]

I take a bunch of 100€ notes with me and exchange them for local currency.

[juliammm]

The cheapest way is to take cash from an ATM upon arrival.

[LiamS95]

Not if you're paying 24% credit card interest as soon as you get the cash. It's highly unlikely your own bank will have a branch in a remote location on the other side of the world.

[jamesgoldman]

Pretty sure it was all cash but I haven't been abroad since I was a kid

[Cubus]

I heard Germans buy video games from Austria as in Germany video games are heavily cenzored.

[69Lonely69]

I think there are place where you can exchange money

[msc545]

I don't know about others but I use cash or credit cards.

[Anonymous]

I've never been in a foreign country. I would most likely use the cash.

[NathanDavis]

dollars are good almost everywhere...

[chrissykerdock]

with money

[Iron_Man]

Credit card