How to use money abroad without fees
Use money abroad without fees by paying with a card that charges no foreign transaction fee, always choosing to pay in the local currency when a card machine or ATM offers a conversion, and withdrawing cash from bank-owned ATMs in larger, less frequent amounts. Carry two cards in separate places, set up spending alerts, and avoid airport exchange counters.
Why it matters: Small fees on every purchase and withdrawal add up over a trip.
Steps
- Check your cards for foreign transaction fees and bring one that has none.
- Check your debit card's foreign ATM fees, or open an account with lower ones.
- Turn on spending alerts in your banking app.
- When a card machine asks, choose to pay in the local currency, not your home currency.
- Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks, in fewer, larger amounts.
- Carry a little local cash for transit and small shops.
- Keep a second card in a separate place in case one is lost.
Common mistakes
- Accepting the offer to be charged in your home currency, which usually costs more.
- Changing money at airport counters.
- Using standalone ATMs in tourist areas with high fees.
Teach this to someone
A one page sheet for showing a friend, a teenager or a parent: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to use money abroad without fees
What to say
Use money abroad without fees by paying with a card that charges no foreign transaction fee, always choosing to pay in the local currency when a card machine or ATM offers a conversion, and withdrawing cash from bank-owned ATMs in larger, less frequent amounts. Carry two cards in separate places, set up spending alerts, and avoid airport exchange counters.
What to show
- Check your cards for foreign transaction fees and bring one that has none.
- Check your debit card's foreign ATM fees, or open an account with lower ones.
- Turn on spending alerts in your banking app.
- When a card machine asks, choose to pay in the local currency, not your home currency.
- Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks, in fewer, larger amounts.
- Carry a little local cash for transit and small shops.
- Keep a second card in a separate place in case one is lost.
Check question
A card machine offers to charge you in your home currency. What do you choose?
Answer: The local currency. The conversion offered at the machine usually costs more.
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Sources
- US federal consumer guidance on using cards and cash abroad, 2026. Reviewed September 28, 2026.
Written in our own words from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for your situation; where a professional, your doctor or your lease says something different, follow them.
Last reviewed . First published .