Arriving in a new country is always exciting, but if you land without any local currency, you could find yourself in a tight spot — especially as a solo traveller. While digital payments are increasingly common, they’re not always reliable, particularly at airports, in taxis or in smaller shops and rural areas. Having a small amount of local cash means you’re better prepared for those first few hours: buying a bus ticket, grabbing a snack, tipping a porter or paying for an emergency taxi. It also helps you avoid airport currency exchange desks, which often come with poor rates and high fees.
Planning ahead by exchanging money before you travel — either at your bank or using a reputable currency exchange service — means you’ll get better value and greater peace of mind. If you can’t get the currency in your home country, consider using ATMs at the airport, but only if you’re confident in their safety and your card is set up for international use. Just remember that not all machines are reliable, and queues or outages can delay you. It’s also worth noting that not all destinations have cashless infrastructure — particularly in parts of Africa, Asia or Latin America — making physical currency essential in the early stages of your trip.
Before travelling, aim to have the equivalent of £50–£100 in local currency. Keep small denominations for ease, and store your money securely in two separate places (for example, a money belt and your day bag). Check whether your destination uses cash predominantly or accepts contactless payments widely. Tools like XE Currency and Wise can help you monitor rates and make smarter exchange decisions. By preparing in advance, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, move confidently on arrival, and start your solo travel adventure on the right foot.
