How you can journey via UK, Germany, and Eastern Europe utilizing solely card and cellphone funds

Before a current rail trek from London to Istanbul, I realised I’d be visiting eight international locations which use seven currencies between them. Only the Netherlands and Germany are on the euro, whereas the others (the UK, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey) have retained their very own idiosyncratic notes and cash.

This suggests upcoming complications brought on by having to usually change money from one foreign money to a different, shedding a bit on the speed every time, and piling up varied unusable cash alongside the best way.

Which made me marvel – may I get away with spending no money in any respect, relying as an alternative on contactless funds utilizing my bank card or Apple Pay through my cellphone and watch? I knew from expertise that was potential within the UK, however what concerning the different international locations – notably historically cash-oriented Germany?

I made a decision to provide it a go, arriving in London with no money in any respect, aside from a $50 Australian notice I hold tucked away behind my pockets for emergencies. Here’s what I found: going cash-free in Europe is extremely doable, and definitely a lot simpler than earlier than the pandemic. That disaster considerably superior the adoption of contactless cost strategies, and I had no issues paying through Apple Pay throughout all my visited international locations.

Even Germany now welcomes contactless cost strategies, definitely at retail websites corresponding to comfort shops and eating places. The one exception I discover is a currywurst stand outdoors the S-Bahn station close to my Berlin lodge, which has a “cash only” signal; however skipping that deal with might be higher for my well being in any case.

Another occasional exception is the dreaded cost for utilizing public bogs at main prepare stations. In some locations corresponding to Bucharest’s principal Gara de Nord station, this may be paid solely in money (I sneak into the john on the station’s McDonald’s outlet as an alternative). At Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof, against this, the price is an outrageous €1.50 however will be paid by card.

So contactless cost is extensively obtainable in Europe, however what does it price? Australian banks typically cost a price between 3 and three.5 per cent for abroad purchases, although you’ll be able to store round for specialist card accounts with out these charges.

If you’re planning to make use of your common card, nevertheless, issue on this cost. For me, it’s value it for the comfort, given that getting overseas money comes with inbuilt charges as properly. And, as at all times, if a service provider presents you the selection of paying in Australian {dollars} or the native foreign money, select the native foreign money – it’s often a greater price.

In the tip, my journey throughout Europe stays nearly totally cash-free. I pay for only one buy in money; after having lunch at an outside restaurant in Sofia, Bulgaria, when the waiter unexpectedly informs me their card terminal was down.

That’s once I take that fortunate $50 notice to an change sales space throughout the road and convert it to Bulgarian lev. My fault actually – after that, I’m extra cautious about asking if a spot accepts card funds earlier than I order.

The author travelled as a visitor of Eurail and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.