In the age of digital technology, almost everything can be found and accessed online, using those electronic devices and connection to the Internet. From the smallest to the biggest, from the basic to the complex of tasks, people today can actually just go online on their gadgets to do them whenever and wherever. One of the most evident actions is making online payment transactions. It could be through e-wallets or online banking, and these can be accessed anytime and anywhere, which makes them also very beneficial when traveling.
When traveling, there could be unexpected spendings, and it would be helpful to have online wallets ready when the need for them arises. Furthermore, contactless payments have become a popular thing since the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Paying before receiving your travel service is made possible through those e-payments.
Nevertheless, you still should not go on a trip without tangible money inside your pockets. No matter how famous and how widely used e-wallets are locally and internationally, cash remains unsurpassed, and not everyone realizes that.
To remind you and everybody who forgets, here are 5 reasons why carrying cash is still a must when traveling.
1 – Not all destinations accept virtual payments.
Although the whole world has been technology advancing day by day, in every corner possible, not all destinations accept virtual payments. Some still prefer and require cash as modes of payment. What could the reasons be?
The tourist destination is in a remote area, in a secluded area where e-wallets are not an inevitable part of the locals’ daily lives. People are not really inclined to using mobile devices and online wallets to make payments and to receive them. They do not have those accounts by choice, and they find it more comfortable and convenient to use cash.
2 – Some small transactions allow cash only.
In some travel destinations, online money transfers are permitted only for big transactions or only for those that reach the place’s minimum required bills. For example, if the foreign restaurant requires at least $20 on your total food bill to accept virtual payments, you will need to pay cash if your bill is $15.
It is very important to bring cash when traveling because you never know when a certain tourist itinerary does not allow e-payments for small purchases.
3 – Online payment services may sometimes be out of order.
One of the crucial reasons to always carry cash when traveling is the unexpected tendencies of technical difficulties and maintenance of those online applications used for making online transactions. When the system is down, and you have no cash with you, you might not be able to immediately pay, and most places will not let you pay later.
Online payment services may sometimes be out of order. Even the most reputable hotel accommodation options and five-star restaurants sometimes go through such troubles. It’s beyond your control and beyond the tourist spot owner and staff’s control. To be sure and ready, bring cash when traveling.
4 – Local bank services may not function abroad.
Most specifically when traveling internationally, it’s necessary to bring cash too. Although you will not be able to directly use it in a different country, you can have currencies exchanged nonetheless. Local bank services may not function abroad, but if you have cash, your worries can be lessened.
5 – Cash is important for emergency purposes.
Unforeseen needs where e-payments cannot wholly be of great use are the perfect times to use cash. Cash is highly important for emergency purposes. Like if you suddenly need to buy one piece of toothbrush from a nearby store, or if you realize that you took the wrong train, cash can help you make easy and fast transactions on the spot. When you are in a hurry, it’s easier to take out cash from your pocket than to open an e-payment application, log it in and fill out all the required fields before making a transaction. Cash is on the go!
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CASH WITH YOU
Put some cash in your wallets and pockets! You will definitely need it one way or another. It’s always best to be ready in all ways always when traveling.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Quality and well-researched writing is her worthwhile avenue to enlighten and delight others about things that matter. She is a daytime writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta Hotel, a five-star hotel in Parramatta, New South Wales which provides a rewarding stay and a close reach of Australia’s noteworthy features. Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
