How much cash should I bring to Asia?

How much cash should you bring to Asia?

For a two-week Asian trip in 2024, plan on $500-$1500 per person in spending money. This is a broad range, obviously. It depends entirely on your lifestyle. My last trip to Thailand cost me considerably less; I’m a budget traveler, though.

Consider these factors:

• Accommodation: Are you staying in hostels (cheap!) or luxury hotels (expensive!)? This is the biggest variable.

• Food: Street food is wonderfully cheap. Fine dining? Not so much. I, for one, find street food infinitely more interesting. A culinary adventure.

• Activities: Entrance fees to temples, tours, etc., add up. Research beforehand. Don’t just wing it. This is something I learned the hard way in Vietnam.

• Transportation: Local transport is usually affordable, but long-distance travel can be costly. Consider internal flights versus trains. My personal preference is trains; more scenic.

• Souvenirs: Resist the urge to buy everything shiny. Prioritize meaningful purchases. I usually end up regretting impulse buys.

Crucially: Bring a debit/credit card. ATMs are readily available in most tourist areas in Asia. Credit cards offer better protection against theft, a key consideration when traveling. You should always be slightly paranoid when abroad. This is practical.

This is not financial advice, mind you. I’m not a financial advisor, just a guy who likes traveling. But hey, my experiences are valuable; I've traveled to 12 Asian countries now. Think of me as your slightly jaded, slightly insightful, travel buddy. I know the region. I’ve seen the things.

How much money would you need to travel around Asia?

Asia trip? $35/day, minimum. Budget backpacking. $1000/month. Low-end.

Expect more.

• Flights: $800-$2000 (depending on origin and destination)
• Visas: Variable, research required. Check your nationality. My recent Vietnam visa cost $25.
• Accommodation: Hostels – $10-$30/night. Private rooms: significantly higher.
• Food: Street food: cheap. Restaurants: more expensive. Expect $15-$30 daily.
• Activities: Free walking tours exist. Expect higher costs for entrance fees and tours. My Angkor Wat visit cost $60.
• Transportation: Buses are cheapest. Trains: mid-range. Flights: expensive. Internal travel significantly adds to costs. My recent bus trip in Thailand cost $10.

$1000/month? A joke. That's insufficient for most locations. Assume $1500-2500 for comfortable travel. My own recent trip (2024) to Thailand cost me closer to $2000/month. Luxury? Forget it.

Should I take cash to Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia. Sun-drenched temples, the scent of frangipani clinging to humid air. Cash. Always cash. US dollars, crisp and reassuring in my hand. A tangible link to home, a silent promise.

The feel of it. Cool, smooth, a small weight in my pocket. Security. Peace of mind.

ATMs exist, of course. Glittering promises of easy access. But the fees. Robbing you blind, those insidious fees. Larger withdrawals? Maybe. But the risk. The unsettling feeling in your gut. Better safe. Better with the greenbacks. One hundred dollars at a time. No, more. Two hundred.

My last trip, 2023. I remember it clearly. The bustling markets, the bartering, the laughter. Cash was king. Every transaction, a small ritual. A brief connection.

• US Dollars: Essential. The universal language of travel in Southeast Asia.
• ATMs: Use cautiously. High fees negate the convenience. A calculated risk. Weigh it.
• Large Withdrawals: Minimize the number of transactions. The cost, in time and anxiety, is high. Better safe than sorry.

The weight of money. Not just financial, but emotional. The weight of experience, of stories to tell, of memories yet to be made. Cash. It’s more than money, you know? It's a feeling. A story waiting to happen. It's a tangible anchor in the swirling chaos of a place like this. A kind of talisman. A promise kept. A reminder to be present. In the now.

2023. Bangkok. The vibrant chaos, the smells, the sounds... I remember counting the crisp bills, a quiet satisfaction. Cash, simply cash. The best way, always.

What is the best way to pay in Asia?

Okay, Asia payments… right.

ATMs! Use ATMs! Better rates than those rip-off exchange places. Seriously.

Oh man, Rupiah... Indonesia! Cash is king in Indonesia, absolutely. And cards. But mostly cash, yeah?

Wait, Asia's huge! Is it all Rupiah? Duh, no. I always forget that part.

• Japan? Cards are catching on, but some smaller places...cash still wins.
• Thailand? Similar, I'd say, but ATMs are everywhere. Withdraw baht. Easy.
• Vietnam? Hmm, maybe someone can tell me about Vietnam. I dont know.

Always carry some local currency, I think. So, ATMs it is.

Plus, I always tell myself to inform your bank before travel! Last time, my card got blocked. Total nightmare.

I hate travel planning. I should be better at it.

Important Reminder:

• Before traveling, inform your bank to avoid card blocks when using ATMs overseas.
• While ATMs generally offer better exchange rates, fees can vary. Research fees from your bank.
• Cash is still important particularly at local shops and restaurants.
• Check that your destination accepts card payments.
• Be aware of common scams.
• Keep up-to-date on current information.