By, Yampa

• October 26, 2026
• 15
• Travel Guide

Discover the top 10 countries that use the most cash, their local currencies, hotel payment tips, transport advice and essential travel money tips for international visitors.

Introduction: Which Countries Still Depend on Physical Cash?

When planning an international holiday, most travelers think about flights, accommodation, attractions and travel insurance. However, one important detail can affect the entire trip: how people pay for everyday goods and services at their destination.

While contactless cards and mobile payment applications have become increasingly popular, cash remains important in many parts of the world. From street-food vendors in Asia to traditional markets in Africa and independent businesses in Europe, physical money can still be essential for everyday purchases.

But which countries use the most cash, and what should tourists know before visiting them?

A ranking published in 2025 using the FOREX Cash Index identified Myanmar, Ethiopia and The Gambia as the three countries with the highest reported cash usage. Other countries, including Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan, Mexico and India, also featured prominently.

This guide ranks 10 countries associated with high cash usage and explains how visitors can prepare for hotel payments, transport, food, shopping and other travel expenses.

Whether you are planning a cultural holiday, a business trip or a family vacation, understanding local payment habits can help you travel with greater confidence.

Top 10 Countries That Use the Most Cash

The following ranking uses reported estimates of the share of daily transactions completed with physical cash. These figures are not a measure of the amount of money in circulation, and other studies using different methods may produce different rankings.

Ranking source: FOREX Cash Index, as reported by Visual Capitalist in November 2025. Percentages are approximate estimates and should not be interpreted as current, independently verified measurements of every transaction.

1. Myanmar: The Country Ranked Highest for Cash Usage

Reported cash usage: 98%

Myanmar ranks first in this particular cash-usage dataset. Physical money has historically played a significant role in everyday transactions, although current payment access and financial conditions can vary.

Currency: Myanmar kyat (MMK).

What should tourists know?

Cash may be needed for small shops, local food outlets and everyday purchases. International card acceptance and access to banking services may be limited or unreliable in some locations.

Before planning a trip, check current official travel advice, banking conditions and foreign-currency rules. These are particularly important considerations for Myanmar.

Hotel booking advice here

Confirm the property’s payment arrangements before making a reservation. Ask whether your accommodation accepts international cards, requires advance payment or has any restrictions affecting foreign visitors.

Where possible, arrange accommodation and essential transport through reputable providers before departure.

Best preparation: Have a secure backup payment method and avoid relying on a single card or ATM.

2. Ethiopia: Prepare for Everyday Cash Expenses

Reported cash usage: 95%

Ethiopia offers a rich cultural experience, including historic sites, traditional cuisine, distinctive landscapes and the capital city of Addis Ababa.

Cash remains useful for many everyday transactions, particularly at smaller businesses and in locations outside major commercial districts.

Currency: Ethiopian birr (ETB).

Where might you need cash?

• Small restaurants and cafés.
• Local markets and independent shops.
• Tips and incidental purchases.
• Some local transport services.

Larger hotels and established businesses may accept cards, but tourists should confirm acceptance in advance.

Accommodation and travel tips

If you are booking a hotel in Addis Ababa or another Ethiopian destination, check the payment terms, cancellation conditions and any required deposit.

Plan airport transfers before arrival and use reputable exchange services. Check current foreign-exchange regulations before travelling.

Best preparation: Arrange essential bookings ahead of time and keep a reasonable amount of local currency for everyday expenses.

3. The Gambia: Carry Cash for Local Markets and Excursions

Reported cash usage: 95%

The Gambia is known for its beaches, warm climate, wildlife experiences and West African culture. It can be an attractive option for travelers seeking a relaxed holiday.

Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD).

Where is cash useful?

Cash can be convenient for:

• Local markets and independent vendors.
• Small restaurants and cafés.
• Tips and minor purchases.
• Some excursions and local transport.

Hotels and established tourism businesses may offer card payments, but acceptance varies by property.

Hotel and holiday planning

Before confirming a beach resort or guesthouse, check whether you must pay a deposit, whether the final bill can be settled by card and whether airport transfers are included.

Best preparation: Carry smaller denominations for daily purchases and confirm excursion prices before booking.

4. Albania: Cash for Independent Businesses and Local Experiences

Reported cash usage: 90%

Albania has become increasingly interesting to international visitors because of its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, historic towns, mountain scenery and comparatively varied accommodation options.

Currency: Albanian lek (ALL).

Cash tips for visitors

Cash can be helpful at smaller cafés, independent shops, local markets and some businesses outside the main tourist areas.

In cities such as Tirana and popular coastal destinations, visitors can also find hotels, restaurants and businesses that accept international cards.

Where should you stay?

Choose accommodation based on your itinerary. A city hotel may be convenient for sightseeing and transport, while a coastal property may suit a beach holiday.

Before booking, verify the hotel’s payment policy and cancellation conditions.

Best preparation: Carry a modest amount of lek, while using cards where accepted for larger expenses.

5. Cambodia: Cash for Markets, Street Food and Local Transport

Reported cash usage: 90%

Cambodia attracts travelers interested in ancient temples, cultural attractions and destinations such as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Currencies: Cambodian riel (KHR) and US dollars, which are used in many everyday transactions. Payment practices vary, and US-dollar notes must meet local acceptance requirements.

What travelers should know

Cash may be useful for street food, local markets, small purchases and some transport services. Larger hotels and established tourism providers may accept cards.

Cambodia’s payment environment is more complex than a simple cash-versus-card comparison, so visitors should check the arrangements available at their destination.

Hotel booking advice

If you are visiting Siem Reap to explore Angkor’s temples, consider accommodation based on your planned excursions, transport arrangements and desired level of comfort.

Check whether your room is prepaid, whether taxes are included and which payment methods the property accepts.

Best preparation: Carry suitable local cash, check the condition of US-dollar notes if you intend to use them and keep a separate backup payment method.

6. Laos: Plan Ahead for Cash-Based Travel

Reported cash usage: 90%

Laos is known for its natural landscapes, Buddhist temples, relaxed river towns and outdoor experiences. Luang Prabang and Vientiane are among the destinations travelers consider when planning a visit.

Currency: Lao kip (LAK).

Where cash can be useful

Cash may be required for local markets, smaller eateries, independent accommodation and some transport or excursion providers.

Payment options can be more limited outside major urban areas.

Hotel and transport planning

Book your accommodation in advance when your itinerary includes remote locations or popular travel periods. Confirm airport or railway transfers and check whether the hotel accepts an international card.

Best preparation: Do not depend entirely on ATMs. Plan your access to local currency before travelling between towns.

7. Lebanon: Check Payment Conditions Before Traveling

Reported cash usage: 90%

Lebanon offers historical attractions, Mediterranean scenery, cultural experiences and a renowned food culture. However, travelers need to pay particular attention to current financial and security conditions.

Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP).

Important considerations for visitors

Cash use and payment arrangements can be affected by Lebanon’s changing economic circumstances. Exchange rates, banking access and the treatment of foreign-currency payments may vary.

Before departure, check current government travel advice, available banking services and official currency guidance.

Booking accommodation

Confirm the exact currency in which your hotel charges guests. Ask about deposits, final payment, refunds and whether the advertised price is payable in cash or by card.

Best preparation: Verify all major payments before travel and avoid assuming that the exchange rate or payment arrangement advertised online will remain unchanged.

8. Nepal: Carry Cash for Mountain Towns and Local Markets

Reported cash usage: 90%

Nepal is a popular destination for trekking, mountain scenery, cultural tourism and visits to Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR).

Where cash is important

Cash is particularly useful for small shops, local restaurants, markets and some transport services. Trekkers may also need cash for purchases in areas with limited banking facilities.

Card acceptance is more common at some established hotels and larger businesses in major cities than in remote mountain communities.

Hotel and trekking advice

Book accommodation before travelling to busy trekking regions during peak periods. Confirm whether your package includes meals, transfers, permits or other charges.

Plan your cash needs before leaving major towns, as ATMs may not be available or reliable throughout your itinerary.

Best preparation: Carry a suitable reserve of local currency, keep it secure and check official rules concerning foreign currency.

9. Pakistan: Understand Local Payment Options

Reported cash usage: 90%

Pakistan offers cultural attractions, historic cities, mountain scenery and food experiences. Payment habits vary across urban centers, smaller towns and tourism destinations.

Currency: Pakistani rupee (PKR).

When cash can be useful

Cash may be needed for smaller shops, local markets, street food, tips and some transport services.

Hotels, established restaurants and larger businesses may accept cards, but visitors should confirm this before relying on electronic payments.

Hotel booking tips

When booking accommodation in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi, check the payment method, deposit requirements and cancellation terms.

For journeys involving remote areas, arrange reliable transport and confirm which expenses must be paid locally.

Best preparation: Carry cash for small purchases and maintain a backup card, while following current travel advice and local financial regulations.

10. Iraq: Prepare Carefully for Cash-Based Payments

Reported cash usage: 85%

Iraq has important historical and cultural sites, but travel requires careful planning because security conditions differ by region and can change quickly.

Currency: Iraqi dinar (IQD).

What tourists should know

Cash may be useful for everyday transactions, especially at smaller businesses and in areas with limited electronic payment options.

However, payment access is only one consideration when planning a trip. Visitors should review current official security advice, visa requirements and entry conditions before making reservations.

Hotel booking advice

Verify accommodation details, payment terms, cancellation policies and local transport arrangements directly with reputable providers.

Best preparation: Confirm that travel to your intended destination is appropriate under current official advice and establish how you will pay for essential services before departure.

Which Other Countries Still Use Cash Frequently?

Beyond the top 10, several destinations may require travelers to carry physical money for everyday spending.

These are approximate figures from the same 2025 ranking, not guaranteed measurements of how much cash a tourist will need.

For example, a visitor staying at an international resort in Mexico may use a card for most expenses, while someone exploring local markets and smaller towns may need cash more frequently.

The best approach is to research your specific destination and itinerary rather than relying on a national percentage alone.

How Much Cash Should You Carry When Traveling Abroad?

There is no universal amount that suits every country. Your needs depend on the length of your stay, your accommodation, transport arrangements and the availability of reliable ATMs.

Use this practical checklist before leaving home:

1. Prebook major expenses. Arrange flights, accommodation and essential transfers where possible.

2. Prepare for arrival. Have a safe way to pay for your first meal and transport from the airport.

3. Keep a backup card. A second card from a different provider can help if your primary card is lost or declined.

4. Separate your funds. Avoid keeping all your cash and cards together.

5. Check withdrawal fees. Review your bank’s foreign transaction charges and ATM fees before departure.

6. Understand currency regulations. Some countries restrict the import, export or exchange of local currency. Check the rules before carrying significant sums.

7. Avoid carrying excessive cash. Use secure storage and withdraw or exchange money through reputable providers.

Cash vs Card: Which Is Better for Travelers?

Both payment methods have advantages.

For most travelers, a combination of cash and electronic payment methods is more flexible than relying entirely on either one.

How to Book Hotels in Countries Where Cash Is Common

One of the most important travel planning steps is understanding how your accommodation handles payments.

Before confirming a hotel reservation, check:

• Whether the property accepts Visa, Mastercard or other international cards.
• Whether a deposit or full prepayment is required.
• Whether the remaining balance must be paid in cash.
• Whether local taxes or refundable deposits are charged separately.
• Whether airport transfers are available.
• What happens if you cancel or change your travel dates.

A hotel may allow guests to settle the final bill in cash while still requiring a card to guarantee the reservation. Some properties may also require a card pre-authorization for incidental expenses.

Never assume that a hotel accepts cash simply because cash is common in the country. Confirm the property’s payment policy before booking.

Find Accommodation for Your Next International Trip with Yampa Hotels

Choosing the right hotel can make a major difference to your international travel experience, especially when you are visiting a country with different payment habits.

Whether you are planning a cultural trip to Japan, a beach holiday in Cambodia, a mountain adventure in Nepal or a city break in Albania, consider your accommodation location, transport options, payment arrangements and cancellation policy before confirming your stay.

Yampa Hotels helps travelers explore accommodation options for different destinations and travel budgets.

Visit YampaHotels.com to discover hotel options and explore available booking opportunities for your next trip Or visit our affiliate partner Booking.com and Expedia

Before departure, confirm the property’s payment requirements and arrange your travel money in advance. That way, you can spend more time enjoying your destination and less time worrying about how to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country uses the most cash in the world?

In the 2025 FOREX Cash Index ranking, Myanmar ranked first, with estimated cash usage of 98%. Ethiopia and The Gambia followed at 95% each. The results depend on the dataset and measurement method used.

Which countries should tourists carry cash in?

Cash can be useful in Myanmar, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Albania, Cambodia, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan and Iraq, as well as destinations such as Mexico, India, Thailand and Morocco.

Can I book hotels online in cash-friendly countries?

Yes. Many hotels in countries where cash is common can be booked online, but payment requirements differ by property. Some require advance payment or a card guarantee, while others accept cash at check-in or check-out.

Is it safe to carry cash when travelling?

Carrying a modest amount of cash can be useful, but avoid keeping all your money in one place. Use secure storage, withdraw money at reputable ATMs and keep a backup payment method.

Is cash better than a credit card abroad?

Neither is universally better. Cash is useful for small purchases, while cards can be convenient for hotels, flights and larger transactions. Combining the two usually provides more flexibility.

Which countries are becoming cashless?

Countries such as Sweden, Norway, South Korea and China have developed extensive digital payment systems. Nevertheless, payment preferences and acceptance vary, and travelers should check their specific destination.

Should I exchange money before travelling?

Obtaining a small amount of local currency before departure can be helpful for transport and immediate expenses. Compare rates and fees, and check the destination’s currency regulations.