Published: 2026-07-23
"How much cash do I actually need?" is one of the most common questions at our counter. In the card-payment era, the answer depends on where you are going — here is a practical way to think about it.
The basic rule: total up the cash-only moments
Estimate the money you will spend where cards do not work — street food, markets, tips, local transport, small kiosks — and add a buffer. City-only trips need less; rural detours need more.
Destinations where cash still rules
In Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, stalls and markets are the heart of the trip, so plan on a few thousand yen worth of local cash per day.
Korea, Singapore and Australia are card-first societies where minimal cash for markets and tips is usually enough.
Tipping countries: think denominations
In the US and Canada, the mix of notes matters as much as the amount — carry plenty of $1 and $5 bills for tips. We accommodate denomination requests where possible when you order.
Run short? Have leftovers?
If you run short abroad, card cash advances and local ATMs are backup options (mind the fees). Leftover notes can be sold back to yen at our shop — see Smart Ways to Use Leftover Currency.