20/05/2026
If you’re heading abroad this year, one of the smartest ways to manage your spending is combining the Hays Travel Money card with some local cash.
The Hays Travel Money card gives travellers flexibility, security and convenience all in one place. You can load multiple currencies, lock in exchange rates before you travel, and use it worldwide anywhere Money card is accepted. It also supports contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it ideal for modern travel.
One of the biggest advantages is budgeting. Because it’s prepaid, you can load your holiday spending money in advance and avoid dipping into your everyday bank account. The app also lets you instantly top up, freeze/unfreeze your card, track spending and check balances in real time perfect for staying in control while abroad.
But even in a world of contactless payments, cash still matters. That’s why taking the Hays Travel Money card alongside foreign currency cash is the best combination.
Cash is still useful for:
Small cafés, taxis and market stalls
Tips and service charges
Emergency situations
Places with poor signal or card machine issues
Countries where cash is still widely preferred
Meanwhile, the card is perfect for:
Hotels and restaurants
Shopping
Safer spending without carrying large amounts of cash
Locking in rates before exchange markets move
Using both gives you the flexibility to handle almost any situation abroad. If your card doesn’t work somewhere, you’ve got cash. If you don’t want to carry too much cash, you’ve got the card. It’s the best of both worlds.
Hays Travel has also been recognised as a leading UK travel money provider, winning Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money at the British Travel Awards.
