Summer is one of the busiest times of year for expats to travel.
Whether you are heading back to the UK, visiting family, escaping the UAE heat, or taking the family away for a well-earned holiday, it is easy to focus on flights, hotels and packing but forget about the small money decisions that can quietly cost you.
Exchange rates, card fees, ATM charges and poor travel planning can all eat into your holiday budget.
Here are 10 simple travel money tips every expat should think about before heading away this summer.
1. Always pay in the local currency
When you use your card abroad, the machine may ask whether you want to pay in the local currency or your home currency.
For example, if you are in Europe, it may ask:
Pay in EUR or AED?
Pay in EUR or GBP?
Pay in THB or USD?
In most cases, choose the local currency.
When you choose your home currency, the merchant or ATM provider often applies their own exchange rate. This is known as dynamic currency conversion, and the rate is usually worse than the one your bank or card provider would give you.
It feels helpful because you can see the amount in a currency you recognise, but convenience often comes at a cost.
2. Check your card’s foreign transaction fees
Not all cards are designed for travel.
Some banks charge a foreign transaction fee every time you spend overseas. This can often be around 2% to 3% per transaction.
That may not sound like much, but across a family holiday it can add up quickly.
Meals, taxis, hotel extras, shopping, children’s activities and beach clubs can turn a “small fee” into a meaningful cost by the end of the trip.
Before you travel, check your debit and credit card charges inside your banking app or on your provider’s website.
3. Use a travel-friendly card where possible
If you travel regularly, it may be worth having a card that is designed for international spending.
Some cards offer better foreign exchange rates, lower transaction fees, or multi-currency options.
The right card will depend on where you live, where you travel, and what currencies you use most often. For UAE expats, this can be especially useful if you regularly spend in AED, GBP, EUR or USD.
A small improvement in exchange rate can make a big difference over multiple holidays, business trips or family visits.
4. Avoid changing money at the airport
Airport currency exchange desks are convenient, but they are rarely the best value.
The exchange rates are often poor, and fees can be built into the rate rather than shown clearly.
If you need cash, it is usually better to plan ahead, use a trusted provider, or withdraw a sensible amount from an ATM once you arrive.
The key point is simple: do not leave your travel money planning until you are standing at the airport.
5. Be careful with ATM withdrawals
ATMs abroad can be useful, but they can also be expensive.
You may face:
- A local ATM fee
- A fee from your own bank
- A poor exchange rate
- Dynamic currency conversion if you choose your home currency
If you need cash, avoid making lots of small withdrawals. Multiple small ATM transactions can lead to repeated fees.
Also, when an ATM asks whether you want to be charged in the local currency or your home currency, the same rule usually applies: choose the local currency.
6. Take more than one card
Cards can be blocked, lost, declined or swallowed by an ATM.
This is especially stressful if you are travelling with family or arriving late at night in a new country.
It is sensible to travel with at least two cards, ideally from different providers. Keep one with you and one stored separately in your luggage or hotel safe.
Having a backup card is not just convenient — it can be an emergency safety net.
7. Tell your bank you are travelling
Many banks now use smart fraud detection, but overseas spending can still trigger security checks.
A card suddenly being used in another country may be flagged as suspicious, especially if the transaction is large.
Some banks allow you to set a travel notice in the app. Others may not require it, but it is still worth checking before you fly.
A two-minute check before travelling can save a lot of frustration at a hotel reception or restaurant.
8. Do not rely only on cash
Cash is still useful in many countries, especially for taxis, tips, markets, beach vendors or small local restaurants.
But carrying too much cash brings obvious risks.
If it is lost or stolen, it is usually gone.
A sensible approach is to keep enough cash for small spending and emergencies, but rely mainly on secure cards where possible.
9. Review your travel insurance properly
Travel insurance is one of those things people often buy quickly without reading the details.
But not all policies are equal.
Before travelling, check whether your policy includes:
- Emergency medical cover
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Missed flights or cancellations
- Rental car excess
- Adventure sports or water activities
- Cover for children and family members
For expats, it is also important to check whether the policy is valid based on where you are resident, not just your nationality.
A British passport does not automatically mean a UK travel insurance policy is suitable if you are living in Dubai, Singapore or elsewhere.
10. Set a realistic holiday spending budget
Most people budget for the obvious costs: flights and hotels.
The real damage often comes from everything else.
Restaurants, taxis, upgrades, shopping, kids’ activities, excursions, coffees, snacks and “one more drink” can quickly push the holiday far beyond the original plan.
Before travelling, set a realistic daily spending guide.
This does not mean ruining the fun. It simply means knowing what the trip is likely to cost before you come home to a painful credit card bill.
Final thought
A holiday should be enjoyed, not spent worrying about every dirham, pound, euro or dollar.
But a little planning before you travel can help you avoid unnecessary fees, poor exchange rates and expensive surprises.
The best travel money tip is simple:
Control what you can before you fly.
Check your cards, understand the fees, choose the local currency, keep a backup payment option, and make sure your insurance is actually suitable for you as an expat.
Small decisions can make a big difference — especially over a busy summer of travel.
