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Some of the world's most developed economies (Sweden, the Netherlands, South Korea) are surprisingly cashless, while others you might expect to be card-friendly (Japan, Germany) still lean heavily on cash for everyday purchases — the pattern doesn't always match a country's reputation.
Wherever you're headed, always choose to be charged in the local currency rather than your home currency when a card terminal or ATM offers the choice — that "convenience" almost always comes with a worse exchange rate.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in your destination like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
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