{"id":7684,"date":"2018-11-07T21:56:02","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T20:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/?p=7684"},"modified":"2026-09-22T21:25:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T19:25:37","slug":"best-travel-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/en\/start-here\/gear\/best-travel-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Travel Cards for Backpackers in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you travel, especially for long periods, bank fees can quietly eat into your budget. A traditional card may charge \u20ac5 or more for an international ATM withdrawal, while foreign-currency payments can come with an exchange-rate markup of 2\u20133% or more.<\/p>\r\n

The good news is that these costs are largely avoidable. Below I explain what to look for in a travel card, how to avoid the most common fees, and which accounts I currently consider the most useful for backpacking and long-term travel.<\/p>\r\n

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Remember to cover the keypad with your hand when withdrawing cash!<\/p>\r\n\r\n

What to Look for in a Travel Card<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

As I see it, there are three main costs to pay attention to:<\/p>\r\n

Fixed and account-management fees:<\/b> monthly or annual fees, card issuance, transfers, top-ups and any other recurring costs.<\/p>\r\n

ATM withdrawal fees:<\/b> many traditional banks offer cheap or free withdrawals at home but become expensive abroad.<\/p>\r\n

Foreign-exchange fees:<\/b> these can be charged on both withdrawals and card payments in another currency. They are often less obvious than a fixed ATM fee because they may be hidden inside the exchange rate.<\/p>\r\n

A few important tips<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Your own bank is not the only one that can charge you. The local ATM operator may add its own fee, which your card provider cannot control. In countries where ATM fees are unavoidable, withdrawing a larger amount less frequently can reduce the impact.<\/p>\r\n

It is also worth searching online before arriving in a country. Try something like \u201cThailand ATM no fee\u201d<\/em> or \u201cMexico ATM no fee\u201d<\/em>. Forums and travel blogs often have up-to-date information on which banks currently allow cheaper withdrawals with foreign cards.<\/p>\r\n

Most importantly, if an ATM or card terminal offers to convert the transaction into euros or your home currency, decline the conversion and pay in the local currency<\/strong>. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion and the exchange rate offered is usually much worse than the rate applied by a good travel card.<\/p>\r\n

The same principle applies online: if a website gives you the choice between paying in the local currency or letting the website convert the price into euros, I normally choose the original currency and let my card provider handle the conversion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Best Travel Cards for Backpackers in 2026<\/h2>\r\n

These are the accounts and cards I currently consider most interesting for travellers:<\/p>\r\n\r\n