Cash or contactless? How to pay in Singaporeans’ favourite travel destinations

If you’ve travelled recently, you might have ended up with a stack of bills and coins by the end of your trip. Does this mean that carrying cash on holiday is a thing of the past? Not quite.

While the pandemic has sped up the shift to cashless payments, their adoption varies widely by country and even within different regions. Without cash, you might find yourself confined to malls and restaurants, potentially missing out on authentic local experiences.

To make sure you get the most out of your travels, we’ve checked out the cashless payment options in top destinations for Singaporeans, based on Visa's Global Travel Intentions Study 2023 and Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report.

We’ve also included Malaysia – because trips to JB are a favourite – as well as Hong Kong and China, where using international credit cards can be a bit of a hassle.

1. KUALA LUMPUR AND JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA

Cash limit: US$10,000 (around S$13,000)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Moderate

Cashless payments are widely accepted in urban cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, but cash will still come in handy when visiting establishments outside of shopping malls. That includes those family-run eateries found in shophouses, roadside lok-lok stores, and the street vendors at the night markets.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by Public Bank, Bank Simpanan, RHB Bank, AM Bank, Affin Bank, and Alliance Bank. Note that not all ATMs operate 24 hours a day and withdrawal limits may be lowered after midnight for security reasons.

Mobile payments:

• AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, GrabPay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees. 
• As of Mar 2023, customers of DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, and UOB may use PayNow at merchants in DuitNow’s ecosystem.
• As of Sep 2023, Customers of OCBC bank can use the app to pay at AliPay+ merchants.

2. BANGKOK, THAILAND

Cash limit: US$20,000 (around S$26,000)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Low

In Bangkok, going cashless is easy at major establishments like hotels, restaurants, and high-end shopping malls such as Siam Paragon. However, if you're planning to visit wholesale markets like Platinum Mall, it's a good idea to carry some cash. Besides, you’ll need it for the tuk-tuk rides, street food, and authentic Thai massages – essentials of the true Bangkok experience.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by Aeon Bank, Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank.

Mobile payments:

• Alipay, GrabPay, Google Pay, GoPay, LINE Pay, and ShopeePay are accepted to varying degrees. 
• The PayNow-PromptPay linkage has enabled customers of DBS Bank, OCBC Bank, and UOB to make payments with their mobile banking or payment applications.

3. HO CHI MINH AND HANOI, VIETNAM

Cash limit: US$5,000 (around S$6,500)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Low

In these cities, you’ll find that boutiques, cafes, and restaurants often welcome cashless payments. However, for smaller stores, local eateries, and street vendors, you’ll still need Vietnamese dong. To keep things simple and avoid carrying too much cash, break your money into larger bills for bigger purchases and smaller denominations for everyday transactions.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by TP Bank, VietinBank, VietcomBank, SacomBank, VP Bank, and MB Bank.

Mobile payments:

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shopee Pay are accepted to varying degrees.
• Travellers cannot pay via QR codes as they will need a Vietnamese bank account for registration.
• As of May 2024, Visa cardholders can link their credit/debit cards to domestic e-wallet MoMo.

4. BALI, INDONESIA

Cash limit: IDR100,000,000 (around S$8,400)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Moderate

In Bali, cashless payments are widely accepted in popular tourist areas like Canggu, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak (cash is more commonly used in more remote locations such as Ubud, Uluwatu, and Nusa Penida). But unless you plan to spend all your time at beach clubs, you'll need cash for dining at warungs, shopping at local stores and markets, and getting around on a rental motorcycle or local taxis.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), and Permata Bank. It’s safer to use ATMs stationed in banks than the standalone ones.

Mobile payments:

• Ovo Pay and GoPay, e-wallets for ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek respectively, are accepted to varying degrees. 
• As of Nov 2023, customers of OCBC Bank and UOB can pay via QR codes in Indonesia.

5. HONG KONG

Cash limit: HK$120,000 (around S$20,000)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Low

In Hong Kong, cashless payments are all about the Octopus card, much like Singapore’s ez-link card. You can grab an Octopus card at the airport or simply download the Octopus app to breeze through MTR rides and make QR code payments at various shops. As of February 2024, Mastercard users can also use the virtual Octopus card as a debit card.

Mighty as the Octopus card is, you will still need cash for experiencing Hong Kong’s street food scene and getting around by cab, as taxis are only just starting to accept card payments this year.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by HSBC Hong Kong, Citi Hong Kong, and Hang Seng Bank.

Mobile payments:

• AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees.
• As of Sep 2023, customers of OCBC can use the mobile banking application to pay at merchants within Alipay+ and UnionPay’s ecosystem.

6. BEIJING AND SHANGHAI, CHINA 

Cash limit: US$5,000 (around S$6,500)

Cashless payments adoption rate: High

China is a global leader in contactless payments. In most cities, cashless transactions are the norm, even at street vendors and smaller shops, and ATMs are gradually becoming obsolete.

But here’s the catch: International credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are seldom accepted outside major establishments, such as McDonald's and Carrefour. To navigate daily transactions smoothly, you’ll need to use China’s domestic payment systems, including UnionPay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.

Mobile payments:

• As of 2023, WeChat Pay and AliPay can finally be linked to international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and JCB.
• For ease of registration, get a SIM card with a local number (instead of a data-only SIM) and make sure your VPN is turned off.
• Customers of OCBC can use the mobile banking app to pay at merchants within AliPay+ and UnionPay’s ecosystem.
• Customers of DBS can use PayLah! At merchants within UnionPay’s ecosystem.

7. TOKYO AND OSAKA, JAPAN

Cash limit: ¥1,000,000 (around S$9,200)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Moderate

With their impressive range of vending and gachapon machines, Tokyo and Osaka are cities where carrying cash is definitely worthwhile. Additionally, you'll need cash for entrance fees at specific attractions like shrines and temples, as well as for smaller establishments such as family-run eateries and street vendors at matsuris (festivals). If you venture into the countryside and visit other prefectures, cash will be useful for local buses in small towns and for staying in traditional inns.

ATMs: Not all ATMs in Japan accept international credit cards. Look out for ATMs by Seven Bank, Japan Post, E-net, Aeon Bank, Mizuho Bank, and MUFG, and Bank Time.

Mobile payments:

• LINE Pay is one of the most widely accepted e-wallets. AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees.
• Customers of OCBC can use their mobile banking application to pay at merchants within AliPay+ and UnionPay’s global ecosystem.
• By 2025, Singaporean visitors may be able to use GrabPay or PayNow in Japan.

8. SEOUL, KOREA

Cash limit: US$10,000 (around S$13,000)

Cashless payments adoption rate: High

In Seoul, as well as in popular destinations like Busan and Jeju, cashless payments are quite common. However, there are still a few situations where cash is useful. For example, you might need cash for street food in Myeongdong, for fashion items in the underground shops at Dong Dae Mun (where some stores might offer a small discount for cash payments), and for fresh seasonal produce at traditional markets. Also, don't forget about the trendy photo booths – they only accept coins!

ATMs: Not all ATMs in Korea accept international credit cards. Look out for the ones that say “global” by KEB Hanna, Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, and Kookmin Bank. Also note that not all ATMs operate 24 hours a day; they typically open in the morning and close by midnight.

Mobile payments:

• AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees.
• Customers of OCBC can use their mobile banking app to pay at merchants within  AliPay+ UnionPay’s global ecosystem.
• As of 2024, tourists can connect their credit/debit card to the Trip.Pass app, which allows them to pay for purchases and receive tax refunds without showing their passport.

9. TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Cash limit: NT$100,000 (about S$4,000)

Cashless payments adoption rate: Low

Compared to its neighbours, cashless payment options in Taiwan are relatively limited. For instance, the EasyCard, which is essential for getting around Taipei, can primarily be purchased and reloaded with cash at most locations. Although the Taipei Metro plans to accept credit cards and Apple Pay starting in 2025, cash remains necessary for many transactions.

You'll also need cash for getting around in taxis, dining at breakfast shops (like those selling fried dough fritters and soy milk), exploring night markets, and taking day trips to smaller towns.

ATMs: Look out for ATMS by Bank of Taiwan, CTBC Bank, Mega International Bank, TaipeiFubon, Cathay United Hua Nan, Taishin Bank, ChangHwa Bank, Sinopac, Kaohsiung Bank, HSBC Bank, and Cooperative Bank.

Mobile payments:

• LINE Pay is one of the most widely accepted e-wallets. AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees.
• Customers of OCBC can use their mobile banking app to pay at merchants within UnionPay’s global ecosystem.

10. SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Cash limit: A$10,000 AUD (S$8,700)

Cashless payments adoption rate: High

Unlike in Asia, even street vendors in Australia have embraced cashless payments, so you can easily use your card or mobile phone to pay for a flat white at a coffee stand or a jar of honey from the farmer’s market. The only times you might need cash are when shopping at flea markets and visiting small towns off the beaten track, or if you find yourself in stores where credit card transactions come with a surcharge.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, Westpac, and National Australia Bank (NAB).

Mobile payments:

• AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are accepted to varying degrees.

11. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Cash limit: £10,000 (around S$17,100)

Cashless payment adoption rate: High

Similar to Australia, street vendors across London – from Borough Market to Camden – now prefer cashless payments. Locals often joke that cash is really only needed in London for a visit to the barber or at those rare Asian takeaway spots that only accept cash. Still it’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash, especially if you're planning to explore flea markets and charming countryside towns.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest.

Mobile payments:

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely accepted in London.

12. PARIS, FRANCE

Cash limit: €10,000 (around S$14,400)

Cashless payment adoption rate: High

Paris is another European city where cashless transactions are now the norm, and France’s reputation for pickpockets makes going cashless seem even more sensible. However, you might find yourself wishing you had some cash for necessities like paying to use the restroom or buying a bus ticket directly from the driver. Euros will also be useful for supporting street artists in Montmartre or grabbing a quick pastry from small boulangeries or patisseries, which might not accept cards for small transactions.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, Credit Mutuel, Societe Generale, and La Poste.

Mobile payments:

• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are widely accepted.

13. UNITED STATES

Cash limit: US$10,000 (around S$13,000)

Cashless payment adoption rate: High

Cashless payments may be common across the US, but cash still holds a special place in American society because of their tipping culture. It remains the preferred method for tipping hotel staff, drivers, and servers, even though card payments are sometimes accepted.

In New York City, having cash on hand is essential for enjoying classic spots like hole-in-the-wall restaurants, dive bars, and those iconic food kiosks such as taco trucks and ice cream stands. Many small businesses, like bodegas and delis, may also impose surcharges for card payments. Meanwhile, in LA, cash is useful for some street vendors at farmers' markets, flea markets, and carnivals.

ATMs: Look out for ATMs by JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

Mobile payments:

• AliPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and WeChat Pay are accepted to varying degrees.