Digital Nomad Banking Guide

Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia

• ATMs charge 150-250 THB (~€4-7) per withdrawal in Thailand
• Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs
• Vietnam is still heavily cash-based outside major cities
• GrabPay and local wallets often get better rates than cards

Portugal, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Croatia

• Eurozone ATMs are generally free with EU bank cards
• Eastern Europe may have ATM fees — use Revolut or Wise
• SEPA transfers are instant and free within EU
• Portugal and Spain are very card-friendly, including small shops

Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Peru

• Argentina has parallel exchange rates — research Blue Dollar vs official
• Mexico ATMs charge 30-50 MXN (~€1.5-3) per withdrawal
• Brazil PIX is universal — some Wise/Revolut users can receive PIX
• Always carry some cash in smaller towns

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong

• Japan is still cash-heavy — 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards
• South Korea is nearly cashless — KakaoPay everywhere
• Taiwan convenience store ATMs have low fees
• Hong Kong Octopus card works like cash for transit and shops

UAE, Turkey, Georgia, Israel

• Dubai/Abu Dhabi are very card-friendly, including contactless
• Turkey ATMs may have high DCC markups — always decline
• Georgia is surprisingly digital-friendly with low costs
• Israel uses shekel — Revolut and Wise work well here

South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt

• M-Pesa is essential in East Africa — some fintech apps integrate
• South Africa has good card infrastructure in cities
• Morocco ATMs often charge MAD 20-30 (~€2-3) per withdrawal
• Always carry small bills in local currency for markets and transport

India, Sri Lanka, Nepal

• India UPI is revolutionary — some international cards work with Google Pay India
• ATM withdrawal limits are often low (~20,000 INR / €220)
• Sri Lanka and Nepal are more cash-dependent
• Wise debit card works well across India for ATM withdrawals

Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Bali (Indonesia)

• Australia and NZ are nearly cashless — tap-to-pay everywhere
• Some Australian banks charge $0 ATM fees for international cards
• Revolut and Wise work seamlessly across Australia and NZ
• Pacific islands may be more cash-dependent