Originally Posted by
Scots_Al
There's not a chance I'm landing somewhere without some local currency in my pocket. Payment systems go down, ATMs can be empty, not all taxis take cards, bureaux de change can be closed, etc.
Like others mentioned, my family has had problems with ATMs on arrival. Our bank charges a very small fee for foreign currency. I think I paid $7.50 for $3,000 US for a mix of GBP and Euros.
I am old-school enough to travel with enough local cash for a meal and to get back to my hotel.