The Straits TimesLife
Digital payments abroad: why cash still matters

Digital payments can make overseas trips easier, but travellers may face service outages, incompatible payment systems, or places that do not accept them. Carrying some local cash remains a practical backup, especially when connections or apps fail.
This card is an AI-assisted summary of reporting published by The Straits Times. Read the original report before relying on it for medical, legal, financial, safety, or emergency decisions.