Do you need cash?

Japan

Yes. Cards work in cities, but small restaurants, shrines, and rural transport are cash only.

China

Rarely — but a card on its own is not the answer either. Almost everything runs through payment apps, and a foreign card has to be linked to one of them first.

Thailand

Some. Malls and hotels take cards, but stalls, markets and shared vans want cash — and locals mostly pay each other by QR.

Vietnam

Yes. Hotels and malls take cards, but street food, markets and short rides all run on cash — and the notes are easy to confuse.

South Korea

Rarely. Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, including buses and street stalls.

Taiwan

Some. Convenience stores and chains take cards, but night markets and small kitchens run on cash — and on the transit card.