Compared across countries

Do you need cash?

For a trip that crosses borders — the same question, answered country by country.

The pattern

None of the seven is card-only or cash-only, and the United States is no exception — its own central bank still counts cash in roughly one payment of every seven. What differs is what replaced the rest: cards in Korea, payment apps in China, a transit card in Taiwan, while Japan and Vietnam still want notes in your pocket.

United States

Cards will carry almost the whole trip, but cash has not gone away — the Federal Reserve's own survey still counts it in roughly one payment in seven, and four in five people used it in the past month.
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.

Sort the practical stuff before you fly.