Using Apple Pay Internationally: How to Avoid Fees While Traveling Abroad
- Nikol Allee
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
One of the easiest and safest ways to pay while traveling internationally is with Apple Pay. Whether you're enjoying wine in Italy, shopping in Japan, or exploring Australia, Apple Pay can help you avoid carrying large amounts of cash and reduce the risk of card fraud.
However, many travelers are surprised to learn that while Apple Pay itself doesn't charge fees, the card connected to your Apple Wallet might.
Apple Pay vs. Apple Cash: What's the Difference?
Many travelers use these terms interchangeably, but they aren't the same thing.
Apple Pay is the payment method that allows you to use your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac to make purchases using a credit or debit card stored in your Apple Wallet.
Apple Cash is a digital Visa debit card stored in your Apple Wallet that can hold a cash balance and be used for purchases or sending money to friends and family within the United States.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid unexpected charges while traveling.
Does Apple Pay Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?
No. Apple Pay does not charge foreign transaction fees.
However, the credit card or debit card linked to your Apple Wallet may charge foreign transaction fees, typically around 1%–3% of each purchase.
Before traveling, check the terms of the cards stored in your Wallet and identify which ones charge foreign transaction fees.
What About Apple Cash?
Apple Cash is a U.S.-only financial service, but the Apple Cash Visa debit card may work for purchases at international merchants that accept Visa contactless payments.
The good news is that Apple does not currently charge a separate foreign transaction fee for purchases made using Apple Cash. However, Visa converts the transaction from the local currency into U.S. dollars using its exchange rate, and exchange-rate differences may apply.
Because Apple Cash is primarily designed for domestic use, most travel experts recommend using a travel-friendly credit card as your primary payment method and keeping Apple Cash as a backup.
How to Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
1. Use a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees
Many travel-focused credit cards offer:
No foreign transaction fees
Travel rewards points or miles
Purchase protection
Travel insurance benefits
If you have a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, make it your default payment method in Apple Wallet before your trip.
2. Review Your Wallet Before Departure
Take a few minutes to:
Verify which card is set as your default payment method
Remove expired cards
Ensure your preferred travel card is loaded correctly
Update any bank information if needed
3. Carry a Backup Payment Method
Technology is wonderful—until it isn't.
Always travel with:
A physical credit card
A debit card for ATM withdrawals
A small amount of local currency
Not every business accepts contactless payments, especially in smaller towns and rural destinations.
The Most Important Tip: Always Pay in Local Currency
When making a purchase abroad, the payment terminal may ask whether you'd like to pay in U.S. dollars or the local currency.
Always choose the local currency.
Examples:
Italy → Euros
Japan → Yen
United Kingdom → Pounds
Australia → Australian Dollars
Why?
Choosing U.S. dollars triggers a service called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
While it may seem convenient, DCC often uses a poor exchange rate and can cost significantly more than allowing your card network to handle the conversion.
This is one of the easiest ways travelers accidentally overpay.
Is Apple Pay Accepted Everywhere?
Apple Pay is widely accepted throughout many destinations, including:
Italy
France
Spain
United Kingdom
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
In many countries, contactless payments are actually more common than in the United States.
Still, it's wise to have a backup plan for smaller businesses, markets, transportation systems, or rural areas where digital payments may be less common.
Benefits of Using Apple Pay While Traveling
Enhanced Security
Your actual card number isn't shared with merchants, reducing the risk of fraud.
Convenience
There's no need to pull out a wallet or count cash.
Multiple Cards in One Place
Switch between credit cards, debit cards, and Apple Cash directly from your Wallet.
Faster Checkout
Tap and go, making purchases quicker and easier.
My Recommended Setup for International Travel
For the smoothest experience abroad:
✓ Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees as your primary payment method.
✓ Add that card to Apple Wallet and make it your default card.
✓ Keep Apple Cash available as a backup.
✓ Carry one physical credit card and one ATM card.
✓ Always choose the local currency when paying.
✓ Carry a small amount of local cash for emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pay can be one of the safest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to pay while traveling internationally. The key is understanding that Apple Pay itself doesn't charge foreign transaction fees—the card connected to it determines whether you'll pay additional charges.
While Apple Cash may work internationally at many merchants, it's best viewed as a backup payment option rather than your primary travel card.
With a little preparation before departure, you can enjoy the convenience of contactless payments while avoiding unnecessary fees and poor exchange rates.
Ready to Plan Your Next International Adventure?
Whether you're dreaming of sipping wine in Italy, exploring Japan, cruising the Norwegian fjords, or relaxing on a tropical beach, Alleeways Travel can help make your trip seamless from start to finish.
Nikol Allee
Alleeways Travel
📞 +1-317-828-4950
From hotels and transportation to custom itineraries and destination expertise, I'm here to help you travel smarter and stress less.
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