I carry an AmEx card.... and a debit card... I only use the debit card at BANK ATM's .... use cash for nearly everything I purchase abroad... I use the AMEX if I am running short or its a big purchase. Its not unusual for me to need 3-4 different currencies in a 17 day trip. I usually take out fairly large amounts of Euros and HKG Dollars the two I use the most. If not used in a given month.. it will get used eventually.