I learned quickly in Equatorial Guinea to always decline ATM conversion. The ‘With Conversion’ screen might be tempting but hides a big markup fee. AT...

If you’re in Bangui or other cities in the Central African Republic, always opt for ‘Without Conversion’ at ATMs. The bank’s rates are usually more tr...

If you’re heading to Wallis and Futuna, go prepared with enough CFP francs. Auberge Tanoa and any guesthouse you'll find-especially outside major hote...

Here’s the smart move for Tonga: carry cash. Most budget lodgings, especially in Haʻapai and Vava’u, won’t accept cards. ATMs are limited to a few tow...

Planning a stay in Togo? Be ready with cash. Even though Visa works at some ATMs in Lomé or Sokodé, hostels-including those listed on Booking around G...

In South Sudan, forget about paying hostels with cards. Bring plenty of USD in smaller denominations for hotel, taxis, and food. Most hostels and gues...

If you’re heading to Sierra Leone, plan to pay hostels in cash. Even places in Freetown like YMCA Hostel or around Lumley won’t reliably take cards. A...

If Micronesia-especially places like Chuuk or Yap-is on your itinerary, go in expecting cash is king. Hostels rarely have card machines. Even ATMs are...

Thinking ahead for Malawi: bring both. Hostels in main cities will generally accept Visa/Mastercard-just expect a possible small surcharge. But in tow...