Your Go-To Payment App May Not Work Abroad. What to Use Instead

Apps like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal and Zelle are now routine for making payments and transferring money in the United States, but the State Department is reminding Americans not to depend on those too heavily abroad.

“Our consular sections around the world have seen many Americans run into problems accessing money abroad due to relying on apps. Some common cash transfer apps in the United States do NOT work abroad,” the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs posted on X. “If you are traveling outside of the United States make sure you have access to a credit or debit card that works internationally (and have a back-up plan!).”

Here’s what travelers should know.

Cash App

Cash App’s app may only be used to add funds or make payments and withdrawals within the United States and the United Kingdom.

However, its Visa-affiliated Cash App Card can be used in most countries — with the exception of 27 listed on its website, including Iran, North Korea and Russia.

“When you use your Cash App Card in a supported country or with an international online merchant, there will be a 3% international use fee,” according to Cash App’s website. Users who qualify for Cash App Green benefits, by spending or depositing certain amounts each month, get international fees waived.

There is also a $2.50 fee for withdrawals at non-network ATMs, along with any fees charged by ATM operators.

PayPal and Venmo

“If you are currently not in the U.S. you will not be able to sign into your Venmo account,” Venmo says on its website, which directs users to its parent company, PayPal, for international transactions.

PayPal can be used to send money in more than 110 countries, but there is a 5% fee for international personal transactions, capped at $4.99.

Another option is to use a Venmo debit card to make payments or withdraw money from ATMs abroad. There are no foreign transaction fees for purchases, but there is a $2.50 fee for international ATM withdrawals, as well as any applicable fees charged by ATM operators.

PayPal also offers a debit card with a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases and a $2.50 fee for international ATM withdrawals, along with any fees charged by ATM operators.

Both debit cards are accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Zelle

Zelle’s website says that in order to use Zelle, the sender and recipient “must have U.S. bank accounts” — meaning it effectively cannot be used for international transfers at all.

Other Payment Options

Travelers should note that, regardless of card affiliation, they should check whether their cards charge foreign transaction fees and avoid using those that do when possible.

Some places don’t take credit or debit cards at all. For instance, cash is still king at food stalls and small businesses in Japan. No matter the destination, travelers should carry some cash in the local currency in case of emergency.