Is Revolut good for travelling? Features, fees, and benefits explained

Whether you're navigating the narrow streets of Rome or relaxing on a beach in Bali, managing your money should be the last thing on your mind.

However, many UK customers who travel frequently find that their provider's poor exchange rates quickly eat into their holiday budget. If you're asking yourself whether Revolut is a good alternative when it comes to travelling, you're in the right place.

Read on to learn all about our app and how you can spend, send, and save money with us while exploring the world.

Already have a Revolut account? Explore our guide to using Revolut abroad.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Exchange and global transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Plan fees and T&Cs apply.

Is Revolut good for travelling?

The short answer is yes. We've designed our app to address the friction points often found in international travel. We offer a modern alternative that provides flexibility, clarity, and a suite of tools tailored for life on the move.

When you use our services, you get access to a multi-currency account that allows you to hold more than 35 currencies and spend in over 150.

Currency exchange in 36 currencies with Revolut exchange rate. Fair usage limits and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

The Revolut travel card: a smart way to spend

A dedicated card for travelling abroad is a helpful tool for anyone of their next trip. Our cards are either Visa or Mastercard, meaning they're accepted at millions of locations worldwide.

T&Cs and fees apply.

Multi-currency flexibility

One of the main benefits of having a Revolut account is the ability to hold multiple currencies at once. You can exchange your pounds into euros, dollars, or yen when the rate is favourable and keep them in a dedicated sub-account.

When you spend in that country, we automatically use the local currency balance. If you run out of that currency balance, we convert pounds from your regular account at a competitive rate whenever you make a payment.

Virtual cards for extra security

Security is key when you're away from home. In addition to your physical card, you can get virtual cards for online bookings or contactless payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

For even more protection, our single-use virtual cards regenerate their details after every use, making it much harder for your information to be compromised.

Understanding Revolut fees for travelling abroad

We believe in being upfront about what you're paying for. While we don't charge a fee for simply using your card abroad, there are certain conditions and limits you should know about to manage your budget effectively.

Weekday vs weekend exchange

The currency markets are open 24 hours a day during the business week, allowing us to offer you competitive exchange rates Monday morning–Friday evening.

However, while global markets are closed over the weekend, we apply a small markup on currency exchanges. This is to protect us against fluctuations in the market before it reopens on Monday. We're upfront about our fees so you always know what you're getting.

To get the most out of your money, we suggest exchanging it on a weekday before your holiday.

Fair usage limits

Depending on your plan, there's a limit on how much currency you can exchange each rolling month without paying an additional fair usage fee. Let's break them down:

• Standard: £1,000 per month
• Plus: £3,000 per month
• Premium, Metal, and Ultra: no exchange limits and no fair usage fee

If you exceed these limits, a fee of 1% (for Standard customers) or 0.5% (for Plus customers) will apply. Monitoring your limits in-app helps you stay in control of your spending.

Want more tips for getting the most out of your holiday budget?Read our guide to saving money while travelling.

Managing cash with ATM withdrawals

While digital payments are becoming the global standard, cash is still often necessary in local markets or rural areas, as well as for tipping.

Every Revolut plan includes a monthly allowance for ATM withdrawals without any fees from us:

• Standard: £200 (or up to 5 withdrawals, whichever comes first) per month
• Plus: £200 per month
• Premium: £400 per month
• Metal: £800 per month
• Ultra: £2,000 per month

Once you go over your plan's limits, we apply a 2% fee or £1 on each withdrawal.

You should keep in mind that some ATM operators might also apply their own surcharges. You can use our in-app ATM locator to find cash machines nearby, and filter results to see ones without surcharges.

Cash vs card for travelling abroad: which is better for your trip?

You can use a combination of both. Using a card is generally safer as you can instantly freeze it in-app if it gets lost or stolen. You also get real-time notifications every time you make a payment, so you can keep track of your spending and stick to your budget.

However, carrying a small amount of cash as a backup is normally a good idea. Use our travel card to get the best of both worlds: digital security and easy access to cash.

Want a travel card but not sure which one to get? Check out our guide to the best travel cards.

Beyond the card: additional travel benefits

We offer more than just a way to pay. Depending on your plan, you can access features that can help make your journey easier and more secure.

Travel insurance and protection

Customers on our Metal, and Ultra plans get access to comprehensive travel insurance as a plan benefit. This often includes coverage for delayed flights, lost baggage, and emergency medical expenses. Having your banking and insurance all in one place can help reduce your admin while planning a trip. Paid Plan Terms apply.

Global data with an eSIM

Our global eSIM lets you access data plans for over 100 countries directly in-app. You can install your eSIM in minutes and stay connected without worrying about roaming charges. eSIM T&Cs apply.

eSIM services are provided by 1Global and Gigs, Revolut acts for 1Global and Gigs, the service providers.

Airport lounge access

If you want to travel in style, our higher-tier plans offer discounted or inclusive airport lounge access, so you can relax while you wait. Airport Lounge Pass T&Cs apply.

How to use Revolut like a local

To get the most out of your holiday money, keep these tips in mind:

• Always pay in the local currency: if a card machine or ATM asks if you want to pay in pounds or the local currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing pounds triggers dynamic currency conversion, which often involves a poor exchange rate set by the merchant.
• Check the app for real-time rates: you can see our current exchange rates in-app at any time, so you can make informed decisions about when to change your money.
• Use Pockets to budget: create a dedicated travel Pocket to set savings aside in the lead-up to your trip. This keeps your holiday money separate from your daily spending.

Setting up an account with dedicated travel features like ours can help you save money over the course of your holiday.

How to get our travel money app in the UK

Getting ready for your next adventure is simple. Follow these steps to join us:

1. Download the Revolut app: visit the App Store or Google Play Store to find our app.
2. Create your account: follow the instructions to register. You'll need to provide some personal details and verify your identity with a photo ID.
3. Add money: once your account's verified, you can add money via bank transfer or by using another debit card.
4. Order your card: go to the Cards section to order your physical card. While you wait for it to arrive, you can set up a virtual card, add it to your digital wallet, and start spending with it right away. Delivery fee may apply.
5. Set up a currency account: tap Accounts, then More, then Add products & accounts. Tap Currency account and select the currency of your destination. You can then exchange money on a weekday to lock in a competitive rate before you fly.

Revolut Bank UK Ltd (https://revolut.com) is registered in England and Wales (Registered No. 12871051). Registered address: 30 South Colonnade, London E14 5HX, United Kingdom. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No. 981170).