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 rely too heavily on them overseas.
“Our consular sections around the world have observed that many Americans face problems receiving money abroad due to their reliance 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’re traveling outside 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 can only be used to add funds or make payments and withdrawals within the United States and United Kingdom.
However, its Visa-affiliated Cash App cards can be used in most countries – except 27 countries listed on its website, including Iran, North Korea and Russia.
According to Cash App’s website, “When you use your Cash App Card in a supported country or with an international online merchant, there will be a 3% international usage fee.” Users who qualify for Cash App Green benefits by spending or depositing a certain amount each month are waived international fees.
There is also a $2.50 fee for withdrawals from non-network ATMs, in addition to any fees charged by ATM operators.
Paypal and Venmo
“If you are not currently in the US you will not be able to sign in to 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 to over 110 countries, but there is a 5% fee for international individual transactions, capped at $4.99.
Another option is to use a Venmo debit card to make payments abroad or withdraw money from an ATM. There is no foreign transaction fee for purchases, but there is a $2.50 fee for international ATM withdrawals, plus 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, as well as any fees charged by ATM operators.
Both debit cards are accepted wherever MasterCard is accepted.
Zelle
Zelle’s website says that to use Zelle, the sender and recipient “must have US bank accounts” – meaning it effectively can’t be used for international transfers at all.
More Payment Options
Travelers should note that, regardless of card affiliation, they should check whether their cards charge foreign transaction fees and avoid using them when possible.
Some places don’t take credit or debit cards at all. For example, cash is still king at food stalls and small businesses in Japan. No matter what the destination, travelers should carry some cash in local currency with them in case of an emergency.