Cash or Card? How to Pay for Trains Abroad

Published on April 5, 2025

by Erica Bedell

Trying to buy a train ticket in another country can quickly become a guessing game—Do they take Visa? Do you need exact change? Will your card even work at the station kiosk?

Paying for trains abroad is easier than it used to be, but each country still has quirks. From currency conversions to digital wallets, it pays to know what to expect—and what to carry.

Tips for Paying Smoothly for Trains Abroad

Whether you’re traveling across borders or buying a simple local fare, understanding how train payments work will save you stress and time. Here’s what to know before you swipe or tap.

Below are essential tips that cover how to pay, what to carry, and how to troubleshoot payment issues on the go.

1. Know the Local Norms Before You Go

Payment methods vary widely between countries—and sometimes even between regions or train operators. Knowing what’s accepted where helps you avoid showing up with the wrong currency or a card that won’t swipe.

Japan often requires cash for local trains but accepts cards for Shinkansen.
Germany and France typically accept contactless cards at machines.
Italy has more mixed results—some kiosks are card-only, others cash.
India favors cash at stations, though apps like IRCTC support digital payments.
In the US, Amtrak accepts all major cards online and in-person.

2. Carry a Backup Payment Method

Even in modern stations, payment systems can be unreliable. Machines might reject foreign cards, go offline, or not accept bills of a certain size. Having a plan B ensures you’re not stranded.

Bring a second card from a different network (e.g., Visa + Mastercard).
Carry the local currency for short-haul tickets or rural routes.
Store emergency bills in a separate wallet.
Use mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay where supported.
Avoid relying solely on travel-specific prepaid cards—they’re often not accepted.

3. Watch for Extra Charges and Exchange Fees

Many travelers don’t realize they’re paying more at the kiosk than necessary. Exchange rate markups and foreign transaction fees can quietly add up—especially if you’re hopping countries frequently.

Look for machines or websites that bill in local currency only, and check if your bank waives fees for international purchases.

4. Use Rail Apps When Possible

Many countries now have official rail apps or platforms where you can search, pay, and store tickets digitally. These apps often support international cards better than station kiosks.

Apps like Trainline, DB Navigator, and NS (Netherlands) work well.
Create an account in advance to save time when buying tickets.
Link a major credit or debit card and verify it beforehand.
Download tickets offline in case of poor signal at the station.
Watch for app-exclusive fares or discounts.

5. Don’t Count on Conductors Selling Tickets

Gone are the days when you could always buy a ticket onboard. In many countries, boarding without one can result in fines—even if you had the means to pay.

Always check the local rule. In some systems (like in Switzerland or the UK), conductors can sell you tickets; in others (like France or Germany), they issue penalties—even if you’re a tourist.

Common Mistakes

Travelers frequently run into these payment-related problems:

Trying to use magnetic stripe cards instead of chip-enabled ones.
Assuming mobile pay is accepted everywhere—it often isn’t.
Forgetting PINs for chip cards (still required in many kiosks).
Booking from third-party sites that don’t issue valid QR codes.

Tips for Beginners

If this is your first international rail journey, keep these basics in mind:

Always carry a small amount of local currency—just in case.
Use rail websites in the original language to avoid conversion issues.
Save all receipts and confirmations until the journey ends.
Set travel alerts with your bank to avoid card blocks.

Further Recommendations

These next-level suggestions will help you travel smarter and avoid payment mishaps:

Use cards with no foreign transaction fees or ATM rebates.
Download backup payment apps in case one malfunctions.
Try multi-currency wallets like Revolut or Wise for flexibility.
Keep emergency fare money hidden in your day bag or shoe liner.

Takeaway

Paying for trains abroad doesn’t have to be a gamble. With a little preparation—and by carrying multiple ways to pay—you’ll be ready whether you’re tapping into a metro or checking into a luxury sleeper. Think of payment as part of your travel toolkit: when it works seamlessly, the rest of your journey flows just as easily.