Currency and Money Guide for Volunteers: ATMs, Cards, and Budgeting Tips

Introduction

Managing money in a foreign country can be stressful, especially when ATMs are unreliable, exchange rates fluctuate, and you're trying to stick to a tight budget. This guide covers everything you need to know about handling finances during your volunteer trip.

Before You Leave

Banking Setup

Notify your bank: Tell them your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud blocks

Get a travel-friendly card: Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees

Set up a backup: Have at least two different cards from different banks

Download your bank's app: For monitoring transactions and reporting issues

Recommended Travel Cards

Wise (TransferWise): Multi-currency account with excellent exchange rates

Revolut: Good for Europe-based volunteers, multiple currency support

Charles Schwab: No ATM fees worldwide (US-based)

Monzo: Great for UK-based volunteers

Cash Strategy

Bring $200-300 in clean, new USD bills as emergency backup

US dollars are widely accepted as backup currency in most developing countries

Avoid bringing local currency from home—exchange rates are usually worse

Country-by-Country Guide

East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania)

Currencies: KES (Kenya), UGX (Uganda), TZS (Tanzania)

ATMs: Available in cities, scarce in rural areas

Mobile money: M-Pesa is widely used in Kenya—consider setting up an account

Daily budget: $10-20/day for personal expenses

Tip: Withdraw larger amounts to minimize ATM fees

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia)

Currencies: THB (Thailand), USD/KHR (Cambodia), IDR (Indonesia)

ATMs: Widely available but charge $5-7 per withdrawal

Cambodia: Operates primarily on US dollars

Daily budget: $10-25/day depending on country

Tip: Thai ATMs charge 220 THB (~$6) per withdrawal—withdraw maximum amounts

South Asia (Nepal, India, Sri Lanka)

Currencies: NPR (Nepal), INR (India), LKR (Sri Lanka)

ATMs: Available in cities, limited in rural/trekking areas

India: Digital payments (UPI/PhonePe) are widely used

Daily budget: $8-15/day

Tip: In Nepal, withdraw cash in Kathmandu before heading to rural areas

Central/South America (Costa Rica, Peru, Guatemala)

Currencies: CRC (Costa Rica), PEN (Peru), GTQ (Guatemala)

ATMs: Widely available, lower fees than Asia

USD: Accepted in tourist areas of Costa Rica

Daily budget: $12-25/day

Tip: Small bills are essential in Guatemala—vendors can't break large notes

Southern Africa (South Africa, Ghana)

Currencies: ZAR (South Africa), GHS (Ghana)

ATMs: Widely available in South Africa, growing in Ghana

Card payments: Common in South Africa, cash-heavy in Ghana

Daily budget: $15-25/day (SA), $10-15/day (Ghana)

Tip: In South Africa, tap-to-pay is widely available

Budgeting Tips

Track Everything

Use a budgeting app (Trail Wallet, Splitwise for groups)

Record expenses daily—it's easy to forget small purchases

Convert to your home currency weekly to stay on track

Save Money

Eat where locals eat—street food is cheap and delicious

Negotiate prices at markets (but be fair—haggling for pennies is disrespectful)

Buy water in large bottles and refill your reusable bottle

Use public transport instead of taxis

Emergency Fund

Keep $200-500 set aside for emergencies

Store emergency cash separately from daily spending money

Know the nearest Western Union or MoneyGram office

Conclusion

Good financial preparation means less stress and more focus on your volunteer work. Set up your banking, know your destination's financial landscape, and budget realistically.

Estimate your total costs with our Cost Calculator →

For more preparation tips, read our [Complete Preparation & Packing Guide](/guides/preparation).