The U.S. State Department is cautioning Americans against relying on domestic payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle when traveling internationally. Consular sections have noted frequent issues with U.S. citizens accessing funds abroad due to these app limitations.
Cash App is restricted to domestic transactions and withdrawals, though its Visa-affiliated Cash App Card is usable in most countries, excluding specific nations like Iran, North Korea, and Russia. An international use fee of 3% applies to the Cash App Card, with waivers available for certain users. ATM withdrawals incur additional fees.
Venmo accounts are inaccessible outside the U.S. For international needs, users are directed to PayPal, which supports transactions in over 110 countries with a 5% international personal transaction fee, capped at $4.99. Venmo debit cards offer fee-free purchases abroad but charge $2.50 for international ATM withdrawals. PayPal's debit card has a 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases and similar ATM withdrawal fees. Both debit cards are widely accepted.
Zelle explicitly requires both sender and recipient to have U.S. bank accounts, rendering it inoperable for international transfers.
Travelers are advised to verify foreign transaction fees on their credit and debit cards, opting for cards without such charges when possible. Carrying local currency is also recommended, as some businesses, particularly smaller establishments and food stalls in places like Japan, may not accept cards.