How do you avoid payment issues when traveling internationally?

Hello girls,

I’m planning an international trip and trying to avoid payment headaches. I’ve had cards get blocked, ATMs not work, or places that only take local cards. It’s stressful when you’re tired and just trying to pay for a hotel, train, or food.

My plan so far is to tell my bank before I go, bring two cards from different banks, and keep some cash on hand. I also don’t rely on a single app since acceptance really depends on the country.

I’ve started thinking about digital backups too. Things like travel or hotel e-gift cards you can buy ahead of time, or even last minute if something goes wrong.

For frequent travelers, what setup actually works best for you? Cash, cards, digital options, or a mix?

Edit: When I was checking out digital backup options, I found some sites like aceb.com where you can quickly buy travel and hotel e-gift cards. I might give that a try as a backup if my cards don’t work. Thanks for all the replies.