I want to share the complete toolkit for managing money internationally because the options have gotten much better in the last 5 years.

For ATM withdrawals: Charles Schwab Bank checking account (US-based). Unlimited ATM fee rebates globally, no foreign transaction fees, no minimum balance. This is the unanimous recommendation in budget travel communities and the consensus is correct.

For daily spending: Wise (formerly TransferWise) borderless account. The exchange rate is mid-market rate, the fee is a small transparent percentage, and the card works everywhere. Better than any credit card for pure foreign currency spending.

For earning points on spending: Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture. For spending that earns rewards while keeping fees manageable.

For emergency backup: a second Visa or Mastercard debit from a different bank than your primary. Store separately from your main wallet.

Cash strategy: always have $150-200 in USD as emergency cash. Change to local currency as needed at currency exchanges with published rates (avoid airport kiosks and hotel desks for anything beyond small amounts — their rates are consistently poor).

The one setup that covers almost everything: Schwab debit for ATMs, Wise card for day-to-day spending, Chase Sapphire Preferred for purchases that earn points and for travel insurance benefits. This three-card system covers every scenario I've encountered in 8 years of international travel.