Direct Answer: There is no single payment method that suits every international trip. Most experienced travellers carry a combination of a travel-focused credit card, a small amount of local currency and a backup payment option to balance convenience, security and cost.
When choosing how to pay abroad, compare more than just exchange rates. Foreign currency markup, international acceptance, ATM withdrawal charges, rewards, airport lounge access, travel insurance, fraud protection and payment flexibility can all influence your overall travel experience.