The warning comes after a widespread power outage crippled Spain, Portugal and much of France earlier this week
A travel expert has warned Brits to carry cash with them at all times if they’re heading to France this summer.
The warning comes after a widespread power outage crippled Spain, Portugal and much of France earlier this week.
Entire cities were plunged into darkness, leaving many holidaymakers in a panic.
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The crisis has led to those in the UK stockpiling cash, in case something similar happens here, The Express reports.
Chris Jones, director of PSE Consulting, has now encouraged tourists going abroad to do the same.
He said: “The widespread outages across Spain, Portugal and some parts of France earlier this week are a stark reminder of why cash remains essential.
“As digital transactions dominate more aspects of daily life, we risk overlooking the fundamental resilience that physical money offers during periods of disruption.
“When systems fail – whether due to technical issues, cyberattacks, or power outages – access to cash ensures that people can still buy essential goods and services.
“In emergencies, cash becomes more than just a payment method; it is a vital safety net.
“While cash usage continues to decline across Europe, events like this reinforce why maintaining robust access must remain a priority.
“This includes identifying and supporting critical services – such as supermarkets, petrol stations and pharmacies – to ensure they can continue accepting cash when digital systems are down.”
He continued: “Countries like Sweden and Norway have already recognised this, encouraging citizens to keep emergency cash and reinforcing cash acceptance in key parts of the economy.
“As we continue to move towards a more digital economy, policymakers and businesses must not lose sight of the need for balance.
“Protecting access to cash isn’t just about supporting vulnerable groups – it’s about ensuring the whole economy can function when digital systems falter. [This week’s] outage is a clear reminder: in times of crisis, cash still counts.”
Spain has now recovered more than 99 per cent of its power following an unprecedented blackout that brought much of the country and Portugal to a standstill.
The blackout saw thousands of train passengers stranded and left millions of people without phone and internet coverage and access to cash from ATMs across the Iberian Peninsula.
It was the second serious European power outage in less than six weeks after a March 20 fire shut down Heathrow Airport in the UK, and it came as authorities across Europe guard against sabotage backed by Russia.
