Should I load a forex card or carry cash for international trips? What's the right mix?

Both, in a ratio that varies by destination. Our standing formula: 70% on a zero-markup forex card or international-enabled credit card, 30% in cash — of which a portion in USD as universal backup. Cards win on rate and safety almost everywhere now; cash remains essential for visa-on-arrival counters (Thailand takes only baht, Cambodia wants crisp dollars), street food, small guesthouses, and the first taxi. Destination adjustments: Japan and Vietnam still run surprisingly cash-heavy at small establishments; Singapore, Dubai and Europe are nearly cashless; Sri Lanka and Nepal happily blur the line (Nepal accepts Indian rupees in small notes). Two traps to refuse: airport exchange counters at home (worst rates in the industry — load the card and carry minimal INR-converted cash instead), and dynamic currency conversion abroad — when a machine offers to charge you "in rupees," always decline and pay in local currency; the convenience costs 3–5%.