Most of us hardly use cash any more. That's exactly why every national guide asks you to keep some. Cash in small notes is one of only six items listed by all 24 guides we compiled, alongside water, a torch, a radio, a first-aid kit and personal medication.
Why cash, when everything is digital?
Card terminals stop when the power does. So do cash machines, bank apps and online payments once the mobile network goes down. Slovakia's guide lists the failure of banking services and cash withdrawals among the first things that can go wrong in a crisis. Poland's blackout advice gives the same reason: card payments won't work.
In a power cut that lasts more than a few hours, the shops that can open will often accept cash only. Without it, you can't buy bread, fuel or batteries, even with money in the bank.
How much? What the guides say
Few guides give a figure. Those that do:
| Guide | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Sweden | Around 1,000 SEK per adult (≈ €90), preferably in different denominations |
| Slovakia | Enough cash at home: roughly twice your everyday weekly shopping |
| UK | A mix of coins and notes; the amount depends on your family's needs for essentials |
| Finland | A small amount of cash at home |
| Poland | Cash in various denominations |
Our checklist uses Sweden's figure: about €90 per adult, so around €180 for two adults. That's a sensible floor for 72 hours. If you plan for longer, or if your weekly shop costs more, Slovakia's rule of thumb gives a higher figure.
Quick sums using Sweden's figure
| Adults at home | Cash to keep |
|---|---|
| 1 | about €90 (1,000 SEK) |
| 2 | about €180 (2,000 SEK) |
| 3 | about €270 (3,000 SEK) |
| 4 | about €360 (4,000 SEK) |
Sweden's figure is per adult and doesn't mention children. If you have children, Slovakia's approach of basing it on your own weekly shopping takes them into account automatically.
Small notes and coins
In a crisis, shops may not have change. A €50 note to pay for a €3 loaf won't work. Sweden asks for different denominations, the UK for coins and notes, and Poland for various denominations. A practical split for €180:
- Mostly €10 and €20 notes
- A few €5 notes
- Some coins, for small purchases and anything coin-operated
Outside the euro area, use the same logic with your own currency.
Where to keep it
- With your documents. Nineteen guides list ID and document copies in a waterproof pouch. Keeping the cash with them means you grab both at once.
- Some in the grab bag. If you have to leave, the cash goes with you. Sixteen guides recommend a grab bag.
- Out of sight. Not in an obvious drawer by the door. Tell the adults in your household where it is.
Don't forget the other ways to pay
Sweden's guide makes a point worth repeating: the more ways you can pay, the better prepared you are. It suggests keeping cash and also cards and digital services. The UK says the same: a mix of cash and cards, in case electronic payments or cash machines are disrupted.
Sweden also suggests using cash occasionally in normal times.
Keep it topped up
- Don't borrow from it for a takeaway. If you do, replace it the next day.
- Check it when you check the rest of your kit, twice a year.
- Update it if your household grows, or if prices rise.
A five-minute checklist
- Work out your amount: Sweden's per-adult figure or twice your weekly shop.
- Withdraw it in small notes and some coins.
- Put most of it with your documents, and a share in the grab bag.
- Tell the other adults at home where it is.
- Add it to your twice-yearly kit check.
The rest of the kit
Cash only helps if there is something to buy. If shops stay shut, your water and food stock is what counts. Our power cut checklist covers the first hours, and our checklist sizes cash, water and food for your household.