Afro Nation is not just a music festival. It is one of the largest cultural movements unifying Africans in the diaspora and celebrating the creativity of African music, dance, fashion and food. The electrifying event draws participants from over 140 countries, featuring top artistes creating monumental memories over three days.
However, between event tickets, transportation, visa, accommodation, shopping, and food, attending Afro Nation can be pretty expensive. You still have to struggle with currency exchange services offering unfavourable rates while avoiding the ones trying to rip you off.
Ghana, Portugal, Puerto Rico or the US, wherever the Afro Nation train takes you, it's all about having the time of your life without ending up in a financial mess. At Grey, we are committed to helping you efficiently manage your funds and maximise the fun. Here is how we suggest you plan your Afro Nation trip without overspending on FX.
Also read: How to open US, UK and Euro bank accounts in Portugal
If you are going to any Afro Nation, you should first understand the currency and payment systems. Afro Nation Portugal uses a cashless wristband system for on-site purchases, and it is topped up in euros. Most vendors accept cards, but carrying some euros in cash is recommended for local markets or smaller transactions. ATMs are available, but avoid festival-site ATMs to reduce fees.
Before you travel, research the Portugal’s preferred payment options and current exchange rates. This helps you plan how much local currency to get in advance, avoid frequent conversions, and how best to manage your budget while you’re there.
Avoid exchanging money at airports or informal roadside exchangers, as they typically offer poor rates or charge hidden fees. Here are some options to explore.
It’s easy to lose track of spending during a high-energy event like Afro Nation. From spontaneous food cravings to late-night buys and after-parties, expenses add up quickly. The more you spend, the more you have to convert funds, and the more you have to spend on FX. Here are some tips to help you stay in control.
Last-minute bookings are almost always more expensive. Once you’ve secured your Afro Nation ticket, book your flights as early as possible to avoid hikes. As the event draws near, hotels, Airbnb options, and other accommodation arrangements near the venue start getting fully booked. It is smart to book your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid paying more and staying far away from the venue. If your accommodation is far from the venue, you might have to spend more on transportation.
Using your local debit card abroad can lead to high international charges or declined payments. With Grey’s virtual USD debit card, you can manage your online payments with ease and at a low cost. The card is accepted on major platforms, and you avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees.
Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal
Even with all precautions, things can go wrong. To avoid financial embarrassment due to lost cards, cash theft, or delayed payments, split your funds across multiple sources and use a reliable payment solution like Grey. You can always convert and send funds back when needed with instant top-up and currency exchange.
Whether you’re dancing to Burna Boy’s Bundle by Bundle or vibing to Davido’s Unavailable, you need a payment solution that is always available. If you want to enjoy the vibe at Afro Nation without getting stranded financially, Grey is that party partner.
Grey is a reliable cross-border payment solution designed to help digital nomads, international travellers, and African music lovers like you spend smarter abroad. The platform offers affordable transfer fees, swift payments and competitive exchange rates.
Ready to take on Afro Nation without breaking the bank? Get started on Grey today to enjoy seamless transactions at Afro Nation.
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