What if one person eats way more or drinks alcohol?

Splitwise allows you to adjust percentages. If one person orders an extra bottle of wine, adjust their share of that specific receipt to 100% and keep the shared food items at an even split.

Is it better to use cash or card?

Always use a card for shared expenses if possible. It provides an automated paper trail. Only use cash for small, individual-specific items that don't need to be split.

How do I handle the currency conversion math?

Let the app do it. Splitwise automatically converts expenses to your chosen 'settle-up' currency using the exchange rate of the day the expense was entered.

Managing Shared Travel Expenses Without the Friction

Use a shared expense app like Splitwise from day one to track every collective purchase. Agree on a 'settle-up' currency and timing before you leave to avoid awkward math or currency exchange losses at the end of the trip.

Choose one tracking app. Download Splitwise or Tricount. Add all travelers to a single group immediately. Do not rely on shared notes or spreadsheets, as they are prone to human error and sync issues.
Agree on a 'Default Payer' strategy. Designate one person to put all dining and activity costs on a single credit card that earns travel rewards. This simplifies tracking and ensures only one person has to handle the exchange rate conversion for that specific bill.
Set a currency rule. Record all expenses in the local currency at the moment of purchase. If someone pays in a different currency, use the actual amount charged to their card, not a guesstimate.
Settle up 24 hours before departure. Don't wait until you are at the airport. Review the balance in the app the night before your flight. Have the person with the debt pay the person owed via a digital transfer (like Wise or Revolut) to avoid high international wire fees.

What if one person eats way more or drinks alcohol?: Splitwise allows you to adjust percentages. If one person orders an extra bottle of wine, adjust their share of that specific receipt to 100% and keep the shared food items at an even split.
Is it better to use cash or card?: Always use a card for shared expenses if possible. It provides an automated paper trail. Only use cash for small, individual-specific items that don't need to be split.
How do I handle the currency conversion math?: Let the app do it. Splitwise automatically converts expenses to your chosen 'settle-up' currency using the exchange rate of the day the expense was entered.