Holidaymakers have been warned to ensure they are keeping coins and banknotes on them amid the threat of power outages.Holidaymakers have been warned to ensure they are keeping coins and banknotes on them amid the threat of power outages.Holidaymakers have been warned to ensure they are keeping coins and banknotes on them amid the threat of power outages.

UK tourists in Spain, Portugal and France are being told to carry cash with them in the wake of the huge blackouts. European Union holidaymakers have been warned to ensure they are keeping coins and banknotes on them amid the threat of power outages.

Chris Jones, director of PSE Consulting, 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.

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“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.

“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.”

Prof Jianzhong Wu, the head of the school of engineering at Cardiff University, told the Guardian blackouts “can happen anywhere”.

“Despite today’s high standards of reliability, low-probability but high-impact blackout events can still happen. These networks are not designed to be completely blackout-free because achieving such a level of reliability would require investment far beyond what is economically feasible,” he said.

Charmalee Jayamaha, a senior manager at the UK government-backed Energy Systems Catapult, said: “No system can be 100% resilient,” so risks “need to be balanced with our willingness to pay to reduce them”.