What is a Forex Card: Meaning, How It Works, and How to Get One
Planning a trip abroad? Learn everything about forex cards for international travel. We cover what they are, how they work, how to get one.
How to Use the Wise Travel card: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Residents
Managing your money when you travel internationally can be a challenge. Paying with your bank card might mean extra fees, while carrying lots of foreign cash isn’t safe. Using a forex card is a popular solution for Indians heading abroad.
The Wise Travel card is a forex card which offers interbank rates for currency conversion, and low, transparent fees. You can use Wise to hold foreign currency balances in 40+ currencies – highest number of currency wallets supported by any forex card provider in India. This guide walks through how to use a Wise Travel card overseas, including how to use your Wise Travel card at an ATM to get cash, so you can see if it’s the right solution for your next trip abroad.
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What is the Wise Travel card?
The Wise Travel card is a forex debit card which allows you to load, hold and convert 40+ currencies at interbank exchange rates - similar to the rates you see on Google. Wise stands out for having low, transparent fees for all services, which you can see easily online or in app, so there are no hidden fees or forex markups to worry about.
You can add money to your Wise Travel card in popular currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, or SGD, as well as currencies like IDR, MYR, or MAD, and many others, enabling you to spend with no further fee as long as you have enough balance to cover the cost of your purchase.
Here’s some benefits of the Wise Travel card.
Benefits of the Wise Travel card
- Hold 40+ foreign currencies on your Wise Travel card including USD, GBP, EUR, AED, and SGD and it’s free to spend a currency you hold
- Load funds at the real interbank exchange rate with only a low, transparent conversion fee, and no forex markups
- Spend in 150+ countries, including popular destinations like the US, Europe, and Singapore
- Order your card, load and reload money, and manage your card online - no need to visit a branch to get your card or to add money
- Digital cards available for increased convenience and security when you spend online
- Enjoy a fully digital application process with card delivery typically within 3–5 working days.
- Free ATM withdrawals up to USD 200 per month, for when you need cash abroad
What you can use your Wise Travel card for
The Wise Travel card is designed to handle every payment scenario you encounter abroad, offering maximum convenience and security. Here's some things you can do with your Wise Travel card:
- In-store purchases: Use the card for tap-and-pay or secure Chip and PIN transactions at merchant establishments that accept Visa/Mastercard.
- Ride-hailing & transport: Save your card details directly on overseas apps like Uber, Bolt, or local ride-hailing services for seamless payment.
- Cash withdrawals: Get local currency by withdrawing cash at ATMs worldwide.
- Online bookings: Securely use your card for e-commerce payments on websites based overseas to book your flights, hotels, and itineraries, ensuring you lock in the interbank rate.
- Budgeting: By pre-loading funds, the card ensures your travel budget is separated from your main bank account, adding an extra layer of financial security.
Is the Wise Travel card safe?
Yes. Vaho Forex Private Limited (Wise) is approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and uses industry level security features throughout, including 2-Factor authentication, and automatic and manual anti-fraud protocols.
How to apply for the Wise Travel card in India
To apply for a Wise Travel card in India, you must first be an Indian resident, then you can follow these steps:
- Register for a Wise Personal Account online or in the Wise app - you’ll need to create a profile
- Start by verifying your phone number via SMS
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your PAN card, including your full name and Date of Birth (DOB) and provide a few more details for extra verification
- Once your profile is set up, go to the "Cards Tab" to apply for a Wise Travel card (physical or digital)
- To complete the physical card order, you must provide your delivery address, choose how your name appears on the card, and set your PIN.
- Next, we will ask about the primary purpose for your card (for most users, this will be spending money when traveling abroad)
- You will then need to verify your PAN and after PAN verification, you will proceed to add money to your account. Here, you will choose which currency to load and select your payment method - do note you can only load the card using a bank account in your own name based on the PAN details provided earlier
- Finally, upload your proof of travel documents and complete a quick video KYC check to verify your identity
Most cards will be delivered within 3-5 working days after application. You can track your card dispatch and delivery using the tracking number provided when you order. When you receive your card, you’ll need to activate it in the Wise app, using the activation code which is included in the card mailer, and you’re all set!
Wise Referral Program
Once you’re a Wise customer, you can also easily share the benefits with friends through your referral link:
- Invite 3 friends to Wise or Wise Travel card
- Each friend you invite benefits by getting a free transfer up to ₹50,000, or zero fees when they load up to ₹50,000 onto their Wise Travel card.
- Once each of the 3 friends has transferred or loaded at least 20,000 INR, you'll earn a reward of 9,000 INR
Where you can use Wise Travel Card
The Wise Travel card supports 40+ currencies, and can be used in 150+ countries globally. Your card cannot be used to make payments in India, Nepal, Bhutan and any sanctioned/blacklisted countries.
If you have the currency you need for a payment on your card, the funds are debited automatically from that balance. And if you don’t have the right currency, the card can automatically convert for you. Your funds will be converted from the balance which attracts the lowest forex fee, so you get the best possible deal.
How to use the Wise Travel card
Here’s a look at what to do once you have your Wise Travel card, including loading, reloading and unloading funds, and how to use it for online payments and when you travel.
Card loading and unloading
To use your Wise Travel card, you’ll need to load money onto your account. You can add funds using bank transfers via RTGS, NEFT and IMPS, by making a payment to Wise from your online or mobile banking portal. Loading uses interbank exchange rates with no hidden forex markups. Any conversion fees will be displayed transparently to users.
If you’re travelling and need to add more money during your trip abroad, you can do so using RTGS, NEFT or IMPS, without needing to upload proof of travel documents again for the same trip. Reloads use the interbank exchange rate with no hidden markups. You can expect funds to be ready to spend within two hours, provided the transfer is initiated during our weekday working hours (8:00 AM – 10:00 PM IST). Transfers initiated outside this window or on weekends will be processed the next business day.
You may leave money on your card for up to 180 days after your trip ends. After that initial period, you can continue to hold funds on the card as long as the balance is USD 2,000 equivalent or below. If your balance exceeds USD 2,000 after 180 days, you are required to withdraw the excess amount to a local bank account. You will receive a reminder to complete this withdrawal once the 180-day period concludes.
To reload money into your card for your next trip, you’ll need to once again upload proof of your planned travel.
Withdrawing from an ATM with Wise Travel card
You can make withdrawals from an ATM using your Wise Travel card when you’re outside of India.
You can make unlimited free ATM withdrawals, up to a total of USD 200 (or equivalent) per month. For withdrawal amounts above USD 200 (or equivalent) - you’ll pay a fee of 1.40 USD (or equivalent) + 3.25% of the withdrawn amount. Please note that the bank operating the overseas ATM may levy their own fees.
You can withdraw 1,500 USD per day, with a monthly ATM withdrawal limit or 10,000 USD.
Making online payments with the Wise Travel card
You can use your Wise Travel card for payments on websites based overseas. This means you can pay overseas websites directly in foreign currencies, ensuring you access the real exchange rate and minimise fees when securing your itineraries for your trip.
Your Wise Travel card cannot be used for payments on websites/apps registered in India, Nepal or Bhutan, or websites/apps accepting payments in Indian rupees or the currencies of Nepal and Bhutan.
Using Wise digital card
You can order up to three digital cards, which offer extra protection for your online spending. Since your digital card uses different card numbers than your physical Wise Travel card, you gain an extra layer of security. This means that you can pay with your digital card and freeze it right after if you’re concerned about your card details being compromised. There’s no need to change your physical card in this case, which means you can carry on spending and making cash withdrawals even if you choose to freeze or cancel your digital card.
Freezing and unfreezing the card
The Wise Travel card is linked to your Wise app and online account. This allows you to freeze or unfreeze your card instantly if you need to, with just your phone or laptop.
To give an example, if you accidentally misplace your Wise Travel card, you can instantly freeze it using your Wise app to block all payments (and still use your digital cards). If you eventually find your card, you can promptly unfreeze your card using the app.
Wise Travel card fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Physical card order fee | 460 INR + GST - waived until 10 Feb 2026 for delivery to Indian addresses |
| Digital card creation fee | Free to create up to 3 cards |
| Monthly fee | No monthly fee |
| Spending a currency you hold | Free to spend a currency you hold |
| Currency conversion fee | Low, transparent fee which varies by currency |
| International ATM withdrawal |
|
| Cash disbursement/ cash@POS fee | No fee |
| Replace lost or damaged Wise Travel card fee | 430 INR + GST - waived until 10 Feb 2026 for both Indian and overseas addresses |
- Additional fees for ATM transactions may be charged by the local bank or owner of the overseas ATM and applicable government taxes may be applied.
FAQs
How does the Wise Travel card know what currency to use?
Your card will use the currency of the country you’re spending in if you have a balance - and if not, your funds will be converted from the balance which attracts the lowest forex fee, so you get the best possible deal.
What documents do I need to complete video KYC?
You will need your original physical PAN card (not e-pan), your Aadhaar number and your mobile number linked to Aadhaar to receive your OTP. Keep in mind that you must be physically located in India during video KYC - VPNs are not supported. For the best video KYC experience, we recommend you use Google Chrome as your browser.
Could a replacement card be requested overseas if the card is lost?
Yes. However, if overseas delivery is required, you’ll pay the issuance fee of 430 INR + GST (waived until 10 Feb 2026), and additional costs will apply based on the costs of delivery to your location. Delivery is typically within 3 days via DHL courier, provided there are no delays due to customs clearance or changes to your address or plans. Just keep in mind that we can only ship to our list of supported countries, so it's always a good idea to check that list before you travel.
Will reload attempts within the trip duration be instant?
Reloads during your trip overseas may take up to 2 working hours to be deposited on weekdays 8am to 10pm IST, and reloads not processed on weekends.
Can I load or reload using UPI?
At launch, you can add money via bank transfer using NEFT or IMPS. We know how important UPI is for our users in India, and our team is aiming to add it as an option in the near future.
Can I leave money in my Wise Travel card after my trip ends?
Yes, as long as it's 2000 US dollars or below. For amounts above 2000 US dollars, you are required to withdraw the amount back to a local bank account after 180 days.
Can I use a Wise Travel card for my next overseas trip?
Yes, you can use the same card. When reloading the card, you may be asked to provide proof of travel (passport, flight tickets, visa) for your next trip.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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