Travel Tips Travelling to India

Wise Card in India for Foreigners: What Visitors Need to Know

Aditya Shrivastava
Aditya Shrivastava
30.01.26 (last updated)
Read time 3 minutes

India, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, is a dream destination for many. But navigating currency exchange and payments in a foreign country can be a hassle. Enter the Wise card – your key to seamless and affordable spending in India.

Wise Card

Table of Contents

What is the Wise Card?

The Wise card is a debit card linked to your Wise account. It allows you to hold and spend money in multiple currencies, including Indian Rupees (INR), making it the perfect travel companion for your Indian adventure.

Why Choose Wise for Your Trip to India?

Traditional currency exchange services often hide hefty fees in poor exchange rates. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate – the same one you see on Google – so you get the most out of your money. Wise is transparent about its fees, which are generally much lower than banks or other money transfer services. The Wise card is accepted anywhere in India that accepts debit card payments. Plus, you get to manage your money on the go with the Wise app. You can track your spending, convert currencies, and even freeze your card if you lose it.

Can I Get or Use a Wise Card While Visiting India?

If you already hold a Wise card issued in your home country (such as Australia, the UK, the US, or Singapore), you can freely use it to pay in INR and withdraw cash across India. The Wise card is available in a growing number of countries. You can check if it's available in your country by visiting this link: https://wise.com/help/articles/2968915/can-i-get-the-wise-card-in-my-country

If you are an Indian resident looking to order a card for outbound travel from India, check out our Wise Travel Card Guide for Indian Residents.

How to Use Your Wise Card in India as a Tourist

Using your Wise card in India is easy:

  1. Open your Wise account: Click here to get started; available in supported countries.
  2. Order your Wise card: If you don't already have one, order your Wise card online or through the Wise app before your trip to India.
  3. Add balance to your Wise account: Before your trip, add money to your Wise account.
  4. Spend like a local: Use your Wise card just like a regular debit card to pay for your expenses in India.

Whether you're shopping for souvenirs, enjoying delicious street food, or booking a train ticket, your Wise card has you covered.

Tips for Tourists Using Wise When Travelling in India

  • ATM withdrawals: Withdraw cash from ATMs in India. While Wise offers free ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit, be aware that some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
  • Keep your card safe: Treat your Wise card like cash and keep it in a safe place. If you lose it, you can freeze it instantly through the Wise app.
  • Check for card acceptance: While Wise is widely accepted, it's always a good idea to check if a particular merchant accepts the card before making a purchase.
  • Set up spending notifications: Stay on top of your budget by setting up spending notifications in the Wise app.
  • Use the Wise app to find ATMs: Locate nearby ATMs that offer free withdrawals in India with the in-app ATM finder.
  • Split the bill with friends: Travelling with friends? Use the Wise app to easily split expenses and settle up without any hassle.

Benefits of Spending in INR with your Wise Card

  • Save money on currency exchange: Get the mid-market exchange rate for INR, saving you money compared to traditional currency exchange services.
  • Convenient and secure: Manage your money easily and securely through the Wise app.
  • 24/7 customer support: If you have any questions or need assistance, Wise's customer support team is available 24/7.

Wise vs. Other Travel Money Options

While there are other travel money options available, Wise stands out for its transparency, low fees, and excellent exchange rates. Here's how it compares to some popular alternatives:

  • Cash: Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky and inconvenient. With Wise, you can access your money securely and conveniently through your card.
  • Traveller's cheques: Traveller's cheques are becoming increasingly outdated and can be difficult to use in some places. The Wise card offers a more modern and flexible solution.
  • Prepaid travel cards: Some prepaid travel cards come with high fees and poor exchange rates. Wise offers a more cost-effective option with its transparent fee structure and real exchange rates.

Making the Most of Your Indian Adventure with Wise

From bustling markets to serene temples, India offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller. With your Wise card in hand, you can focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about currency exchange woes. Embrace the convenience, affordability, and security of Wise, and make your Indian adventure truly unforgettable.

*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.

Money without borders

Find out more

Tips, news and updates for your location