How to use the Wise debit card when you're abroad

If you have an account with Wise (formerly TransferWise) you’ll be able to order a linked international Wise card for a low, one time fee*, for spending and cash withdrawals in 170+ countries.

If you’re new to the Wise card, this guide is for you. Read on for all you need to know about using your Wise card easily and safely when you travel.

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How does the Wise card work when you're overseas?

The Wise card is linked to your Wise Account. It’s a debit card, which can make budgeting for international spending and travel easier — and which means there’s no interest to pay, no cash advance charges, and no penalty fees.

Simply top up your Wise Account with the funds you expect to spend when you’re away, and either convert to the currencies you need within Wise, or let the card’s auto convert feature switch your balance to the currency you need instantly, with the lowest possible fees.

While you’re overseas you can spend and withdraw with your card just like you would in the US, and keep an eye on everything with instant transaction notifications in the Wise app. You can also use your app to freeze and unfreeze your card whenever you need to. Easy.

All transactions are debited from your Wise account, usually pretty much instantly — and if your plans change you can top up your Wise Account on the go using your phone in just a few taps.

How to use the Wise debit card abroad?

If your Wise card is new to you, it’s important to note that you’ll need to activate it and set a PIN before you travel. This can only be done in the US, so it’s worth getting this step sorted as soon as your card arrives.

To activate your US Wise card, simply log into Wise online or in the app, and enter the 6 digit code that’s on the back of your card. This security step proves that the card is in the hands of the account holder — and after this is completed you’ll be able to access your card details online by simply logging into Wise.

Once it’s activated, you can use your Wise card when you travel to spend in person and make cash withdrawals. If you use your card with a mobile wallet like Apple Pay you’ll be able to make mobile payments as normal — and if you’re used to making contactless payments you’ll also be able to tap and pay anywhere this service is supported internationally.

Spend abroad like a local

What is DCC?

Before you use your Wise card (or any other credit or debit card for that matter) internationally, it’s worth understanding DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion).

If you’re traveling and a merchant asks you if you’d rather pay in USD or the local currency — or if you see the same question flash up on an ATM when making a withdrawal — that’s DCC.

DCC is promoted as a service as it lets you easily see what your payment is worth in USD, so you don’t have to do the conversion yourself. However, it also means that you’re likely to be charged higher fees, and you’ll probably get a poor exchange rate for the conversion.

In the end, if you choose to pay in USD it just pushes up your costs compared to paying in the local currency wherever you are.

In short — DCC is well with avoiding if you’re looking to cut out unnecessary fees and hidden charges. Always pay in the local currency to get the best available deal with no nasty surprises.

What are the fees for using the Wise debit card internationally?

Let’s run through the costs you’ll pay when you spend and withdraw with the Wise card overseas.

Where can you use the Wise card?

You can use your Wise card in 170+ countries around the world, for cash withdrawals and in person spending. There’s a short list of countries in which you can’t use a Wise card issued in the US — which we’ll look at in a moment.

If you’re using your card online you’ll be able to use it in most eligible countries — but there are some websites and merchants which only accept locally issued cards. If you’re struggling to make a payment with your Wise card, this may be the reason.

Here’s the rundown of the countries where your US Wise card won’t be accepted:

Afghanistan, Belarus, Bolivia, Cambodia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo and DR of Congo, Côte d’lvoire, Cuba, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russia, São Tome and Principe, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen and Zambia.

Using your Wise card internationally is a breeze. In most cases, you can use your card exactly as you would any other — and with the low currency conversion fees Wise is famous for.

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* Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: only pay for what you use for the most up to date pricing and fee information