Whether you are an experienced or a first-time traveller, the financial waters of a foreign nation seem tricky to all. Currency exchange, large cash amounts, and exchange rates are some of the factors that can make you anxious while travelling.
International travel cards, also known as prepaid travel cards or forex cards, are a solution designed to make this particular aspect of travel as easy as possible. Providing a secure and convenient way to manage finances before and during international travel, these functional, reloadable payment cards are widely available and easy to use.
Superior Security and Peace of Mind
Travelling with a lot of cash means you are putting yourself at risk for both theft and loss. Besides the obvious financial burden of losing your entire travel budget, there is also the headache of replacing lost documentation and cards. International card offers relief from these risks. Here are some more benefits of these cards:
- Limited Liability: Unlike debit or credit cards, where the consumer can lose the entire budget of the trip to unauthorised charges or ATM scams, travel cards offer limited liability. In case of the loss of the card, only the remaining balance will be at risk.
- Chip Technology: Most travel cards are equipped with chip and PIN technology that offers the user a more secure way to interact with ATMs and POS terminals.
- Card Blocking
:Prominent issuers, such as ICICI Bank, provide immediate card blocking service in case of a lost or stolen card.
Convenience and Flexibility
With an international travel card, you can have a hassle-free experience making financial transactions while you soak in the travel experience.
- International Acceptance: Travel cards are accepted at almost all merchants and ATMs worldwide, saving money from the exchange of currency at airports or local money changers which offer poor rates.
- Multi-currency: A lot of travel cards offer the feature of pre-loading rupees and the local currency of the country you plan to visit next simultaneously, thus avoiding the need to switch cards or the headache of having extra foreign cash in your pocket. For multi-country itineraries, you can load the card with different currencies and save money from currency fluctuations.
- Online Transactions: You can use a card for payments or deposits to book accommodation, tours, etc., during your trip or in advance.
- Budget Management: This makes it super simple to manage your budget (you can pre-load all your funds on the card before you go – so it helps you avoid overspending while you are on that amazing adventure). Moreover, it helps you establish a budget and follow it so you do not come home with unanticipated bills.
Competitive Exchange Rates and Cost Savings
By signing up for travel cards, you can avoid paying high currency exchange and transaction fees.
- Locked-in Rates: When you add a new currency to your travel card, the exchange rate is locked in as it was at the time of loading. This allows you to freeze the price you see online due to the benefit of a fixed rate since you are going to pay using your own currency. Apart from savings, guaranteed rates offer a way to alleviate financial uncertainty both now and when you need to take trips to new destinations.
- Low Transaction Charges: In comparison with debit or credit cards that charge foreign transaction fees, travel cards generally offer competitive exchange rates, along with limited or no additional forex card charges. These costs can accumulate rapidly, so taking a trip with a card can be a great way to save numerous dollars by the end of the journey.
Additional Benefits and Features of Travel Cards
Most travel cards come with a few extra perks that can elevate your travel experience.
- Free Travel Insurance: Some travel cards cover travel insurance or trip cancellation in case of medical emergencies or losing your luggage. This is a great benefit in the event something goes wrong and can potentially save you tens of thousands.
- Rewards: Many of these cards have rewards programs for travel purchases, which can enhance your travel experience with miles or cashback. You can use these rewards for future travel, products, and other benefits.
- Emergency Cash Assistance: Should any event transpire that results in losing your card or having it stolen, some issuers have emergency cash assistance services to help you while you are on a trip. This safety net can keep you from being penniless overseas.
Conclusion
An international travel card makes it safe, convenient, and inexpensive to manage your money abroad. Travel cards give you peace of mind, help you control your budget and save money.
All this can be the deciding factor in choosing the international travel card for your trip to make it unforgettable. If you are a globetrotter or going abroad for the first time, international travel cards should find a place among your checklist of travel essentials.
If you’re looking for international travel cards, then check out ICICI Bank’s Forex International Travel Card right now!
