With a little planning and the right payment tools, you can enjoy your international trip without wincing at every purchase. One of the best ways to cut costs while travelling is by using a zero forex card. Zero forex card eliminate all the additional costs by offering interbank exchange rates with zero markups. Some cards also offer complimentary services like airport lounge access, travel insurance, concierge assistance, etc. Overall, they provide tremendous savings compared to conventional cards when travelling internationally.
Benefits of Using a Zero Forex Card
- Zero forex markup charges: Get interbank exchange rates with no additional charges on transactions. Savings of 3-5% on every usage.
- No TCS deducted: Zero forex cards are not subject to TCS, unlike debit/credit card transactions, saving you 0.5-5% TCS.
- Fund security: Prepaid travel cards have stronger security features against fraud compared to debit/credit cards.
- Manage Money on the Move: With your smartphone, you can see your card’s control panel right at your fingertips. Load funds, peek at your balance, or block your card if it goes missing, all from a handy app.
What are Some Tips to Save With Zero Forex Cards?
- Pack Just What You Need: Take a moment to think about where you’re headed and what you’ll be spending on. Load up your card with only the currencies you’ll use to avoid those annoying extra fees for switching money around.
- Use Your Card Everywhere: When you’re out shopping, grabbing a bite, or just wandering, keep that card handy. It’s your secret weapon for better exchange rates—think of it as saving a few rupees, which really adds up.
- Use Cash Wisely: Only take cash from ATMs in the places you’re actually visiting. Doing it before you leave means you’re carrying extra money you might not use, plus paying more for the privilege.
- Turn On Travel Mode: A quick tap in your card’s app can do wonders. Activating travel mode isn’t just for show—it can mean free lounge access, travel insurance perks, and more to make your journey as smooth as silk.
5 Strategies That Can Benefit For Maximising Savings
- Shop Around for Rates: Take a moment to compare the forex rates different cards offer. Aim for one with rates closest to what banks themselves use. Every little bit saved here adds up in the end.
- Double Dip on Rewards: If you have a cashback credit card for use in India, pair it with your zero forex card. Pay for hotels or shopping with your domestic card to rack up more rewards, even while you’re abroad.
- Smart Lounge Pass Use: Got free lounge access? Save it for those long layovers or flight delays. It defeats paying out of pocket and makes waiting way more comfortable.
- Don’t Leave Money on the Table: If you go on a shopping spree abroad, you might be eligible for VAT refunds. Just show your receipts at the airport when you’re heading home, and you could get some cash back.
- Split and Save: Traveling with friends? Put big group expenses, like a car rental or group tours, on one card. Splitting the cost afterwards can often be cheaper for everyone involved.
Conclusion
As the world opens up again after the pandemic, international travel is back on everyone’s agenda, and zero forex cards have quickly become a must-have for anyone travelling abroad regularly or living overseas. By choosing the best zero forex card, loading it wisely with the right currencies, and using it smartly, you can save a lot, even thousands of rupees, on your travel and living costs abroad. The real game-changer, though, is how these cards take away the worry about hidden fees when your money gets converted into another currency. So, plan smart, pack light, and make the most of your travels!
