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A question that I often get asked is what card do you take while traveling? And the answer is always the same: Wise – formally Transfer Wise. As you hop from one country to the next you will undoubtedly encounter a number of different currencies. Wise is a huge lifesaver when it comes to dealing with multiple currencies, conversion fees, and sending money to international accounts.
One of the biggest challenges while travelling can be managing your finances while on the go. It can be a daunting task to choose which card we take travelling and honestly, we all just want an easy-to-use, reliable travel bank card. I am so glad I decided to go with Wise, and now I can share why I think you should too.
Initially, I downloaded the Wise app (back when they were called Transfer Wise) as a good way to send money internationally, then eventually ordered the physical card to use as my main travel debit card. I had trialled a number of different cards like Cash Passport, Monzo and heard of others using Revolut, but I always seemed to find some kind of barrier with them.
Firstly, a Wise Card is a debit card that allows you to spend money in different currencies at the real exchange rate. This means that you get the same exchange rate that banks use when they exchange money between themselves. This is a huge advantage over traditional bank cards, which often charge a higher exchange rate or add hidden fees. With a Wise Card, you can rest assured that you are getting a fair and transparent deal. A great part of using Wise is that you get access to 50+ different currencies.
Currency: Hungarian Forint Ft
Currency: Turkish Lira ₺
Currency: Israeli Shekel ₪
Secondly, a Wise Card is extremely convenient for travellers. It is so easy to manage your account on the go using the Wise mobile app, which displays all the currencies you have open and how much you have in each account. To convert money you can simply click on the account and convert it to any of the available currencies. You can track your spending, check your balance, and transfer money between different currencies with just a few taps on your phone.
Another advantage of using a Wise Card is the security it provides. Unlike traditional bank cards, which often have high fees and interest rates for international transactions, a Wise Card is designed specifically for international use. It is also equipped with top-of-the-line security features, such as 3D Secure, to protect your account from fraud and theft.
A Wise Card is a great option for budget-conscious travellers. With a Wise Card, you can avoid costly fees and charges that can eat into your travel budget. You can also set up alerts and notifications to help you stay on top of your spending and avoid overspending.
My favourite feature when travelling with another Wise user is that you can send them money using their email address instead of a long bank account number. This feature makes it so much faster and easier to send and receive money on the go.
In addition to the many benefits of using a Wise Card, it’s also important to consider the impact that our spending habits can have on the places we visit. One way that we can make a positive difference is by supporting small, local businesses. By choosing to shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants, and use local services, we can help to boost the local economy and support the people who call these places home. So, when you’re planning your next trip, take some time to research the local businesses in the area and make an effort to support them. This could mean choosing a local coffee shop over a global chain, buying souvenirs from a local market, or taking a guided tour from a local guide.
Wise Card is the best option for all travellers looking for a reliable, convenient, and affordable way to manage their finances while on the go. Whether you are planning a short trip or a long-term adventure, a Wise Card can help you save money, stay secure, and enjoy your travels to the fullest.
All there is left to say is that if you are wise you should choose to spend wisely with Wise.
Some common FAQ’s for first time Wise Users
Yes. When choosing which ATM to use I would advise to look on the Wise website or give it a quick Google to see which ATMs have free or small fees with your Wise Card. You should also aim to use reliable looking machines- preferable ones that are in a safe location and are in a building. Avoid free standing Euronet machines as these will have huge fees and could suck your card up to never be seen again.
Yes, absolutely it can be used to pay for online bookings, whether that be hostels, flights, trains etc. To access your digital card you will find the ‘Card’ tab at the bottom menu of your app. There you’ll have an image of your physical card, QR Pay, and your Digital Card. Simply select card details to get the digits that are needed to put into any website payment page.
Sure is. I have mine on my Apple Pay and make almost all of my transactions with. It’s super fast and easy to just tap and go.
My personal preference is to have my Wise account set up as a payee on my home country bank app, then when I want to add money I simply transfer it to that account. You can do this by searching for your account details on the Wise app under ‘Manage’ then ‘Account Details’ and there you will see the account number for all the available currencies. Then head back to your home bank app and find your ‘set up a payee’ page and put the details in, then save it with the name Wise Card.
From my experience you will never have to wait more than a day for the money to hit your account after you have transferred the money across. NOTE: Always ensure you have enough funds in your account to last a weekend as your payments will only go through on business day (Monday to Friday) and you don’t want to be caught out with no money because you forgot to top up your card. My advice would be to check this on a Thursday so if you need to transfer yourself more money then it has a buffer day before the weekend.
