Travel Tips Travelling to India

How to Use Wise Card in India: Guide for Aussies

Yadana Chaw
Yadana Chaw
10.05.26
Read time 3 minutes

Headed to India? Using your Wise card allows you to navigate India's unique financial landscape, from high-end Delhi malls to the markets of Jaipur, with mid-market exchange rates and minimal fees.

This guide walks through how to use a Wise card in India, including the rise of digital payments and essential ATM tips.

Table of Contents

Can I use Wise in India?

Yes. If you have a Wise account issued in Australia, you can use it when travelling to India to:

  • Spend and withdraw cash using your Wise card
  • Convert AUD to Indian Rupees (INR)
  • Send money internationally, including to India

If you’re planning to travel from Australia to India, using your Wise card in India for spending is convenient, secure, with no foreign transaction fees. As well as using your regular Wise card in India, you can also get a Wise Young Explorer card for kids ages 6 - 17 to help them budget and spend during your trip, while you get to set the limits.

Can I use the Wise card in India?

Yes. The Wise card is widely accepted in major cities, at hotels, large retail chains, and mid-to-high-end restaurants.

While your Wise card works at card terminals, many small vendors only accept cash or UPI. You can use your Wise card to withdraw cash at ATMs, fee free up to 400 AUD or equivalent each month.

How to order a Wise card

If you don't have your card yet, here is the quick Aussie setup:

  1. Open your Wise account, verify your ID, and top up with AUD via PayID.
  2. In the Wise app, go to the "Card" tab and select "Order physical card".
  3. Confirm your shipping address and set your PIN.
  4. Pay the physical card order fee of 10 AUD and wait 7–14 days for delivery.

Plus, You can add your digital card to Apple Pay or Google Pay immediately, for mobile and online payments.

➡️ Order a Wise card

How you can use the Wise card in India

Let's have a look at how the Wise card works in India for daily spending and withdrawals:

Make Chip and PIN payments

For larger purchases, like your hotel stay, Chip and PIN is the way to go. Most modern card terminals support international Visa and Mastercard.

Not all retailers in India take card payments - but they’re commonly available in chain stores, tourist venues, hotels and restaurants, which means cards are still useful for travel purposes.

ATM withdrawals in India

Cash is still necessary for rickshaws and small street food. With your Wise card, you can withdraw up to 400 AUD per month for free*. After that, a 2.68% fee applies.

ATMs are widely available across India, primarily in major airports, large cities, and tourist hotspots. You can also find them at most local bank branches.

\*Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

Add to your digital wallet

Add your physical card to wallets like Apple Pay, or simply use Wise digital cards to tap and pay wherever you are. Digital cards can be generated and used immediately for free - have up to 3 at any one time for secure and convenient spending in person and online.

Link to local apps

Before you go, check out which apps you might like to use while you’re away to keep seamless access to all the services you need.

For example, Uber is a handy tool in India for ride hailing and food delivery. Link up your preferred apps to Wise ahead of time to avoid foreign transaction fees and surprise costs when you arrive.

Making online payments with the Wise card

Use your Wise card even before you depart, for payments on websites based in India, such as for hotel or attraction bookings. This helps you get organised in advance, can mean access to better deals on things like tours and tickets.

Tips for using your Wise card in India

Let’s round out with a few final tips for using your Wise card in India:

  • Fly in style with a discounted airport lounge pass - buy your pass in the Wise app to allow yourself and your travel companions to relax in a lounge before you fly
  • Get a Wise Young Explorer card if you’re travelling with kids ages 6 - 17 to help them budget and spend during your trip
  • Look out for international ATMs when in India - not all ATMs support foreign cards, but you can look out for those marked as ‘international’
  • Always pay in INR even if a merchant or ATM offers the option to pay in dollars - paying in AUD costs you more in the end thanks to marked up rates and hidden fees
  • Freeze or unfreeze your card in app, adjust spend limits and get instant transaction alerts to stay safe when spending overseas

Whether you're booking a train on IRCTC or buying souvenirs in a local bazaar, your Wise card ensures you get the mid-market exchange rate for every transaction with no foreign transaction fees. You also get a monthly allowance of free ATM withdrawals for emergency cash. You can continue to use your Wise card safely, and conveniently for your spending and withdrawals across India.

🚀 Get your Wise card

*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.

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