What Is an International Debit Card? Uses, Benefits, and Top Options in India
What is an international debit card and how does it work? Compare features, benefits, and charges for the best international debit cards in India.
The Wise Travel card lets you hold 40+ currencies and spend at the interbank exchange rate with no forex markups or hidden fees - now available to order for free (Limited time offer, while stocks last).
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When preparing for international travel, securing a good forex card is the easiest way to save money. While many prepaid cards exist, the challenge is finding one that suits your needs.
We'll review the BookMyForex card variants, their features, and fees in our guide. We'll also introduce you to the Wise Travel card, which allows you to hold 40+ currencies in on card and spend without any forex markups or hidden fees.
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The BookMyForex card is a prepaid forex card that is issued in partnership with Yes Bank.1 Whether you are a student, tourist, or business traveller, BookMyForex offers two forex card variants, tailored to the purpose of your travel.2
| Variant | Main features |
|---|---|
| Single Currency Forex Card |
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| Multi-Currency Forex Card |
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BookMyForex is authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a foreign exchange service provider. The RBI regulates the forex transactions conducted through the BookMyForex card and transactions are subject to FEMA regulations. The card offers security features like Chip and PIN and multi-factor authentication.3
Let’s check out the BookMyForex card benefits and features, side-by-side with the Wise Travel card, a multi-currency card that lets you hold 40+ currencies with no forex markups.
| BookMyForex Single Currency Forex Card4 | BookMyForex Multi-currency Forex Card5 | Wise Travel card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currencies supported for loading | USD | 14 currencies, including USD and EUR | 40+ currencies, including USD, EUR, and AED |
| Loading methods | Online through app/website | Online through app/website | Bank transfers via RTGS, NEFT, and IMPS |
| Digital cards | Not available | Available to generate in the app | Available to use instantly |
| Other Features | ISIC and IYTC cards issued to students | Same-day card delivery in select cities | 24/7 customer support |
➡️ Learn more about the Wise card
It’s important to take a close look at BookMyForex card exchange rates to fully understand how they work. While BookMyForex cards are promoted as offering zero markup on interbank rates, this typically applies only to select currencies, in select cities, and for orders above 1.5 lakh.
In many cases, the VISA exchange rate—or a rate set by BookMyForex—is used for currency conversion instead of the interbank rate. Since the VISA rate includes a markup, this creates a hidden cost. To understand the true cost of a transaction, you will need to compare the rate you receive with the mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google).
Wise, on the other hand, always uses the interbank rate for every conversion. This means there are no hidden costs you need to look for.
You may also encounter an unexpected fee when ordering a BookMyForex card. Although BookMyForex states that there is no card issuance fee, a service charge of 150–300 INR is often applied when ordering a card.
Below is an overview of how BookMyForex’s main charges stack up against the Wise Travel card. One benefit both cards share is that neither charges annual or monthly maintenance fees.
| BookMyForex Single Currency Card6 | BookMyForex Multi-Currency Card7 | Wise Travel card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service charge |
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| No service charge |
| ATM withdrawal fee |
| Different fees for different currencies. For example:
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| Balance Enquiry Fee | No fee | Different fees for different currencies For example:
| No fee |
| Card Issuance fee | No fee | No fee | Free (Limited time launch offer, while stocks last) |
| Card Annual Maintenance Fee | No fee | No fee | No fee |
| Cross-Currency Fee (for currency you don’t hold) | No fee | 3.5% of the transaction value | Small transparent variable fee applies - from 1.16% |
| Cash Disbursement fee | Not applicable | 2% of the transaction amount | No fee |
| Inactivity Fee | Not applicable | No fee | No fee |
| Card Replacement Fee | 250 INR | 250 INR | Free (Limited time launch offer) |
You can apply for the BookMyForex cards online on their official website.9
BookMyForex offers same-day doorstep delivery in select cities. However, delivery is not available in all locations, so please check availability in advance. Do note that when ordering a BookMyForex Single Currency Card online, the Multi-Currency Card is often selected by default. Double-check the order is correct before completing payment.
You can use the BookMyForex card just like you would your international credit or debit cards.
Check out our pros and cons list below to help you decide if the BookMyForex card is suited for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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The BookMyForex cards are good options if your travels are limited to their supported currencies and you avoid frequent ATM use due to withdrawal charges. However, if you are traveling to countries with unsupported currencies (like VND, IDR, or PHP), the Wise Travel card is a better alternative. It supports currencies at the interbank rate and offers unlimited free ATM withdrawals, up to $200 USD equivalent monthly.
With no hidden markups, the Wise Travel card is a smart way to spend abroad. You'll always get the real interbank exchange rate for conversions across 40+ currencies. Wise's transparent, low pricing, plus no foreign transaction fees or forex markups, usually means you are getting the best value for your money.

The fully digital account opening and vKYC process allows you to sign up from the comfort of your home, and there are no annual or monthly fees either. Simply order your card, show proof of your travels, load your funds, and you're all set. Plus - card orders are currently free to Indian addresses (limited time launch offer, while stocks last)! A physical Wise card enables you to make secure chip and PIN payments and get some free ATM withdrawals while you're overseas. You can also instantly freeze or unfreeze your card in the app anytime for peace of mind.
Wherever your travels take you, the Wise Travel card is the only forex card you'll need to make spending internationally simpler and cheaper.
*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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