Planning an international trip in 2025? Whether you’re exploring Asia’s vibrant markets, Europe’s historic cities, or the Americas’ stunning landscapes, managing your money abroad is a key part of stress-free travel.
A forex travel card (also known as a pre-paid travel card) is an easy, cost-effective, and convenient way to travel with foreign currency. This guide of 1,200 words explores the benefits and uses of forex travel cards for international travelers.
It also includes information on top providers such as BookMyForex, ICICI Bank and practical tips to use them in Asia and Europe. This guide builds on your passion for creating engaging travel content including flight/hotel reservations, travel insurance, and other travel-related topics. It provides you with actionable insights that will empower travelers by 2025.
Why Choose a Forex Travel Card?
A forex travel card, also known as a prepaid foreign currency card, allows you to pay for your expenses overseas without having to carry cash or worry about fluctuating exchange rate fluctuations.
Forex cards are ideal for international travel because they offer fixed exchange rates, lower transaction costs, and enhanced security.
The key benefits are:
- Multi Currency Support: You can load up to 20+ different currencies on one card (e.g. USD, EUR JPY GBP). This is perfect for trips that take you across multiple countries.
- Fixed-in Rates: Lock in exchange rates when loading to protect you from currency fluctuations.
- Low Fees : No or minimal markup fees in comparison to airport kiosks (savings of 3-5%).
- Security : Chip-and PIN technology plus the option to replace or lock cards in case they are lost/stolen.
- Convenience : Use it for online bookings or purchases in stores, or to withdraw money from ATMs anywhere.
- Budget Control : Preload an amount fixed to avoid overspending.
How Forex Travel Cards Work?
- Choose a Provider: Select a bank or platform like BookMyForex, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, or Axis Bank.
- Select Currencies: Load currencies based on your itinerary (e.g., USD for the Americas, EUR for Europe, SGD for Asia).
- Load Funds: Transfer money via net banking, UPI, or at a branch. Rates are locked at the time of loading.
- Use Abroad: Swipe at merchants, book online, or withdraw cash at ATMs (minimal fees apply).
- Reload On-the-Go: Top up via apps or websites, ideal for extended trips.
- Refund Unused Balance: Convert remaining funds back to INR or save for future trips.
Top Forex Travel Card Providers for 2025
The following are the leading providers of forex cards for Asia, Europe and Americas.
1. BookMyForex
BookMyForex, India’s largest online forex platform offers the BookMyForex Travel Card through a partnership with Yes Bank and Visa.
- Currencies Supports 16+ currencies including USD, EUR JPY SGD and AED.
- Fees : No issuance fees and no markups on transactions. Free ATM withdrawals up to 2 times per month.
- Features:
- BookMyForex App allows you to lock in rates in real-time.
- Emergency cash delivery and free card replacement.
- Save up to 5% on airport exchanges
- Destinations: Ideal for Asia (e.g., Thailand, Singapore), Europe (Schengen-compliant), and the Americas (US, Canada).
- Why choose?: competitive live rates, simple reloads and student-specific study abroad plans.
Testimonial “I used BookMyForex card for my Japan visit.” The app was easy to use and saved me Rs 10,000 compared with cash exchanges!
2. ICICI Bank
ICICI Bank’s Multi-Currency Travel Card, powered by Visa/Mastercard, is a popular option for Indian travelers.
- Currencies Supports 15 currencies including USD, EUR GBP CAD and AUD.
- Fees : Rs150-500 for issuance (available on select accounts), 1-2% markup in cross-currency, and Rs100/ATM withdrawal.
- Features:
- 24/7 global assistance (+1-866-231-2353 in the US, +91-22-6787-2022 outside of the US).
- Get a free replacement card and an emergency fund up to $2,000
- Balance checks and reloads can be done via the ICICI mobile app.
- Destinations : Ideal for Europe (Schengen Visa Compliance), Asia (e.g. Japan, UAE), or the Americas (US and Brazil).
- Why choose? Wide ATM network, Student discounts, and integration of ICICI Banking services.
Testimonial “ICICI’s Forex Card saved me during my US Trip.” They replaced my card within 24 hours!
3. HDFC Bank
The HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card is a robust card for international travelers.
- Currencies supports 22 currencies including USD, EUR JPY and SGD.
- Fees : Rs200 to Rs500 for issuance, 1% markup on cross-currency, and Rs75 per ATM withdrawal.
- Features:
- Insurance cover up to Rs 5 lakh (for medical emergencies).
- Back-up card for emergencies
- Reloads online via HDFC NetBanking.
- Destinations: Tailored to Asia (e.g. Thailand, Malaysia), Europe, (UK, Germany), as well as the Americas, (Canada, Mexico).
- Why choose?: Widespread global acceptance, bundled insurance that aligns with your focus on travel insurance.
4. Axis Bank
Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Cards is a cost-effective option for frequent travelers.
- Currencies supports 16 currencies including USD, EUR and AUD.
- Fees : Rs300 for issuance, Rs100 per ATM withdrawal, and 1.5% markup on cross-currency.
- Features:
- Spend and earn points redeemable for vouchers.
- Axis Mobile App offers free reloads.
- Emergency Assistance and Card Replacement
- Destinations Suitable for Asia, Europe, and America (US, Argentina).
- Why Choose ? is affordable for students and families, with special offers.
