Cultural Etiquettes Abroad: Where Your Forex Card Works, Where Cash Is King & What You Must Know Before You Go

International travel is also about adapting to local customs when it comes to payment methods. Payment habits are different across destinations despite global digital payment expansion.

Carrying the right mix of payment options ensures you can handle expenses without disruption, whether you are booking accommodation, purchasing street food, or paying for transport. This approach to travel money decisions depends on researching destination-specific payment cultures before departure.

Why Payment Culture Differs Across Countries?

Payment preferences are influenced by local banking systems, regulations, and consumer habits. Countries with advanced financial infrastructure and widespread card terminal networks have moved toward cashless transactions. Scandinavia and South Korea lead in digital payment adoption, while many developing economies still hold strong cash-based traditions due to limited banking access or cultural preferences.

The Role of a Forex Card While Travelling Abroad

A forex card is a prepaid travel card loaded with foreign currency that enables international spending without carrying large amounts of cash. The card functions like a debit card, which allows you to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs abroad. You load the card with a specific currency or multiple currencies before departure, and lock in the exchange rate.

Common usage scenarios include paying for hotel bookings, dining at restaurants, shopping at retail stores, and completing online reservations.

Many international airports, major retail chains, and hospitality establishments accept forex cards as standard payment.
Public transportation systems in select destinations, such as London and Singapore, allow card payments at ticket machines and contactless readers.

Forex cards are best for planned travel expenses as they are more predictable. The prepaid nature prevents overspending beyond the loaded amount, which makes budget management easy during your trip.

Destinations Where Forex Cards Are Widely Accepted

Many developed travel destinations have extensive card acceptance networks supported by reliable payment infrastructure. The table below outlines forex card acceptance levels across popular international destinations.

Destination	Card Acceptance Level	Contactless Availability
Australia	High	Widespread
Singapore	High	Widespread
United Kingdom	High	Widespread
United States	High	Growing
Western Europe	High	Widespread
Japan	Moderate to High	Expanding
UAE	High	Widespread

Acceptance levels vary between major cities and smaller towns within the same country. Metropolitan areas offer near-universal card acceptance at merchants, while rural locations may have limited terminal availability.

Contactless payment adoption has accelerated across these destinations, particularly in Europe and Australia, where tap-to-pay transactions are standard for amounts under certain thresholds.

Where Cash Is Still Important Despite Growing Digital Payments?

Even in countries with advanced payment systems, cash is useful in specific situations that travellers frequently encounter.

• Street Markets and Local Vendors: Small merchants operating stalls or informal businesses often lack card processing infrastructure. Markets selling local crafts, fresh produce, or street food operate on a cash-only basis.
• Public Transport in Rural Areas: Local bus systems, regional trains, and shared transport services outside major cities may not accept card payments. Ticket booths in smaller stations require exact change in local currency.
• Remote Tourist Areas: Connectivity issues affect card payment terminals in mountainous regions, island destinations, or areas with unreliable internet access. Cash becomes the only viable payment method when digital infrastructure fails.
• Small Purchases: Some businesses impose minimum spending requirements for card transactions, which range from $5 to $10. Purchasing items below these thresholds requires cash payment.

Cultural Etiquettes Around Payments That Travellers Often Overlook

• Follow Local Tipping Norms: Tipping expectations vary by country. In some destinations, gratuities are customary, while in others, service charges are already included in the bill.
• Respect Cash-Only Businesses: Small cafés, family-run shops, and local vendors may prefer cash payments. Carrying some local currency helps in such situations.
• Keep Smaller Currency Notes Handy: Taxi drivers, market vendors, and small retailers may not always have sufficient change for large denomination notes.
• Do Not Assume Universal Card Acceptance: Card infrastructure can differ between cities and rural regions. Some establishments accept only cash despite operating in otherwise cashless destinations.
• Carry a Backup Payment Option: A secondary payment method can be useful if a card is misplaced, declined, or temporarily unavailable.

Common Forex Card Mistakes Travellers Should Avoid

• Depending on a Single Payment Method
• Not Monitoring Available Balance
• Overlooking ATM Withdrawal Fees
• Arranging Travel Money Too Late
• Travelling Without Emergency Cash
• Ignoring Transaction and Withdrawal Limits
• Keeping All Funds on One Card

How Much Cash Should You Carry Alongside a Forex Card

No universal amount is perfect for every destination or traveller. The appropriate cash allocation depends on multiple factors specific to your trip.

• Destination Country: Countries with lower card acceptance need more cash. Research typical payment methods in your specific destination cities and regions.
• Length of Stay: Longer trips justify carrying more initial cash, though accessing ATMs periodically reduces the need for large upfront amounts.
• Planned Activities: Itineraries focused on markets, street food, or rural areas demand more cash than trips centred on hotels and organized tours.
• Local Payment Habits: Observe how locals pay for everyday transactions. Cash-dominant cultures need higher physical currency reserves.
• Emergency Requirements: Maintain enough cash to cover one or two days of basic expenses in case card issues arise.

Amounts between $100 and $300 in local currency typically suffice for initial expenses in most destinations, supplemented by ATM withdrawals as needed during your stay.

Conclusion

Whenever you visit a new country, they have their own rules and cultures. This will also affect the payment methods. Neither cash nor cards function perfectly in every situation you encounter abroad.
A balanced approach based on the destination will keep your transactions smooth. Choose travel money solutions that work with your itinerary and spending habits.

FAQs

Is a forex card safe?
Yes, a forex card is generally considered a safe way to carry money abroad. It is PIN-protected, can be blocked if lost or stolen, and reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash. Many providers also offer online account management and emergency assistance services.

Is a forex card free of cost?
No, forex cards are not completely free. Providers may charge issuance fees, reload fees, ATM withdrawal charges, or inactivity

ICICI Bank and Visa launch first USD-denominated debit card for NRI customers of GIFT City IBU

• Zero markup on USD transactions done on PoS and e-commerce with global acceptance
• Access to Visa Infinite privileges with advanced security controls

ICICI Bank, in partnership with Visa, announced the launch of India’s first USD-denominated debit card from its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, the emerging global financial and IT services hub in Gujarat. This milestone reinforces the Bank’s commitment to offer innovative global banking solutions for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers.

This first-of-its-kind debit card is linked to ICICI Bank’s USD Global Savings Account offered through the Bank’s IBU. Built on Visa’s premium Infinite platform, the card enables seamless global transactions and provides liquidity by allowing NRIs to access their USD savings in the bank account for usage worldwide at ATMs, PoS and e-commerce platforms. The launch marks a significant step in expanding secure, seamless, and premium offshore payment solutions for NRIs.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vipul Agarwal, Head – Cards and Payment Solutions at ICICI Bank said: “ICICI Bank has consistently focused on creating innovative banking solutions that caters to the evolving global financial needs of NRIs. As global mobility increases, NRIs often face currency conversion costs and fragmented international banking experiences. This USD‑denominated debit card represents an important step in providing customers with seamless access to their USD savings. Our collaboration with Visa enables us to combine global acceptance with premium security and service standards, while further strengthening GIFT City’s position as a leading international financial hub.”

Mr. Rishi Chhabra, Country Manager for India at Visa, added: “Visa is proud to partner with ICICI Bank to launch the first USD‑denominated debit card issued from GIFT City’s IFSC, built on our premium Visa Infinite platform. As cross‑border financial needs continue to grow, this solution enables Non‑Resident Indians to access and spend their US Dollar savings globally with greater convenience, transparency, and control. By leveraging ICICI Bank’s wide reach and Visa’s global network, we are supporting India’s vision of building world‑class financial infrastructure and expanding globally connected payment experiences from GIFT City.”

Key benefits of the debit card:

• Global usage:
• Zero markup on USD transactions at PoS and e-commerce worldwide. 
• Acceptable across domestic and international ATMs, PoS terminals and e-commerce platforms. 
• Multi-currency usability for seamless purchases across the globe. 
• Security and control:
• EMV chip-enabled technology compliant with regulatory standards. 
• Ability to enable/disable ATM, PoS, e-commerce and contactless usage through GIFT City Net Banking. 
• Option to set daily transaction limits for enhanced flexibility. 
• Exclusive privileges: Access to Visa Infinite privileges including exclusive offers from participating global brands and curated travel and lifestyle benefits

New and existing USD Global Savings Account holders with ICICI Bank are eligible for this debit card.

To know more about the card, please visit https://www.giftcity.icici.bank.in/faqs?ITM=nli_nriBanking_na_footer_2_CMS_customerServices_faqs_NLI

ICICI Bank’s IFSC International Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City offers various products for NRI customers including Global Savings Accounts in multiple currencies, fixed deposits, loan against deposits (LAD) and investments.

For more information on ICICI Bank’s offerings at GIFT City, please visit www.giftcity.icici.bank.in or contact your Relationship Manager.

MetaMask and Mastercard Unveil Self-Custodial Crypto Card in U.S.

MetaMask, the leading Ethereum wallet, has officially rolled out its Mastercard-powered debit card across the United States, marking a major milestone in bridging decentralized finance with everyday payments. The announcement was made through MetaMask’s official channels and confirmed in industry reports.

A New Era of Crypto Spending

The MetaMask Card allows users to spend digital assets directly from their self-custodial wallets at millions of merchants worldwide. Unlike traditional crypto cards that require pre-loading funds onto an exchange, this card preserves user control until the moment of payment. Supported assets include USDC, USDT, ETH, and tokenized stablecoins, with seamless integration into Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Nationwide Availability

The card is now accessible in 49 U.S. states, including New York, with Vermont excluded at launch due to regulatory constraints. This expansion follows earlier pilots in Europe, Latin America, and Canada, signaling MetaMask’s ambition for global adoption.

Powered by Mastercard’s Network

Issued by Cross River Bank and enabled by fintech partner Monavate, the card leverages Mastercard’s global payment rails. This ensures compatibility with existing merchant infrastructure, allowing crypto holders to “tap and pay” anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Onchain Rewards and Premium Options

Beyond convenience, MetaMask promises:

• Onchain rewards for spending, reinforcing its crypto-native ethos
• A premium Metal Card edition in the works, offering enhanced benefits and design

MetaMask Card vs Traditional Crypto Cards

Feature	MetaMask Card	Typical Crypto Cards
Custody of Assets	Self-custodial (user retains control)	Custodial (exchange holds funds)
Payment Method	Direct from wallet	Pre-loaded balance
Rewards	Onchain crypto rewards	Fiat or exchange-based rewards
Global Acceptance	Mastercard network	Varies by issuer
Digital Wallet Support	Apple Pay, Google Pay	Limited

Why It Matters

This launch represents a strategic leap for mainstream crypto adoption:

• Self-Custody First: Users retain control of their private keys, aligning with Web3 principles
• Frictionless Payments: No need for conversions or pre-loading balances
• Mass Acceptance: Backed by Mastercard’s global merchant network

Source: MetaMask official announcement and Mastercard press release.

FinTech Platform Tide Partners With Transcorp to Roll-out RuPay Powered Expense Card

Plans to launch other Payment and Business services later this year

Tide, the UK’s leading SME-focused business financial platform that began setting up operations in India in 2020, today announced that it has partnered with Transcorp International Limited, a 27-year-old Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulated Authorised Dealer Category II and perpetual Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) license holder, to launch co-branded prepaid cards (Tide Expense Card) as an entry product. This roll-out stems from Tide’s expansion strategy in India, its first international market outside the UK, and a pillar of its global ambitions.

Tide will offer payment services to small businesses across India, starting with a Tide Business Account, accompanied by a Tide Expense Card. These Tide Expense Cards will be offered in partnership with Transcorp powered by RuPay. Other payment and business services will follow later this year. The partnership leverages the expertise of RuPay, India's indigenous payment network, the long-standing reputation of Transcorp, and Tide’s vast experience with SMEs in the UK, to help small businesses in India save time and money.

Commenting on the partnership, Oliver Prill, CEO, Tide, said, “Launching Tide’s business financial platform in India has been our priority since we announced our international expansion. We are excited to partner with Transcorp as we embark on the next stage of Tide’s journey, to serve the 64-million and growing SMEs in the Indian market. With Transcorp, we are ready to begin our initial product offering of Tide India, in order to build the best possible service to help SME owners save time and money.”

Users will be able to activate and manage their Tide Business Account and Tide Expense Card through the Tide app, which will also be used to load money, collect payments and check spends, amongst other services.

Kumar Shekhar, VP, Tide (India), said, “We, at Tide, wish to support entrepreneurs in their journey and believe we’re in a strong position to do exactly that. As we scale-up in India, we will expand our product offerings for small businesses who wish to take the big step of starting out in business – whether it’s as a contractor, freelancer, sole trader, or small business owner. Transcorp is a great partner for Tide, with a great reputation as an issuer for co-branded prepaid instruments. Transcorp has already demonstrated success with its partners and Tide is delighted to join this illustrious list.”

The needs of SMEs globally are largely universal, with time wasted on business and administrative tasks being a key issue. Tide exists to fix that problem. Tide has developed the right approach and a mix of services to meet the diverse needs of small businesses. In the next year, Tide plans to introduce a few more features like Business Savings/Current Account in partnership with a RBI-licensed bank, Fund Transfer, Invoicing, GST and Pay by link and Credit services, for its members.

“Transcorp is delighted to partner with Tide to enable digital payments and promote financial literacy amongst India’s largest business fraternity: SMEs. This segment is India’s economic backbone but remains financially underserved. With Tide, we aim to include them into the formal economy by delivering excellent products and exceptional service." said Ayan Agarwal, Vice President, Transcorp. “As India’s premier non-bank card issuer, Transcorp takes pride in enabling financial inclusion for Indian SMEs, and continuously strives to deliver success to its partners through the optimisation of stakeholder alignment."

Small businesses that are just starting out will find the business accounts helpful for their daily transactions and expenses. Being fully-digital, Tide’s Business account is not just hassle-free, but is secure and protects user privacy.

As the India platform is built out over the course of 2022, Tide plans to partner with a range of service providers from payroll providers to credit partners.

Bengaluru Startup Walrus launches India's 1st Personalized Debit Card for Teens

With an aim to help teenagers and young adults become financially smart at an early age as well as provide them banking solutions, fintech company Walrus today announces the launch of Signature Prepaid Debit Cards for teenagers. The unique card allows users to customize their signature which later on gets printed on the card. Walrus becomes India’s first Neobank to introduce this special feature in a card. 

Issued by RBL Bank, this card is a Prepaid Card powered by Mastercard and can be used at any retail store in their neighborhood and for making online purchases at merchants like Flipkart, Amazon, etc. With these personalized cards, the users will be able to track their transactions and also temporarily lock their cards from the Walrus app when not in use or block it if it gets misplaced. The Signature card has also been enabled with features like Swipe-to-Pay to ensure faster and secure transactions.

Commenting on the launch, Bhagaban Behera, Co-Founder, and CEO of Walrus said,“We believe that every teenager is unique and has unique aspirations, and therefore it’s important to give them a card which they can personalize to their identity. Walrus Signature Card is an effort from Walrus to make Gen-Z smart with money in a cool way.”

In the present scenario, teens are forced to use cash which has a lot of hassles and is unsafe due to COVID. With an increase in Digital payments, Walrus is bridging the gap by including teenagers in a financial inclusion drive. Here they can use Walrus to load money seamlessly and use it at the merchants of their choice. Additionally, the neobank has also given them the leverage to customize their cards in terms of designing it along with adding their signatures, thus providing them ownership of the same.

For the Signature Card, Walrus has collaborated with fintech company Zeta and IDEMIA, the global leader in augmented identity and leading payment cards technology company. Walrus is amongst the first few Asian neobanks to be part of IDEMIA’s Fintech Accelerator Program.

Murali Nair, President, Banking at Zeta said, “The banking and fintech sector has been a major focus for Zeta and we are privileged to power Walrus' innovative cards for teens with innovative features like Super PIN, Card Controls and Swipe-to-Pay. As a company, Zeta is constantly innovating and introducing new products to simplify and secure digital payments across platforms. This association with Walrus is a great opportunity for Zeta to help create a versatile platform to enable neobanking more accessible for Gen-Z customers.”

Amit Kakatikar, Region Head – Payment Business at IDEMIA said, “As the first signature card designed for Teenagers in India, it is a solid affirmation of Walrus’ commitment and understanding of the needs and desires of this important customer segment. IDEMIA is thrilled to be a part of this unique personalised payment card product offering. It reaffirms our strategic focus on supporting the rapidly evolving Fintechs and neobanking ecosystem through our Fintech Accelerator Program.”

Additionally, Walrus has also introduced gamified features to help teens get smarter with money with concepts like budgeting , creating savings goals etc. Walrus users also get access to ‘Club Walrus’ which is a network for teenagers for networking amongst themselves and to explore interesting topics like entrepreneurship, building products, digital marketing from industry experts.

About Walrus

Founded in 2019 by Bhagaban Behera (CEO), Sriharsha Setty (CTO), and Nakul Kelkar (COO), Walrus is a modern-day digital-only banking platform for teenagers. It was created to provide banking facilities to teenagers and make them financially sound. The team comes with a collective experience of 40 years in leadership roles at various startups and MNCs. Walrus recently raised funding from Better Capital and reputed angel investors like Raveen Sastry [ Cofounder, Myntra ], Raghunandan G [ Ex - CEO, Taxi4Sure ]