Sunday, January 28, 2007

Travel Cards

For payment in foreign currency while abroad, there are many options like credit cards, debit cards, travel cards, travelers' cheques and of course cash.
I explored the option of travel cards from few of the different merchants.

SBI Vishwa-yatra card:
A pre-paid forex card which can be re-charged with foreign currency from SBI. It can be used as a debit card for purchases (no transaction fees) and withdraw cash from ATM (USD$ 1.75 per transaction). Copy of Passport required for issuing. Some kind of insurance also offered. Convert unused foreign currency back into INR on return.
Issue charges: Rs 110
Re-charge charges: Rs 50

Related Links:

ICICI Travel Card:
Almost similar to SBI card
Details at http://icicibank.com/Pfsuser/cards/travel_card/index.htm

Thomas Cook Global Money Card:
Details at http://www.thomascook.com/currency/travelchequecard.asp

Useful Links about Travel Cards:
Safety Tips: http://icicibank.com/Pfsuser/cards/travel_card/safety_tips.htm
Do's and Don'ts: http://icicibank.com/Pfsuser/cards/travel_card/dos.htm

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