In the case of a friend who enjoys traveling, a custom travel prepaid gift card would surely make an amazing gift. There are, however, certain limitations that one should be cautious of. For example, some prepaid cards have fees for out of country use, while others only work at specific stores. Prepaid cards that accept both Visa and Mastercard payments offer an international solution.

Check the Terms and Conditions

Your customers need to consider all aspects when looking at gift cards that will assist with travel, not only are there fees associated with international transactions that could save them money in the long run but also their family’s travel arrangements may incur fees that they must consider and are crucial in planning an international journey themselves. Understanding any applicable terms and conditions will allow them to plan an economical journey.

Unlike bank-linked cards or credit cards, prepaid gift cards are frequently marketed as lower-cost alternatives for international transactions, which is more convenient for travelers. Moreover, certain establishments like hotels or rental car companies may prefer honoring these prepaid Visa gift cards. Be sure to consult them first when booking accommodation or renting cars.

International Gift Cards

Global access of gift cards provides the recipient with the opportunity to create their own customized presents. For example, the recipient may decide to go and shop clothes and shoes of their choice, travel to different places, or even partake in new strenuous activities. International gift cards can also be located from numerous vendors including, financial institutions and popular credit card providers, with the caveat that depending on the issuer there may be extra charges associated with them.

Prepaid cards linked to banks may impose additional transaction fees, such as monthly usage/inactivity fees of up to $10, loading or ATM fees of $6 and foreign transaction fees of 3% or more. Always read through and understand all fine print before purchasing these types of prepaid cards.

Use Digital Gift Cards

Many prepaid gift cards provide customers with the option to load funds in their home currency and shop in stores or online in a foreign currency without incurring additional currency conversion fees. An alternative great solution would be a virtual prepaid Visa card that your customer can claim online and use digitally without sharing their bank account information with anyone, keeping their financial data private while traveling overseas. Airbnb is usually accepting of prepaid Visa cards, however it’s always wise to double-check before booking any long stays to prevent any nasty surprises later on. Luckily, Airbnb allows for refunds on purchases made via their site.

Watch Out for Currency Conversion

Going to a different country is thrilling, however, managing your finances and avoiding scams and fraud requires attention to detail. Maintain your travel budget by checking currency exchange rates regularly. There are numerous tools, apps, and finance news websites offering live rates that make this simple.

As much as possible, pay in local currency when making payments. Furthermore, notify banks about your travel plans prior to leaving so they won’t freeze your card due to suspicious charges. This is especially important with pre-paid cards.

Stick to Global Brands

Prepaid gift cards that work worldwide can be an invaluable aid. Not only can they ensure that the person receiving it will have enough funds, but there won’t be any currency conversion fees or foreign transaction charges to worry about either. Unfortunately, certain stores or businesses might impose certain restrictions when it comes to accepting these prepaid cards.

Airbnb for instance has specific guidelines about using preloaded prepaid cards on stays longer than one week. All these issues can be easily avoided with some prior planning. Make sure your gift card will work overseas by calling their customer service or checking with the brand prior to departure on your trip.

Use Gift Cards for Online Purchases

Online purchases often come with fees attached. Fortunately, there are cards which offer greater protections and don’t charge any foreign transaction fees than a standard debit card. Retailer-specific international gift cards often come with exclusive perks, like discounts or loyalty rewards. Virtual Visa prepaid cards, which are accepted in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, make online purchases even simpler by handling currency conversion automatically and being safer than carrying cash with you when travelling abroad.

Always Mind the Date of Expiration

Certain cards could have limits on whether international usage is allowed, so it’s best to check this detail with Visa on their site or reach out to their customer service before going abroad. For travelers, prepaid cards allow someone to secure an exchange rate prior to international trips, but ensure you pay attention to the associated fees because they might add up. Prepaid cards allow travelers to set an exchange rate. Keep in mind the charges linked to the card.

Airbnb gift cards do not expire, nor are there any restrictions placed on where they can be used worldwide. However, should they become lost or stolen while traveling overseas, Airbnb will not replace its funds on it if stolen or lost. Therefore be sure to keep a record of your unique identifier and contact information in case theft or loss occurs.

Consider Giving Gift Cards as Travel Gifts

Travel can involve long flights and lots of downtime, so surprise your traveling-loving friends with something they can use during those down times. Maybe an Audible card to allow them to download more books than they could manage during one trip? Uber or Lyft gift cards make great presents that save time and are hassle-free, offering the convenience of instant redemption via their app.

Always notify your bank and card issuer of your travel plans and save their customer service number in case any problems arise. This will help avoid unnecessary holds or declines, especially in countries that employ unfamiliar banking practices.