Written by R. A. Stewart
It’s a sign of the times when more and more businesses do not accept cash. This means that if you are on holiday it is important to be able to pay for things with a card and that does not mean signing up with a credit card. In fact I am going credit card spending because not only do you have a debt to pay but you have interest to pay on top of that.
Most bank ATM cards will work in other countries but each withdrawal will be costly and if you are using this form of payment for small purchases at the checkout in another country, your bank fees will quickly add up as you will discover once you return home on your overseas trip.
Using a debit card is a handy option. These work in much the same way as a credit card but with one difference; you are using your own money. Once your balance is used up, that’s it, you cannot spend any more than what you have in that account. It is just a matter of topping it up.
The Wise debit card is one which I have recently joined. This is a travel card which can be a useful addition to your payment options where cash is not accepted.
When you sign up you require an ID such as a passport or driver’s license. You also need to verify your address. This is done using a utility or a rates bill.
Ordering your card is simple. Just log into your wise account and order it from there. It costs $14.50 ($NZ). You will receive your card within two weeks.
While the wise debit card offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its limitations. Availability may be restricted in some regions, limiting its accessibility to a global audience. Additionally, ATM withdrawal limits and fees may vary depending on the user’s location and the currency being withdrawn. However, these limitations are relatively minor compared to the overall value proposition offered by the Wise Debit Card.
Note Wise was previously called Transferwise.
Wise may not be for everyone due to different personal circumstances, therefore discretion is advised. I may receive a small commission if you sign up for wise.
