\n<\/p>\n
Digital payment tools, including multi-currency wallets and zero-forex mark-up cards, are used for international transactions due to features such as real-time expense tracking and reduced conversion costs.<\/p>\n
Vinay Bagri, CEO & Co-Founder of Niyo, noted that India\u2019s outbound travel market has grown nearly fourfold in the past five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cTravellers are seeking digital-first ways to manage money abroad. Options such as zero-forex mark-up cards or multi-currency wallets provide transparency, control, and convenience compared to cash or single-currency forex cards,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\nDigital alternatives to cash and forex cards<\/strong><\/p>\n Bagri explained that while cash and forex cards have traditionally dominated foreign travel spending, new-age options are being redesigned to address the pain points of both.<\/p>\n With Niyo\u2019s zero-forex mark-up card, users load Indian Rupees and spend in over 130 currencies across 180+ countries at Visa exchange rates without hidden charges.<\/p>\n The cards come with add-ons such as interest on linked savings or fixed deposits, lounge access, ATM locator tools, and live currency converters.<\/p>\n Delivery is available within a day in major cities.<\/p>\n What makes the solutions attractive?<\/strong><\/p>\n According to Bagri, the main advantages of zero-forex or multi-currency digital payment solutions include:
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n<\/ul>\n \nThese features are particularly useful for those who travel frequently, families managing shared spending, and students abroad.
\u201cWith one wallet, a traveler can hold, convert, and spend in different currencies instantly. Everything can be managed in real time, from a single app, with complete transparency and control,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He added that the ability to lock a wallet if a device or card is lost, and to track expenses as they occur, is changing how people plan and monitor their travel budgets.<\/p>\n Do these tools replace cash?<\/strong><\/p>\n While digital solutions reduce dependence on physical currency, experts recommend keeping a small cash reserve and a backup card.<\/p>\n They pointed out that certain destinations, such as Vietnam, still operate largely as cash-first economies, so travellers should plan a mix suited to the country.<\/p>\n Adoption beyond travellers<\/strong><\/p>\n The shift is also being noticed in the hospitality sector.<\/p>\n Claudine Triolo, Country Director of Sales, Marketing & Journeys at Six Senses Bhutan, said there has been a visible change in guest preferences. Bhutan\u2019s integration of UPI for Indian travellers has made payments more seamless.<\/p>\n She said digital solutions are improving guest experiences by reducing the inconvenience previously associated with payments while travelling across locations.<\/p>\n ALSO READ | <\/strong>Andhra attracts \u20b910,600 investments in tourism, Telangana eyes boom with new policies<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nSitashwa Srivastava, Founder & CEO of Borderless, said that earlier, travellers were limited to cash or forex cards, both of which came with practical limitations.<\/p>\n