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There is barely anyone who is not excited about discovering the unique destinations of the world. Some travel enthusiasts prefer visiting multiple countries in one trip itself, while some choose one destination and explore its hidden beauty in-depth. Whether you are off to holidays or off to a business trip, one of the most the essential parts of your trip is managing foreign exchange.
You are advised to buy forex in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Some people prefer foreign currency, while some trust travel prepaid cards, depending on their usage and itinerary. Prepaid travel cards are secure and easy, making them a preferred choice for many travelers.
What is a Forex Card?
A Forex Card, also known as a travel prepaid card or international travel card, is a secure and convenient way to carry foreign currency while traveling abroad. It functions like a debit or credit card but comes preloaded with foreign currency, allowing you to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs worldwide. With competitive exchange rates and reduced risks compared to carrying cash, Forex Cards are considered one of the best prepaid travel options for international travelers.
Benefits of a Forex Card
Forex Cards are designed to enhance your travel experience with several key features:
- Multiple Currencies: Load and manage multiple currencies on a single card, making it ideal for multi-country travel.
- Safety and Security: Equipped with Chip and PIN protection, 3D Secure Authentication, and real-time transaction alerts to keep your funds safe.
- Global Acceptance: Accepted at millions of merchant outlets and ATMs worldwide, ensuring hassle-free transactions.
- Cost-Effective: Avoid dynamic currency conversion fees and enjoy competitive exchange rates, making it a cost-effective travel solution.
What Sets the Thomas Cook Forex Card Apart?
Thomas Cook offers some of the best prepaid Forex Cards in the market. The Borderless Prepaid Card allows you to load up to 12 currencies, and the One Currency Card eliminates cross-currency charges, making it ideal for international travel. Special offers such as Amazon vouchers and free ATM withdrawals when purchasing through digital channels add extra value.
Find the Right Thomas Cook Forex Card for Your Needs
As you plan your next international trip, opt for Thomas Cook travel cards. Whether you are a frequent or an occasional one, there is a card for all:
|
Card Name |
Best For |
Key Features |
|
One Currency Card |
Single-country trips |
Load in USD, spend globally with 0% cross-currency fees, accepted at 35M+ merchants, ₹7.5L insurance cover. |
|
Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Card |
Multi-destination travellers |
Carry up to 12 currencies, 25% off Klook activities, lounge access at international airports |
|
Study Buddy Card |
Students studying abroad |
Free ISIC card, instant reloads from India, insurance cover up to $10,000 |
|
EnterpriseFX Card |
Business travelers |
Eco-friendly recycled card, earn TC Edge reward points, and complimentary lounge access. |
Use these forex cards to manage your travel expenses and easily sell your foreign currency left over when you're back.
Which Currencies can you sell on Thomas Cook?
You can sell currency in any of the following 12 major foreign currencies accepted by Thomas Cook:
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound (GBP)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- Saudi Riyal (SAR)
- Thai Baht (THB)
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Forex Cards v/s Currency Notes – Which One Is Better?
Since decades people have been relying on currency notes when they travel abroad. However, things have changed now. With the advent of forex cards – there is a different story to tell:
|
Parameter |
Forex Card |
Foreign Currency Notes |
|
Safety in Case of Loss |
Card can be blocked and replaced if lost |
Lost cash cannot be recovered |
|
Exchange Rate Protection |
Rate is locked at the time of loading |
Subject to re-exchange loss if unused currency is converted back |
|
Acceptance |
Accepted at international POS terminals, hotels, restaurants and ATMs |
Accepted only where cash payments are allowed |
|
Ease of Carrying |
Easy to carry like a debit card |
Carrying large amounts can be inconvenient and risky |
|
Online Transactions |
Can be used for online payments in the loaded currency |
Cannot be used for digital or online transactions |
|
Reload Facility |
Can be reloaded remotely before or during travel |
Additional cash requires a fresh currency purchase |
|
Multi-Currency Option |
Some cards allow multiple currencies on one card |
Separate currency notes required for each country |
|
Risk Exposure |
Lower risk compared to carrying high cash amounts |
Higher risk when carrying larger sums of money |
|
Regulatory Compliance |
Issued under RBI and FEMA guidelines through authorised providers |
Also regulated, but physical handling risk remains with the traveller |
Latest Offers on Thomas Cook Forex Cards
Buy Forex Card & Get Amazon Vouchers: Receive Amazon vouchers worth up to Rs. 500 when purchasing a Forex travel card worth $1500 or more.
- Free ATM Withdrawals: Enjoy one free ATM withdrawal on purchases forex card worth $1000 made through digital channels.
- Terms & Conditions Apply: Limited period offer. Amazon vouchers are valid on purchases made via the website or WhatsApp orders.
Eligibility Criteria for Thomas Cook Forex Card
To apply for a Thomas Cook Forex Card, you must:
- Be an Indian resident with a valid passport.
- Have travel plans for leisure, business, or study within the next 60 days, as per RBI guidelines.
- Provide required documents such as airline tickets and visas based on your travel purpose.
Documents Required to Apply for a Forex Card
To apply for a Thomas Cook Forex Card, you will need:
- Valid Passport: Mandatory for all applications.
- Airline Ticket or Visa: Proof of your travel plans.
- Basic Travel Quota Form (BTQF): Necessary for purchasing foreign exchange.
- Additional Documents: May include a LERMS letter for business travel.
Charges Applicable for Forex Cards
Thomas Cook Forex Cards come with zero issuance and reload fees, making them cost-effective for travelers. However, some charges may apply:
- ATM Withdrawal Fees: Applied by non-partner banks outside the All Point Network.
- Balance Inquiry Fees: Applicable at ATMs.
- Currency Conversion Fees: Applicable if used outside designated usage areas, such as non-listed countries.
Steps to Apply for a Thomas Cook Forex Card
- Visit the Website: Start your application on Thomas Cook’s website.
- Select the Card: Choose between the Borderless Prepaid Card or One Currency Card based on your needs.
- Enter Details and Make Payment: Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and make your payment via UPI, credit/debit cards, or net banking.
- Pick-up or Delivery: Opt for doorstep delivery or collect your card from the nearest Thomas Cook branch.
Is Thomas Cook Forex Card Safe?
Thomas Cook Forex Cards are issued in compliance with RBI and FEMA regulations through authorised banking partners. The cards are built with layered security controls designed for international travel use and controlled foreign exchange access.
EMV Chip and PIN Protection
Each card is enabled with EMV chip technology. Every transaction requires PIN authentication at ATMs and most merchant terminals. This reduces the risk of cloning and counterfeit usage.
RBI Authorised Issuance
Cards are issued through authorised dealer category entities under RBI guidelines. Transactions follow regulatory reporting and compliance standards.
Instant Card Blocking Facility
If the card is lost or misplaced, it can be blocked immediately through customer support. This prevents further transactions on the card.
Emergency Replacement Card Support
In case of loss, an emergency replacement card is arranged depending on the card variant and location. This ensures continued access to funds during travel.
Funds Not Linked to Your Bank Account
The loaded balance is separate from your primary savings or current account. This limits exposure of core banking funds.
Real-Time Transaction Alerts
SMS and email alerts are triggered for transactions. This allows monitoring of usage and early identification of unauthorised activity.
Insurance Cover on Select Cards
Certain Thomas Cook Forex Cards provide complimentary insurance cover. Coverage limits vary by card type and terms.
Global Network Protection
Cards operate on international payment networks such as Visa or Mastercard. Transactions pass through global fraud monitoring systems used by these networks.
