How to use a Wise card overseas when traveling 2024

Getting a travel money card is a smart move when you’re headed overseas.

The Wise travel card is linked to a multi-currency Wise account which can hold 40+ currencies, and lets you convert from one currency to another with the mid-market exchange rate. You can use your Wise travel card in 150+ countries, which makes this a super flexible and versatile travel card option, even for frequent travellers and those who like to get off the beaten track.

Ready to get started? We’ll look at how to use a Wise card overseas, the fees, limits and some tips to save money. Here’s a heads up on what we’ll cover in this full guide to using the Wise card abroad:

• How to use a Wise card overseas

• Which countries can I use my Wise card in?

• Fees for using a Wise card abroad

• How to withdraw money with a Wise card

• How do I add money on my Wise card?

Quick summary: Wise travel card

• Global spending: Use your Wise card in over 150 countries to make purchases and cash withdrawals.

• Multi-currency convenience: Effortlessly hold and spend over 40 currencies in one account and enjoy the convenience of spending your balance without any additional fees.

• Low-cost conversion: When you don’t have the currency balance you need, the Wise card will smartly automatically convert your money at the mid-market exchange rate. Conversion rates are low and transparent, starting from 0.42%.

• Free monthly cash withdrawals: Travel with peace of mind knowing you can withdraw cash from ATMs Visa and Mastercard operated ATMs worldwide. Withdraw up to 1,000 MYR per month for fee, with low fees once you’ve hit your allowance.

• Hassle-free setup: Activate your Wise card at home in Malaysia and use it abroad without needing to notify Wise hassle-free international traveling.

Benefits of Wise travel card

The Wise card offers some great features, including a linked multi-currency account you can use to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and local account details for 10+ currencies, in case you also need to receive money from others in foreign currencies. It also doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, and offers some fee-free ATM withdrawals with low fees after that. However, it’s not perfect, so there are a few drawbacks to know about as well.

We’ll go through how the Wise travel money card works in detail, and look at features, fees and limits, in a moment. First, an overview of some of the Wise travel card pros and cons:

How to use Wise card abroad

You can use your Wise card to spend and withdraw money overseas in exactly the same way you use your regular card here in Malaysia. Wise cards are contactless, for fast and convenient payments wherever you are. Plus, there’s no fee to spend any currency you hold in your account, and the card can automatically switch your balance to the currency you need with low fees from 0.42%.

Here’s a look at how you can use your Wise card overseas:

• Hold 40+ currencies and spend any balance you hold for free

• Withdraw up to 1,000 MYR a month fee free, with low fees after that

• Allow the card to convert to the currency you need for the lowest available fee

• Get instant transaction notifications and manage your card in the Wise app

• Choose from a selection of free and low cost methods to top-up your Wise account and card

Your Wise card is designed with international use in mind, so there’s no need to notify Wise you intend to travel. Use your Wise card easily for in-store purchases as well as withdrawals and online shopping in 150+ countries.

What is the Wise travel card?

The Wise card is an international debit card linked to a digital multi-currency Wise account. It’s free to open a personal Wise account and you can get set up from your phone or laptop easily. Once you’ve registered for a Wise account, simply order your Wise card for delivery to your home address within a couple of weeks.

Once you’ve got your Wise card up and running you’ll be able to access the following handy travel features:

• Spend and withdraw in 150+ countries and hold 40+ currencies

• No fees to spend any currency you hold in your account

• Currency conversion from 0.42% when you spend or withdraw with your Wise card

• Top up your account in ringgit and convert to the currency you need using the mid-market rate

Read also: Wise card review

How does the Wise card work?

The Wise card is a debit card linked to a multi-currency Wise account. You can top up your Wise account in ringgit or the currency of your choice, and convert to the currency you need for international spending - or just let the card do the conversion for you, with the mid-market rate and low fees.

You can spend and make withdrawals with your Wise card in 150+ countries, and shop online with international retailers easily. We’ll look at how spending and withdrawals with your Wise card work in more detail a little later, including the fees and limits that apply to your Wise account and card.

Your physical Wise travel card will then arrive in the mail to your registered shipping address, and you can start to use your Wise virtual card right away. Use your card online and in person, with currency exchange that offers the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.42%.

You can either top up in ringgit and switch to the currency or currencies you need in advance of travel, or just let the Wise travel card do the conversion for you at the point of payment, with the mid-market rate and the lowest available fees.

Who is the Wise travel card for?

The Wise travel card is available for personal customers in Malaysia, and your account can be entirely opened and managed online or in the Wise app. That makes it handy for a range of people:

• Frequent travellers who need to spend in any of the 160+ supported countries

• Individuals who want to hold and exchange 40+ currencies

• Anyone who likes to convert their MYR to the destination currency in advance to set their travel budget before they leave

• People paying or getting paid from overseas - for example if you have income from an overseas vacation rental, or need to pay a mortgage on your property abroad

• Online shoppers spending with international retailers

• Anyone who wants to view and manage their account and card online or in-app

Can I use the Wise card in other countries?

Specially designed for international travel, you can use your Wise debit card in over 150 countries for a low-cost option for spending abroad. Easy to use, the multi-currency card operates on both the Visa and Mastercard network, making it a convenient choice for global travelers and offers low fees and the benefit of the mid-market exchange rate. However, there are a few countries where the Wise card won’t work due to sanctions or other limitations, which are listed on the Wise website.

Which countries can I use my Wise card in?

Wise cards can be used almost anywhere in the world where Visa or Mastercard debit cards are accepted - a total of 150+ countries. The Wise card can be used for online payments, and for in person payments when you travel.

Wise card supported countries list

You can use your Wise card in 150+ countries around the world, including Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, New Zealand, India, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Italy, France, and Switzerland for easy spending, ATM withdrawals and convenient purchases in store on online.

While you may not be able to open a currency balance in all 150+ countries, as it may not be one of the 40+ currencies supported by Wise for balances, you don’t need to have a balance in order to spend in that country. That’s because the Wise card will simply convert from another currency balance that has the cheapest conversion fee, converting your money automatically between two currencies in your Wise account once your desired rate hits the market.

You can also hold, send and exchange over 40 currencies in one account and spend your balance without incurring extra fees, including Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Euro (EUR), Thai Baht (THB), Australian Dollar (AUD), Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), Japanese Yen (JPY), British Pound (GBP), US Dollar (USD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Chinese Yuan (CNY), South Korean Won (KRW), Vietnamese Dong (VND), Philippine Peso (PHP), Indian Rupee (INR), and more.

Are there any countries where the Wise card doesn’t work?

There are a few countries where the Wise card cannot be used - usually because of global sanctions or practical constraints. These include Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo and Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Israel or for purchasing in ILS, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.

Exactly where Wise services can be offered may vary from time to time, so do double check if you’re unsure about whether or not your Wise card can be used in your destination.

Wise card eligible countries

Wise customers in a broad range of countries, including Malaysia, the US and UK, most of the EEA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Brazil can order a Wise card.

Fees for using a Wise card abroad

To get your Wise card you’ll pay a one time order fee of 13.7 MYR, with no monthly or annual fees after that.

Top up your Wise account with ringgit or any of the other supported currencies, and convert to the currency you need for spending. There’s no fee to spend any currency you hold in your Wise account - and if you don’t have a balance in the right currency your Wise card can automatically convert for you, with a small conversion fee and the mid-market exchange rate.

Here’s a rundown of the key Wise fees to know about. We’ll cover ATM cash withdrawals, fees and limits in more detail a little later on.

*__All information correct at the time of writing - 23rd of February 2024.

Wise card ATM withdrawal fees

You may find when you’re making an ATM withdrawal that a message is displayed on the ATM asking you if you’d rather pay in your home currency - so in this case, ringgit, rather than the currency of the country you’re in.

This is described as dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and can happen when you spend or withdraw with a card overseas. It’s positioned as a service which makes it easier to see how much your transaction costs you more easily - but in reality, it also usually means paying higher fees.

Avoid this unnecessary cost by choosing to pay in the local currency wherever you are every time. You can also learn more in this Wise article about ATM fees and DCC.

Wise offers all card holders some free ATM withdrawals every month, with low fees after that. Here’s how Wise card ATM fees breakdown:

* Details correct at time of writing - 13th April 2023

Wise card exchange rates

Wise currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate, with a low and transparent fee from 0.42%. You’ll be able to see the exchange rates available in the Wise app, and double check the fees, before you switch currencies.

Once you have the currency you need for spending or withdrawals in your account, there’s no Wise foreign transaction fee.

Does the Wise card have foreign transaction fees?

There are no foreign transaction fees when you spend with a Wise card. You can spend any currency you hold in your account for free.

If you don’t have a balance in the currency you need - or if your balance isn’t enough - the Wise card uses smart conversion technology to convert your balance from the currency which charges the lowest possible fee, using the mid-market exchange rate. Wise currency conversion fees vary but can be as low as 0.42%.

How does my Wise card know which currency to use?

You can spend with your Wise card even if you don’t have money in the currency you need. Your Wise card will simply convert the amount needed from the currency balance you hold which offers the lowest available fee. This applies if you don’t hold a balance in the currency needed, or if you don’t hold enough for the transaction in the required currency.

The good news is that this means you’ll always pay the lowest available fee, and you don’t need to convert funds in advance if you’re traveling or spending overseas.

What if I spend money in a currency that I don’t have in my account?

You’ll be able to top up your Wise account in ringgit or a selection of other currencies, and then convert to any of the supported 40+ holding currencies in the Wise app.

But what if you don’t hold a balance in the currency you need when you spend with your Wise card? In this case, the Wise card will do the hard work for you and switch what’s needed from the currency balance which has the lowest available fee.

Here are some examples of how the Wise auto convert technology can work:

• You hold 200 euros in your account and want to make a purchase that costs 100 euros - in this case, the 100 euros will be deducted from your euro balance, with no fee to pay

• You want to make a purchase that costs 100 euros but you don’t have a euro balance in your Wise account - in this case, the Wise card will convert from your available funds, with a conversion fee from 0.42%. Conversion fees do vary, but the card will pick the balance which offers the lowest available fee at the time of the transaction

• You hold 50 euros in your account and want to make a purchase that costs 100 euros - in this case, the 50 euros will be deducted from your euro balance, with no fee to pay, and the remaining amount will be converted from your available funds, with a variable conversion fee from 0.42%.

How to get started with Wise card

• Step 1: Open a Wise account: Sign up for a Wise account online or via the Wise app using your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID. Verify your identity by providing the requested documents like a passport, Mykad or driving license.

• Step 2: Order your Wise card: Once verified, order the Wise card from the app for a one-time fee of 13.7 MYR.

• Step 3: Top up and activate: Add money to your account using options like a bank transfer or card. You’ll then need to activate your card by either making a purchase at a store and using your card PIN for the transaction or making a cash withdrawal or checking your balance at an ATM.

• Step 4: Open a currency balance: Open a balance for the currency of the country that you are planning to travel to for easy transactions.

• Step 5: Always pay in the local currency: Avoid extra, sneaky charges by always opting to pay in the local currency when making purchases or ATM withdrawals abroad. Remember, if you don’t hold a balance in a particular currency, the Wise card will automatically convert it using smart conversion technology from the currency that has the lowest possible fees.

How to use Wise card abroad without a card

Did you know that you can also use Wise to make transactions when traveling abroad without even needing your physical card? Wise also offers a virtual card that can easily be linked to your physical card or digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple for easy and convenient mobile spending. It works just like a physical card, allowing you to make purchases and pay for services online at contactless payment terminals and even cardless ATMs for easy cash withdrawals.

Setting up and using a virtual card provides an extra layer of security as it has different details from your physical card, as well as convenience, especially in local shops and restaurants, etc. where contactless payments are accepted. But, it’s still advisable to carry your physical Wise card with you for maximum flexibility as there are still many places where digital payments are not as widely used. By carrying both, you can have peace of mind that you’ll be prepared for any payment scenario you might encounter during your travels.

How to use Wise digital card abroad

Leverage the full potential of your Wise card and enjoy seamless transactions, enhanced security, and an efficient way to manage your finances during your travels. Wise’s virtual card exists only on your phone, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to benefit from low conversion fees and mid-market exchange rates from the comfort of their pocket. For extra security, you can also freeze and unfreeze your card at any time through the app by going to the ‘Card’ tab and selecting ‘Freeze Card.’

To use the Wise virtual card abroad, just follow these steps:

• Create your Wise account and order your card: Start by setting up your free Wise account. Once your account has been verified, order your physical card and top up your account.

• Get your digital card: In the Wise app or website, go to the ‘digital card’ section, slide your cards to the right until you see a purple card, and select ‘Get a digital card.’

• Link to digital wallets: Once your digital card is all set up you can link it to your digital wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay.

• Spend safely and save on fees: You’re now ready to use your Wise digital card abroad. Enjoy making online and in-store purchases thanks to low currency conversion fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

How to withdraw money abroad with a Wise card

You can make convenient ATM withdrawals all over the world using your Wise card. Here’s how to withdraw money abroad with a Wise card:

1. Find a convenient ATM which supports the network your Wise card is issued on (Visa or MasterCard)

2. Insert your card and select the option to make a withdrawal

3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw

4. Enter your PIN for security

5. Your money will be dispensed and your card will be returned

Not sure where your nearest local compatible ATM is? Click on the Mastercard ATM locator or Visa ATM locator), to find a Malaysian ATM that’s compatible with your Wise card. A great tool if you’re traveling or are unfamiliar with the local area, just enter your current location and it will highlight a compatible ATM that’s closest to you.

Wise card limits

There are a few fees and limits to consider if you’re thinking of the Wise travel card in Malaysia.

If you have a Wise account based in Malaysia, there’s a 20,000 MYR limit to how much you can hold in your Wise account.

There are also other limits - for security reasons - to the value of transactions you can make, on a single transaction, daily and monthly basis.

Firstly let's look at the important limits that apply:

All information correct at the time of writing - 23rd of February 2024.

As you can see, there’s a default limit per payment type, and a maximum. Your Wise account will initially be set to the default limits - but you can adjust caps anywhere up to the maximum allowed, in the Wise app.

Wise ATM withdrawal limits

There are Wise card withdrawal limits which apply whenever you use your Wise card to take cash from an ATM. Wise limits are set to a default amount, but you can then change this within the app if you need to. You can also check how much of your daily or monthly limit you’ve already used, so there’s no need to keep a track manually - just have a quick look on the Wise app and you’re done.

Here’s how to view and change your Wise card ATM withdrawal limits in the Wise app:

1. Log in on the Wise app and select the Cards tab

2. Tap Account limits and the type of transaction - ATM withdrawals

3. Select the button to change the limit within the Wise maximum available limit range

Daily limits reset each day at midnight, and monthly limits reset at the end of each calendar month.

Here are the Wise ATM withdrawal limits, per day and month, you’ll need to know about.

* Details correct at time of writing - 13th April 2023

How do I add money to my Wise card?

The Wise card is linked to your multi-currency Wise account. To use your Wise card for spending or withdrawals you’ll first need to add money to your Wise account - you can choose from a variety of different ways to top up Wise, including some low-cost and fast methods, and ways to add different currencies if you’d like.

Top up options include bank transfer, wire transfer, debit card and credit card. Bank transfer and wire transfer are often the cheapest options, and credit card is usually the most expensive way to add money to Wise. If you’re a Malaysian resident, you can add money to your account in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

Adding money to Wise so you can spend with your Wise card is easy - and can all be done online or in the Wise app. To give an example, here’s how to add money to a Wise card in MYR, by bank transfer, using just your phone:

1. Log into your Wise account on the Wise app

2. Tap your MYR currency balance

3. Select Add and enter the amount you want to top up

4. Pick bank transfer as the payment method

5. Follow the prompts to deposit funds and you’re good to go

How to activate Wise card

Your Wise card doesn’t need any specific activation step. You just need to make a chip and PIN payment, or use your card at an ATM, before you’re able to use the card’s contactless feature.

This is a one-time transaction, and you can do it when you receive your physical card.

Is it safe to use the Wise card abroad?

Wise is a safe and fully regulated provider. Wise is overseen by Bank Negara Malaysia in Malaysia, and other equivalent organizations around the world.

• To open a Wise account you’ll need to complete a verification step which helps keep your account secure, and to use your card you’ll need to set up security including your own PIN.

• Once your card is up and running you’ll get instant transaction notifications,

• You can easily freeze or cancel the card if you’re concerned it’s been lost or stolen.

• There is also 2 factor authentication to use the Wise app

• Setup virtual cards for secure online shopping

Do I need to activate my Wise card for overseas use?

While there’s no separate activation process to use your Wise card abroad, you do have to activate it for general use. To do this, you simply need to make a payment using the Chip and PIN method or use it at an ATM to withdraw cash or make a balance inquiry. Once your card has been activated, it’s automatically ready to be used globally and make international transactions without any extra steps for a hassle-free experience.

Is the Wise travel money card a multi-currency card?

Yes. The Wise account and travel money card have powerful international features which make them perfect for anyone who wants a multi-currency card and account. You can hold 40+ currencies, including a broad selection of major world currencies, and plenty of less common currency options, too. And you can spend around the world - over 170 countries are covered, with in person, online and mobile payments, and cash withdrawals as and when you need them.

Tips for saving money when spending abroad

Nobody wants to spend more than necessary when traveling. The Wise card and account can be a good way to cut your costs - here are a few other things to look out for:

• Always pay in the local currency - an ATM or merchant may ask if you’d prefer to pay in ringgit, but this is always more expensive

• Keep a couple of payment methods handy, like cards on different networks and a small amount of cash, so you’re never stuck

• If you ever need to convert cash, avoid airport and hotel currency exchange kiosks, as these usually mean higher fees

Conclusion: Is a Wise card good for international travel?

The Wise card can be a very helpful card for travel and overseas purchases. You can order a Wise card conveniently online, and link it to your Wise account which can be used to hold 40+ currencies.

Wise currency conversion always uses the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.42%. It’s free to spend currencies you hold in your Wise account, and if you don’t have the currency you need, the Wise card auto convert technology can convert for you, using the mid-market rate and Wise’s low fees. That can mean you save compared to using a regular bank card, whenever you spend or withdraw in a foreign currency.

FAQs on using Wise card for travel

Can I get a Wise card in my country?

Wise customers in a broad range of countries, including Malaysia, the US and UK, most of the EEA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Brazil can order a Wise card. If you leave in these countries, you can get a Wise card.

Which ATM can I use with a Wise card?

You can use your Wise card to make ATM withdrawals at ATMs which support your card’s payment network. Check the network your card is issued on - Visa or MasterCard - and look out for ATMs displaying that logo. There are a small number of countries where Wise cards issued in Malaysia can’t be used, usually because of global sanctions - full details are available on the Wise website.

Is a Wise card a debit or credit card?

The Wise card is an international debit card that’s linked to a digital multi-currency Wise account.

Does a Wise card automatically use the right currency?

When you spend using your Wise card the money will be deducted from the balance you hold in that currency, if you have enough in your account. If not, the Wise card will automatically convert money from another currency balance you hold, choosing the balance with the lowest available fees so you get the best possible deal.

How do I use my Wise debit card in Europe?

The good news is that you can use your Wise card when you travel to Europe just like a regular payment card. There’s no need to notify Wise of your travel plans, just top up your account using your preferred payment method and you’re done.

Is Wise an international debit card?

Wise offers multi-currency accounts with linked international debit cards for personal and business customers in Malaysia. You can hold funds in your account, exchange between 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate, send and receive payments, and use your Wise international debit card for easy spending and withdrawals.

How do I pay with Wise without a card?

If you don’t have a Wise card you can still use your Wise account to send and receive payments. Wise transfers can be sent to 160+ countries, and use the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.42%.