Are you planning to go to Germany for studies? It's important to make sure you have the best prepaid travel card that suits your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you choose the best prepaid travel card that offers attractive exchange rates, zero or low foreign transaction fees, and many other benefits. We'll also mention our partner Thomas Cook, who provides the best service for Forex/Prepaid/Travel Cards.
Top Benefits of Using Prepaid Travel Cards
Prepaid travel cards are an excellent way to carry money abroad, especially for students. Here are some top benefits of using prepaid travel cards:
Cost-effective: Prepaid travel cards offer better exchange rates compared to cash or credit cards. This means you get more value for your money.
Safe and Secure: Prepaid travel cards come with a PIN, which makes it difficult for someone to misuse your card. They also offer the convenience of locking and unlocking the card if it gets stolen or lost.
Convenient: Prepaid travel cards can be easily reloaded with funds online or at a branch. This makes it easy for students to manage their expenses while studying abroad.
Different Types of Prepaid Travel Cards
There are several types of prepaid travel cards available in the market. Let's take a look at some of them:
Multi-currency Forex Cards: These cards allow you to load multiple currencies onto a single card. This makes it easy to use the card in multiple countries without having to carry multiple cards.
Single Currency Forex Cards: These cards allow you to load a single currency onto a card. This is a good option if you're studying in Germany and only need to use the Euro.
Cash Passport Cards: These cards allow you to carry multiple currencies in a digital form. They can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or to make purchases.
Thomas Cook Prepaid Travel Cards: Our partner Thomas Cook offers prepaid travel cards that are designed specifically for students going to Germany. These cards offer attractive exchange rates, low foreign transaction fees, and other benefits.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Prepaid Travel Card
When choosing a prepaid travel card, there are several factors to consider. Let's take a look at some of them:
Exchange Rates: Look for a card that offers the best exchange rates. This will ensure you get more value for your money.
Foreign Transaction Fees: Choose a card that offers zero or low foreign transaction fees. This will help you save money on each transaction.
ATM Withdrawal Fees: Look for a card that offers low or no ATM withdrawal fees. This will help you save money on cash withdrawals.
Card Replacement and Insurance: Choose a card that offers card replacement and insurance in case of theft or loss.
Other Benefits: Look for cards that offer other benefits such as cashback, discounts, and rewards.
Comparison of Top Prepaid Travel Cards for Students Going to Germany
Let's take a look at some of the top prepaid travel cards for students going to Germany:
Card
Benefits
Foreign Transaction Fees
ATM Withdrawal Fees
Niyo Global Card
Zero foreign transaction fees, accepted in over 150 countries, online reloading
Zero
Low
HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card
Can carry up to 22 currencies on a single card, zero cross-currency conversion charges, online tracking of expenses
Zero
Low
Axis Bank Forex Card
Can carry up to 16 currencies on a single card, attractive exchange rates, online reloading
Zero
Low
ICICI Bank Travel Card
Can carry up to 15 currencies on a single card, zero cross-currency conversion charges, 24x7 customer support
Zero
Low
Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card
Can carry up to 8 currencies on a single card, attractive exchange rates, zero issuance and reload fees, 24x7 helpline for emergency assistance
Zero
Low
How to Apply for a Prepaid Travel Card
Applying for a prepaid travel card is easy. Here's what you need to do:
Documents Required: You'll need to provide a copy of your passport, visa, and air ticket. You'll also need to provide proof of address and identity.
To apply for a Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card, follow these steps:
Visit our website. From the menu, choose Partner Services>Travel Card.
Choose the currency you want to load onto the card and the amount you want to load.
You will get a call from Thomas Cook Representative. Provide necessary details and documents.
Once your application is approved, you'll receive the card in the mail within 5-7 business days.
Activate your card by logging into your Thomas Cook account and selecting the "Activate Card" option.
Load funds onto your card through online banking or at a Thomas Cook branch.
Your card is now ready to use for purchases and cash withdrawals.
It's important to note that there may be a minimum and maximum amount you can load onto your card, as well as fees for reloading and ATM withdrawals. Be sure to review the terms and conditions before applying for a prepaid travel card.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the best prepaid travel card is essential for students going to Germany. Prepaid travel cards offer many benefits such as cost-effectiveness, safety and security, and convenience. When choosing a prepaid travel card, consider factors such as exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, card replacement and insurance, and other benefits. Some of the top prepaid travel cards for students going to Germany include the Niyo Global Card, HDFC Bank ForexPlus Card, Axis Bank Forex Card, ICICI Bank Travel Card, and Thomas Cook Borderless Prepaid Card. Applying for a prepaid travel card is easy and requires providing some basic documents. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you choose the best prepaid travel card for your needs. Happy studying in Germany!
FAQs
Q: What is a prepaid travel card?
A: A prepaid travel card is a type of card that you can load with funds before you travel. You can use it to withdraw cash or make purchases in the local currency without having to carry cash or use your credit card.
Q: What are the benefits of using a prepaid travel card?
A: Prepaid travel cards offer several benefits such as cost-effectiveness, safety and security, and convenience. They also offer attractive exchange rates and the convenience of online reloading.
Q: Can I use a prepaid travel card in Germany?
A: Yes, you can use a prepaid travel card in Germany. Most prepaid travel cards are accepted in Germany and other European countries.
Q: What type of prepaid travel card should I choose?
A: The type of prepaid travel card you should choose depends on your needs. If you're only going to Germany, a single currency forex card may be a good option. If you're traveling to multiple countries, a multi-currency forex card may be a better option.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing a prepaid travel card?
A: When choosing a prepaid travel card, consider factors such as exchange rates, foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, card replacement and insurance, and other benefits.
Q: How do I apply for a prepaid travel card?
A: You can apply for a prepaid travel card online or at a branch. You'll need to provide some basic documents such as a copy of your passport, visa, and air ticket.
Q: How do I reload my prepaid travel card?
A: You can reload your prepaid travel card online or at a branch. Some cards also offer the convenience of reloading through a mobile app.
Q: What should I do if my prepaid travel card gets lost or stolen?
A: If your prepaid travel card gets lost or stolen, you should immediately contact the card provider's customer service to block the card. You can then apply for a replacement card or have the remaining balance transferred to a new card.
Q: Is it safe to use a prepaid travel card?
A: Yes, using a prepaid travel card is safe and secure. They come with a PIN, which makes it difficult for someone to misuse your card. They also offer the convenience of locking and unlocking the card if it gets stolen or lost.
Q: How much money should I load onto my prepaid travel card?
A: The amount of money you should load onto your prepaid travel card depends on your expenses while traveling. You should load enough money to cover your expenses while traveling, but not too much that you have leftover money when you return.