Who said traveling is expensive? It surely doesn’t have to be! If you look forward to visiting a new place this summer, we’ll prepare you for your dream trip. All you need is your iCard digital wallet because, with iCard, you are always ready!
Your digital wallet is your companion on every journey by expanding your opportunities to travel more freely. Enjoy this guide – you can learn the essentials in a few minutes read.
Local currencies
Before traveling, most probably you consider what currency you will need for paying like a local. Since digitalization has taken the stage, you don’t need to worry about visiting the exchange office and carrying cash. With iCard, you can open an account in a foreign currency, grab your free iCard Visa in the respective currency, link it to your phone, and pay effortlessly!
Choose from the currencies we offer to match your destination and save on exchange rates – euros might be your best option if you travel somewhere within the EU. You can easily transfer money from your main account to the other so you have enough for your visit. If you need extra funds at some point, don’t forget you can top up your account with a card, via Apple Pay or Google Pay™, or with a bank transfer. If you have a travel buddy who’s also using iCard, you can request money from them free of charge. Endless opportunities, right?
Besides, saving is of utmost importance before traveling, so opening another account can do the trick. Dedicate it for your travel expenses in a currency of your choice and fund it periodically with one of the methods above. Once you step out of the country, you can start using your account like a local!
Hotel, hostel, or a guest house?
Your stay abroad will depend on your travel situation – solo, with a friend, or in a group. The most affordable option will be the hostel, alongside the guest house (due to shared expenses), but if you seek a more luxurious experience – choose a hotel. Most of the time, you will pre-book and pay online for your stay. What does this mean to you as an iCard user?
Thanks to our virtual debit cards (Visa or Mastercard), you can safely pay online on every website or platform. You can have up to 20 free virtual cards that you can freeze after every use for additional security. They work just like the physical debit cards, except they don’t physically exist. Choose their design and pay in style – you can use them to book bus or train tickets, too. Your virtual cards are linked to your iCard account, so your payments will always remain valid.
Food
What can make your trip better? Trying the local cuisine, of course! We recommend doing your research beforehand, so you know what’s worth trying and which restaurants have the highest ratings. One thing we’re sure about is going to local restaurants instead of tourist traps so you can immerse yourself in the culture and avoid overspending.
Once again, most probably, you won’t need cash. Even if you want to leave a tip, you can ask for the tip to be included in the bill before you pay contactless. To do so, you can link your iCard debit card to your Apple Pay/Google Pay™ and pay on every POS terminal. If you’re an Android user, you can simply use the Tap & Pay option in the iCard app. With iCard, you can also track every past transaction so you know your expenses well. From online to contactless payments, everything is on your phone and available to you 24/7.
If you still need to pay in cash, you can easily withdraw money from any ATM with your iCard debit card. Whether you choose iCard Visa, iCard Visa Infinite, or iCard Metal, check the fees that may apply.
Free things to do
If you’re not keen on spending and enjoy walking, sightseeing is something you can do for free for the most part. Stroll around, immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, and stay fit at the same time – historical cities like Rome are perfect for spotting some hidden gems. The entrance to some museums and churches may be free of charge, giving you the opportunity to connect with ancient art. In the worst case, they will offer fair prices or student discounts to visit. Others may offer free entrance on specific days of the week – check your opportunities in advance to know when would be the best time to travel.
You can also hop on a free boat taxi or a sightseeing bus. For example, Amsterdam has a free canal ferry, which you can use to experience the boat tours of the Dutch city. In case you choose London as your destination, you can hop on a double-decker bus to explore the city even for a small fare of approx. £2.
Extra tips
Your digital wallet is irreplaceable, but preparing the right way for your trip is no less important. Research is key in any case – explore the chosen destination online, read other travelers’ reviews, and choose wisely. Be ready for any unexpected situations because those happen as well. Understand your itinerary – check the suitcase sizes if you’re traveling with an airline, see if you have to transfer to another location and what this will cost you – lack of sleep or extra fees. Yet, it might even be an excellent opportunity to explore new places! Also, make sure you have valid documents to travel. It can take quite some time if you have to renew them – don’t miss your trip because of that.
We hope you find this guide useful, so you can enjoy your travel to the maximum. If you haven’t done it yet…
… download iCard – your best travel companion:
