Prepaid travel card for India and Nepal

anisahnanah

Hello,

I would really appreciate some help finding the best prepaid travel card which I can use in India and Nepal. I've been searching forums but I'm finding it difficult to find the information I need.

I am leaving for India on 16th July, and will be there for 6 weeks, and will then be travelling to Nepal for 6 weeks.

I am not able to get a credit card, so I am therefore trying to compare the prepaid travel cards which I could use in India & Nepal. I've also come across the MetroBank debit card.

Does anyone have any experience using any of these cards in India or Nepal?

Thanks very much!

poipleshadow

Hi, India is fine for using standard debit (visa/mastercard) cards, although myself have only used visa cards as that's what I have. It is VERY easy to use your visa card in cash machines, but as a general rule don't expect shops to use it, unless you're in a metro or something. It might be best to inform your bank that you are going to India so they don't put a hold on your card for suspicious transactions. You can withdraw 10,000 Rs in one transaction, but depending on your bank can do 2 or more of these in one day (10,000 Rs at the current exchange rate (WHICH IS VERY GOOD AT THE MOMENT) is about £110. Depending on your bank you will have charges taken for conversion etc, but it's still pretty good and less hassle trying to find a good person to exchange £ or $. I haven't been to Nepal but would expect it to be as easy. I use a Nationwide card and the current transaction costs relate to about £3 on a withdrawl of £110, it would be less if the Indian govt didn't restrict a single withdraw to 10,000 Rs

Hope this has been helpful, let me know if you have any more questions.

On a seperate note, it's possible to get mobile sim cards here (India) (although there's a bit of a delay in the activation) but their cost is so cheap. I get unlimited internet for around £3 a month, so it's easy to stay in touch. Idea / Vodafone are good in my area. Also if you have an Indian sim out here the UK can call you for as little as 0.5p per min (excluding BT connection charge which I think is about 12p).

Weather, Call Rates and Sample Prices

India can be 'in your face' but if you're sensible and relaxed it is a fabulous place to visit.