Indian Travellers Prioritize Forex Costs Over Visa Queues, Reveals Report
Indian travellers worry more about forex costs than visa queues: Report
Image: The Economic Times
A recent report by Wise highlights that 78% of Indian travellers intend to increase their international travel spending, driven by reduced Tax Collected at Source (TCS). However, managing forex costs remains a significant concern, with 38% preferring cash exchanges before travel.
- 0178% of Indian travellers plan to increase international travel spending due to reduced TCS on foreign expenses.
- 0238% of travellers prefer exchanging cash before travelling, making it the most popular method for managing foreign currency.
- 03Hidden exchange rate markups and lack of pricing transparency are major challenges for travellers regarding forex costs.
- 04Gen Z tends to rely more on cash, while Gen X prefers cards; Millennials use a mix of both.
- 05Southeast Asia is the most favored destination for 34% of Indian travellers, followed by Europe and the Middle East.
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According to Wise's Passport & Paisa: India Travel Money Report 2026, Indian travellers are increasingly inclined to boost their international travel spending, with 78% planning to do so following a reduction in the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on foreign travel expenses. However, managing foreign exchange costs remains a primary concern, surpassing issues like visa delays and flight disruptions. The report reveals that 38% of respondents prefer exchanging cash before travel, indicating a strong reliance on cash for managing forex. Hidden fees and lack of transparency in exchange rates complicate budgeting for nearly half of the travellers, who typically spend under ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200 USD) per trip. Furthermore, generational preferences in payment methods show that Gen Z favors cash, while Gen X is more inclined towards card usage. Southeast Asia continues to be the top destination for Indian tourists, with 34% selecting it over Europe and the Middle East, highlighting a growing trend in outbound tourism despite the challenges in currency management.
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The report indicates that understanding forex costs is critical for Indian travellers as it directly affects their travel budgets and overall experience abroad.
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