According to Wise’s Passport & Paisa: India Travel Money Report 2026, many Indian travellers are unaware of the hidden costs associated with foreign exchange when planning international trips. The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 travellers, indicates that while 78% intend to increase their overseas spending following a 2% reduction in Tax Collected at Source (TCS), a significant number still exchange cash before travelling. Taneia Bhardwaj, South Asia expansion lead at Wise, noted that travellers often do not realize how much of the foreign exchange cost is embedded within the rates they are offered. Concerns over hidden fees, such as currency conversion markups and ATM withdrawal charges, add to the overall travel budget. Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of FAITH, emphasized the need for banks and forex providers to improve consumer awareness through transparent pricing and real-time spending alerts. Meanwhile, Deepesh Varma from Thomas Cook India pointed out that experienced travellers are generally more informed about managing their forex expenses, while first-time travellers often require additional guidance.