Don't Wanna Carry So Much Cash? Here Are 6 Travel E-Wallets To Use For Your Next Trip
Cash me on my phone, how bow dah?
Gone are the days of fumbling with different currencies while travelling
If you're planning to travel soon, using an e-wallet can make your trip a whole lot easier. No more worrying about exchange rates, ATM withdrawal fees, carrying wads of cash, or pickpockets!
Here's a list of e-wallets you can use for payments abroad:
1. Wise
Image via In My Korea
While not your typical e-wallet, Wise is a great option if you need to send money or make payments in foreign currencies.
It offers real exchange rates with low fees, making it a smart choice for frequent travellers or those making international transfers. Wise also provides both a virtual and physical card.
You can open an account here or by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. GXBank by Grab
Image via SAYS
If you're a Grab user, you'll probably know that Grab operates in multiple Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
This means you can use the same Grab app to book rides, order food, and even make cashless payments while travelling.
Additionally, you can get the GXBank Debit card or GX Card, a digital banking service by Grab.
With this card, you can make payments and withdraw cash abroad, while enjoying unlimited 1% cashback and no overseas transaction fees — except for third-party charges like ATM fees from other banks.
The GX Card is available in both physical and virtual versions.
To use it overseas, you'll need to activate the overseas usage function in the GXBank app.
You can order a physical GXBank Debit card here or apply for an account by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.
3. BigPay
Image via BigPay
BigPay is more than just an e-wallet — it comes with a prepaid Mastercard that you can use for cashless transactions worldwide.
The best part? It offers competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs if needed.
You can apply for a BigPay account by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.
4. Touch 'n Go eWallet
Image via Touch 'n Go
If you already use Touch 'n Go eWallet, you're in luck. Thanks to Alipay+, you can now use your Touch 'n Go eWallet in several countries, including mainland China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Just look for the Alipay+ logo at payment terminals, scan the QR code, and you're good to go. It also works with Promptpay, QRIS, and NETS.
A 1% conversion fee applies to all overseas transactions made through Touch 'n Go's QR code payments.
You can apply for the Touch 'n Go eWallet by downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.
5. MAE by Maybank
Image via @8aihaqi (X)
MAE is a solid option, especially if you're already a Maybank user. Since it's linked to a Visa card, you can use it wherever Visa is accepted, making it convenient for both online and in-store purchases overseas.
You can apply for the card through the MAE app, available for download on the App Store or Google Play.
6. Alipay
Image via HK News
Malaysians can use Alipay across Asia, including China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Alipay is also accepted in other countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.
It's great for making cashless payments at restaurants, shopping centres, and even transport services. Just scan and pay!
You can apply for an account by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play.
If you've lost your wallet overseas, don't worry. Here's what you need to do:
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