The Passport & Paisa: India Travel Money Report 2026 indicates that almost 78% of Indians are looking to boost their spending on international travel following the recent decrease in the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas journeys. Nonetheless, even with a growing desire to travel, financial planning remains a significant factor in their decision-making.
The report, which surveyed over 1,050 Indian international travelers, reveals that the management of travel budgets is the leading source of stress, surpassing issues like visa delays, flight interruptions, language difficulties, and connectivity problems.
A major issue highlighted is the ambiguity surrounding foreign exchange expenses. While travelers make a consistent effort to compare prices for flights and hotels, many admit that they lack a clear understanding of the exchange rate and any hidden fees incurred while spending abroad.
“Indian travelers are becoming more international, but their spending habits abroad are still evolving,” stated Taneia Bhardwaj, South Asia Expansion Lead at Wise. “People are highly concerned about their travel budgets, but often do not have adequate insights into the exchange rates or markups when making payments overseas.”
The study outlines that hidden markups on exchange rates and unclear pricing are the top two frustrations related to forex, with difficulty in comparing rates among different providers following closely behind.
Despite India’s push for digital payments, 38% of travelers still opt to exchange cash before their trip, making it the most common method for handling foreign currency. International debit and credit cards come next, while digital multi-currency accounts represent just 9% of usage.
When selecting a travel card, reliability is the leading consideration. The report reveals that the worldwide acceptance of cards is prioritized over additional perks such as lounge access, rewards, or eSIM advantages.
Southeast Asia remains the most popular overseas destination for Indians at 34%, followed by Europe and West Asia.
First Published: Jun 2, 2026 3:48 PM IST
