The Best Debit and Credit Cards for Traveling from Australia to India!

Last Updated on Nov 21st, 2025 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Travelling from Australia to India offers exciting experiences. However, many travellers often overlook how they will pay while they are there. The wrong card can lead to extra fees, poor exchange rates or even payment issues. In this blog, we will guide you through the best debit & credit cards for Australians going to India. I will also explain how to choose the right card & use it wisely to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Why does your card matter when travelling? 

When you use your card overseas, like in India, many factors come into play. These include international transaction fees, ATM withdrawal charges, currency conversion costs & how broadly the card network is accepted. 

• Many cards charge a “foreign transaction fee” or “international transaction fee” when you make a purchase in a foreign currency or outside Australia.
• Some cards allow you to withdraw cash overseas, but each withdrawal may receive a fee, currency change charges & a fee from the local ATM operator.
• If a seller offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) & suggests charging you in AUD instead of INR, you might end up with the worst exchange rate.

Accordingly, it is essential to choose cards with lower fees & larger consent.

What to look for in a travel-friendly card?

Here are the key traits to check before you choose a card for your India trip – 

• International transaction (FX) fee / foreign transaction fee – Some cards charge 2-4% of the amount just for being overseas.
• ATM withdrawal fee – If you plan to take out cash in India, check the fee per withdrawal & any ATM operator fee.
• Card network acceptance – In India, Visa & Mastercard are generally accepted. Amex is accepted at many large places, but it may not work as well at smaller dealers.
• Prepaid or multi-currency features – Some cards let you preload or hold foreign currencies, which can secure in rates or lower fees.
• Notify your issuer and carry backups – Let your bank know you are traveling & carry two cards from different networks, plus some local cash.
• Pay in local currency (INR) if possible – Always choose to be charged in INR & avoid DCC (paying in AUD) when inspired, because DCC usually uses a poor rate.

Best debit card options while Traveling from Australia to India!

Here are good debit / prepaid card choices for Australian travellers going to India – 

Option A – Standard bank debit card with low overseas purchase fee!

For example, the NAB Platinum Visa Debit card has no international transaction fee on purchases. However, withdrawing cash overseas even comes with a 3.5% fee. So if you are planning to pay by card in India, such as in shops, restaurants or in hotels, a card like this is capable.

Tip – Use it for card spending rather than heavy cash withdrawals.

Option B – Travel / multi-currency prepaid card!

The CommBank Travel Money Card lets you load money & use it abroad while avoiding some foreign exchange fees. It works well as a backup or for pre-loading your budget.

Tip – Pre-load an amount & use it for scheduled spending, keeping your main bank linked card for flexibility.

Option C – Digital multi-currency cards!

Digital services like Wise or Revolut (if they are available in Australia) usually provide better exchange rates & lower fees. For example, Wise points out that many banks add mark-ups, allowing you to avoid various extra costs.

Tip – Perfect if you will withdraw cash often or pay many online/in-country INR transactions.

Top Routes from Australia to India! 

• Melbourne to Delhi
• Sydney to Hyderabad
• Perth to Bangalore
• Brisbane to Amritsar

Best credit card options while flying from Australia to  India!

If you prefer using a credit card (for rewards, protections, points) here are good options – 

Option A – Credit card with no foreign transaction fee!

Look for cards that do not charge an international transaction fee on purchases made overseas. This can save you 2 to 4% on your spending. For instance, many banks typically charge about 3.5%.

Tip – Use this for big expenses (hotel booking, premium restaurants) for convenience/protection.

Option B – Rewards/travel perks card (but check fees)!

If you collect points or travel repeatedly, a rewards card can be useful. However, you need to check the foreign transaction fee & where it is accepted in India. If they charge a 3% foreign exchange fee, the value of your points should be greater than that fee.

Tip – Keep this as your premium card, but always carry a low-fee backup card.

How does this work in India – fees & acceptance? 

• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in India – At big hotels, restaurants, online & major shops.
• American Express – is accepted at many upscale places but is less reliable in smaller shops, street vendors or remote areas.
• Foreign transaction fees – For cards issued in Australia usually range from 2 to 4% unless waived. Several Indian banks charge between 3% & 3.5% on international debit cards. 
• For ATM withdrawals in India – check your Australian bank’s overseas cash withdrawal fee & the fee from the Indian ATM operator.
• DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) – When a merchant offers to let you pay in AUD instead of INR, avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion, as you will likely receive a poor rate.

A travel-friendly card strategy for your trip!

Here’s a simple plan that many Australian travelers to India might follow – 

• Primary card (for purchases) – A debit card with no foreign exchange fee on purchases, such as the NAB Platinum Visa Debit.
• Backup card (credit) – A credit card that offers good rewards & has a low foreign transaction fee.
• Cash and local payments – Pre-load a multi-currency travel or prepaid card. You can also use Wise or Revolut for low-cost local withdrawals.
• Carry some cash in INR –  Carry cash for small purchases like taxis or local street vendors that may not accept cards.
• Let your bank know about your travel plans – carry two cards (ideally one Visa & one Mastercard), check network acceptance & set up spending alerts.
• Avoid paying in AUD – when you have a choice always accept charges in INR.

Conclusion!

Going to India from Australia? You are in for a great time. Yet, do not let card fees cut into your budget. Choose cards with low or no foreign transaction fees. Assure they are accepted in India. Have a solid plan that includes a main card, a backup card & some local cash.

If you need some help planning your trip, MyTicketsToIndia is here for you. We can help you find great flight deals & share practical travel tips. Feel free to reach out to us anytime. With MyTicketsToIndia, you can focus on enjoying your trip without stressing about money!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best credit card for travel points in Australia?

A: Some of the best credit cards for travel points in Australia are the American Express Qantas Ultimate Card, ANZ Rewards Black, & Westpac Altitude Black. These cards provide good points for every dollar spent, travel insurance, & lounge access. Always match annual fees & foreign transaction fees before applying.

Q: Which is the best travel credit card for Australians traveling overseas?

A: The Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard is one of the top travel credit cards in Australia because it has no international transaction fees. Another great choice is the NAB Rewards Signature Credit Card, which offers travel rewards & free travel insurance.

Q: What’s the difference between a travel debit card and a travel credit card?

A: A travel credit card allows you to spend on credit & often earns points or rewards. A travel debit card takes money directly from your bank account. Credit cards work well for large purchases or hotel bookings, while debit cards are better for everyday spending or getting cash from ATMs.

Q: Can I use my debit card overseas or in India?

A: Yes, most Australian debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo can be used in India & other countries. Just ensure your card is activated for international use. Before you travel, check with your bank about any foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal charges.

Q: Can I withdraw cash using my travel credit card abroad?

A: Yes, you can but it is not perfect. Withdrawing cash with a credit card abroad can lead to high interest & cash advance fees. It is better to use a travel debit card like Wise or Revolut for cash withdrawals.

Q: What is the best card to use for traveling abroad from Australia?

A: For most Australians, a combination works best –

• Primary card – Latitude 28° Mastercard for purchases.
• Backup card – Wise or Revolut debit card for local cash. This mix skips high foreign
• Exchange fees & gives flexibility while traveling internationally.

Q: Which is the best Australian credit card for international travel?

A: The American Express Explorer Credit Card & ANZ Rewards Black Card are two of Australia’s best credit cards for international travel. They provide reward points, travel insurance & sometimes airport lounge access, making them ideal for frequent flyers.

Q: Are travel credit cards worth it?

A: Yes, if you travel often. Travel credit cards can save you money on foreign transaction fees, earn you airline miles & include travel insurance. If you do not travel much a simple debit card with no overseas fees may be a better option for you.

Q: What’s the best international debit card for Australians?

A: The Wise Debit Card & Revolut Card are the most popular international debit cards in Australia. They have low conversion fees let you hold multiple currencies & provide great exchange rates when spending in INR (Indian Rupees).

Q: Can I use a credit card to pay in India?

A: Yes, Visa & Mastercard credit cards are accepted in most of India, including hotels, restaurants, malls & online. American Express is accepted in larger cities but not everywhere, so bring a backup Visa or Mastercard as well.

Q: What are some good travel credit cards in Australia right now?

A: Some good travel credit cards in Australia right now include –

• Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard (no FX fees)
• ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures Card (travel benefits)
• American Express Qantas Ultimate Card (high reward points)

Q: Which travel cards have no fees for overseas use?

A: The Wise Debit Card, Revolut Card, & Latitude 28° Global Platinum Mastercard are known as no-fee travel cards. They do not charge international transaction fees, which makes them great for travel in India & other countries.