Many people’s bucket lists include travelling abroad, higher studies, seeing new cultures, and learning many languages. Many people restrict themselves by worrying about visiting a new place and prefer to stay at home.
Nothing is more stressful than being out of your comfort zone and having to cope up with challenges. When you are in a foreign nation, all of your difficulties seem to multiply.
Along with it, you have to apply for a visa ahead of time, look for the best exchange rates, pack efficiently, and learn the local nuances of the country you are visiting. You are not alone if these thoughts cross your mind as you prepare to travel abroad. We are here to motivate you to get out there and see the world! Continue reading to learn how to make your next journey less stressful.
1) Visa
A visa determines the fate of any foreign journey. You must be cautious while applying for a visa and do so far ahead of time to avoid unnecessary problems.
One of the most common grounds for visa denial is incorrect or inadequate documents. If you are applying online, try to upload the most recent documents that clearly and correctly reflect the needed information. Cross-check the details are consistent across all documents before submitting.
If your visa approval is taking too long, it could be due to the following factors like payment of fees. Check if you’ve made the entire payment and the intended recipient has received it. Many consulates and third-party companies provide email and/or SMS tracking services for applications, from fees to approval & collection. A minor error could result in rejection. Another reason could be a health issue or a prior criminal record for the delay.
Pre-Booking Dangers: Some visas require you to plan your flights and accommodations ahead of time. If your passport doesn’t arrive on time, all of these pre-bookings will cost you a lot of money. Make sure to apply well in advance and give ample time for it to arrive before your trip.
2) Money
When travelling abroad, the primary monetary issue is currency exchange rates and figuring how to carry your funds abroad, so you are your best financial self across the globe. There are numerous solutions accessible, each with its own set of pros and cons. Also, cash is not only costly to exchange, but it is also dangerous to carry. In this increasingly cashless era, cash isn’t the preferred mode of payment. Furthermore, cash expenses are more difficult to track & calculating the total expenditure at the end of the trip may be challenging. It is advisable to have your forex figured out before you travel. The best way to go about it to carry some cash that can be used for local transport and tipping, furthermore, it is advisable to load a prepaid forex card that you can tap or swipe anywhere else. The forex card can also be used at any ATM, and will dispense cash as you require. Check out the WSFx Smart Currency Card, this card can be further linked to the WSFx Smart Fx App and lets you manage your forex with ease. Additionally, you can switch between currencies, set transaction limits, and even encash to your INR wallet at the end of the trip
3) Debit/Credit Card v/s Forex Prepaid Card
For foreign travel, one must be a privileged bank customer and receive pre-authorization. These cards usually carry hidden conversion rates and service fees for every transaction, as well as massive markups on currency exchange. Furthermore, high-street banks have old technology platforms that lack a customer-centric approach.
Travelers who use travel-friendly credit cards end up paying a slew of fees and large markups. Ensure what you may be penalized over. Some examples are given below:
| ATM cash withdrawal fees |
| ATM balance inquiry fees |
| International SMS alert charges |
| Joining fee on contactless card |
| Reload fees/ inactivity fees |
| Cross-currency fees: 3.5% + Goods and Service Tax (GST) |
| Wallet-to-wallet transfer fee. |
Thus, it is recommended you opt for a Prepaid forex card, this way you save on additional fees and multiple conversion costs, since you load your card before your trip with a large amount and at a single conversion rate. Forex cards are best travel buddies and can also be used across ATMS, and can even be used for online purchases.
4) Change in weather
Changes in the weather can cause your body to lose its health and alter your travel plans. You must bring your medications from home because purchasing drugs overseas can be challenging and costly. Also, have some essential medicines in your cabin luggage just if your checked-in suitcase is delayed or lost. If you need to take prescribed medication, have your prescription and extra copy with you at all times.
5) Jet Lag
Travelling across different time zones might be difficult for your sleep routine. You can feel exhausted, irritable, and sluggish as a result. The easiest way to avoid this is to attempt sleeping on the journey and rest as close to local time as possible on Day 1. Keep a relaxed itinerary for the first day that jet lag does not interfere with your plans.
6) Food
Even if your flight has adequate food alternatives, it’s challenging for vegetarians, who often struggle with food options and even availability. Booking residential choices allow travellers to make their meals, which is both convenient and cost-effective. However, try out some local cuisine and broaden your horizons.
7) Cultural, social and linguistic differences
Traveling abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse oneself in a completely different cultural and social environment! Cultural differences, religious beliefs, food availability, and, most importantly, language can be complicated.
Locals appreciate your effort in learning more about their culture, so learning a few common conversational words in the foreign language can be beneficial.
If you’re a vegetarian, your food options may be limited. If you’re going to a religious site, make sure you’re neatly dressed. It’s good to learn about the country’s history and culture first.
So, here’s one more thing to add to your long list of travel checklists:
| Apply for a visa on time and check all the documents properly |
| Carry essential medicines and prescriptions |
| Plan expenses carefully, including the means of expenditure |
| Read about the country to understand the history and cultural subtlety. |
| Pack smart so you do not miss out on important things & documents |
Why choose WSFx for as your trusted forex partner?
As the internet banking environment keeps evolving, WSFx is committed to protecting your personal and business information while doing online international transactions. WSFx has dedicated digital platforms for various customer segments and a superior digital and secure infrastructure that lends added protection to customer data and privacy.
With over 30 years of experience in the forex industry, WSFx has emerged as a vibrant and trusted forex companion for travelers across sectors in both the B2B and B2C arenas. WSFx is transforming the very business model of forex with innovative digital solutions designed to streamline the process of exchange.
WSFx offers comprehensive forex solutions like outward remittances for students who wish to pay their education fees to universities abroad, tour remittances, medical treatment, and a host of other categories permitted under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS). WSFx also offers a competitive forex card solution with the ability to be linked to one’s mobile app. Download the WSFx Smart Fx App and rediscover the world of forex with WSFx.
