Best forex cards in India in 2018

Be it holidays or business trip or enrolling your child to the best university abroad, you need to have a planned budget in place for all of the above. While freezing on your travel deals, booking the best seats in the flight and filling in forms for the university, lock-in on forex rates as well. Even a small fluctuation in rates can dent your plans.

To ensure you experience a hassle-free journey in getting one, banks such as HDFC have introduced Regalia Forex Card. Thomas Cook has Borderless Prepaid card while Induslnd and Yes Bank have followed suit. Here is a detailed analysis of each of them:

1) Thomas Cook’s Borderless Prepaid Card: It is a multi-currency card designed for frequent travellers. You can load currencies from eight countries that include The United States of America (USA), Europe, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Singapore and The United Kingdom (UK). They also offer one currency card where you can only load US dollars. One of the advantages of this card is the validity period which is for 5 years.

2) Induslnd Bank’s Multi-Currency Forex Card: The IndusInd Bank’s Multi-Currency card is also custom made for those who travel extensively. You can relatively manage the card well as users can load up to 8 countries’ currencies. Besides, you can use this card at 1.6 million VISA and VISA Plus ATMs across the globe. Also, it offers dining and secure transaction facilities.

3) HDFC’s Regalia ForexPlus Card: It is specially designed for the globetrotters. The forex card offers a wholly seamless and hassle-free payment experience. Although you can initially add only USD dollars, you can later use it for other currencies as well. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs of All Point Network without paying any fee. Make sure you have a Regalia Forex card before boarding your flight.

4) Yes Bank Multi-Currency Travel Forex Card: This card is an ideal solution for those who wish to travel to multiple destinations. The card can load currencies from 10 countries and provides least cross-currency charges.

5) Axis Bank Multi-Currency Forex Card: Here Axis Bank offers three variants – multi-currency, contactless multi-currency and multi-currency image card. Axis Bank's multi-currency options allow you to travel around the world without resorting to old payment methods. The card can hold currencies from up to 16 countries and is valid for 5 years. You can use this card at any VISA ATM, for purchasing products from e-commerce websites abroad and any VISA merchant. This card offers insurance cover up, timely SMS alerts and other such benefits.

Note: You need not have an account with the above banks to get a forex card. One can purchase them with ease.

Forex cards – how to get them and 6 points to remember before buying it

When travelling abroad, you always need to carry some extra cash along. Of course, there is liquid cash in the form of credit/debit card or hard money. However, there is one more option that acts as your saviour during foreign trips: forex cards.

What are forex cards?

A forex card is similar to your bank’s credit/debit card. It holds money, and you can make electronic payments with the help of the card. Forex cards are generally of different kinds: multi-currency, single currency, student card, etc. You can store and load money from 18 countries.

How can you buy a forex card?

Acquiring a forex card is easy. You can get one from any authorised bank or dealer. You can obtain a forex card by following the simple steps:

1) Form: Banks or dealers provide the form for buying a forex card. You can also download it from the bank’s website or apply for one online.

2) Information: Fill in your details such as name, date of travel, passport number, PAN information, type of foreign currency, amount to be loaded, etc.


3) Fee: The bank might charge a fee applicable at the time of obtaining the card.

4) Documents: You need to carry supporting documents such as a copy of passport, copy of your tickets, check with the amount to be loaded along with charged fees. Processing of forex cards takes 4-5 days.

Before purchasing a forex card in India, remember the following points:

1) Keep foreign exchange ready: It is advisable to keep the foreign exchange prepared at least a week or three days before your travel date. The rates are subject to fluctuate. In case the prices are higher, you can always wait for 2 or 3 days to get the rates that falls within your budget.

2) Do not exchange money from airport outlets: Do not even think of trading money in the overseas airport outlets. They charge a commission of around 10-15 per cent. You do not even get to bargain. More so, your entire travel budget goes for a toss at the last minute.


3) Do not use debit card as travel card: The moment you swipe your debit card somewhere outside India, you might be charged a currency conversion ranging up to 5 per cent. Your debit/credit card holds currency in INR. This is why forex card is used for purchasing any product abroad.

4) Keep a spare forex card: Due to unforeseen circumstances such as theft and fraud, chances are that you might lose your forex card. In such cases, a backup forex card can save your time and energy. While buying a forex card, banks/lenders provide you a kit that carries a spare card.

5) Encash leftover foreign currency: If you have spare money after your trip, you can either encash it via the banking website or use them for your next trip. However, you are not allowed to keep an amount over USD 2,000, six months from the date of your return.

Now that you know how forex cards can act as your best ally, go ahead and travel to your much-awaited holiday or your first-ever business trip without any hassle.

5 reasons why restaurants should opt for online food ordering system

There was a time when going to a restaurant was a fad. Today, people are slowly inclining to order food online. It is because of these food ordering apps, the concept of ‘house parties' has become a regular term. The competition in the food industry is rising dramatically. Having an online presence, makes your restaurant sparkling visible to the customers and your competitors.

Restaurant owners who are racing to capture new users are already making themselves available online. Convenience and complete transparency are some of the benefits of ordering food online.
To build up the restaurants online image, one needs to tap the customer's shoulders and informing them about the features of your eatery.

Above pointers aren’t enough to convince you? Read on to know why restaurants should opt for online food ordering system:

Saves Time:

Owners can use their staff for bettering the services within the restaurant than answering take-out orders. By outsourcing messengers or third-party food ordering apps, restaurant can direct their employees towards more lucrative work and eliminate the task of phone conversations.

Correct food order:

‘Couldn’t get your order, ma’am.’
‘Your voice is breaking, sir.’
These are some of the common discrepancies that one complaint of with regards to ordering food directly through the café/eatery. The restaurant staff are distracted by the surrounding, and the order goes wrong. Ultimately, it is the user who is left disappointed. Online food ordering scheme eliminates errors and allows customers to place their orders efficiently.

Hassle-free ordering process:

The traditional method of ordering food can be tedious: one needs to check the nearest delivery restaurant, choose the item from the menu card, call for the order, read out the credit/debit card information – all for ordering food which does not turn out right, most of the time. Under online ordering, all the information is available in one place. Eventually, a good experience will lead to profit gain.

Revenue from the transaction:

Instead of tying up with the third party, operating your food ordering app ensures you keep the profits. Large percentage need not be handed over to the middleman. More sale means more profit.
Collection of customer data:

Another reason why owners should go for in-house online ordering is to celebrate the customer. The consumers can receive exclusive discounts and offers on their birthdays, anniversaries. Apart from great deals, restaurants can also keep track of the customer's previous orders. Next time when the customer places a similar order, they are content, and the restaurant gains their trust.

In coming years, online ordering from restaurants takes up a more substantial stake in the food servicing industry. So, what are your ordering today?

Smart hacks to save money on an online shopping app

The traditional form of shopping has its charm. You get to check the fabric, try on the clothes and make the right choice. Online shopping app, meanwhile, has made the common man sluggish with its smooth and convenient procedures. Just a few clicks and the products are delivered to your doorstep.
Almost all shopping apps provide the best possible deal. Despite the best offers in the market, there tend to be cash restraints.

How can one smartly save money?
Set price alerts: The most significant advantage of online shopping app includes a comparison of prices. One can do so by checking the prices for their desired product on different sites. If the product is unavailable for that price at the time of inspection, one can set alert for the exciting products. Some websites notify when the said product is available in the necessary amount.

Make maximum use of discount offers: Every online shopping app is in partnership with one or more banks for cash back and discounts. These can be utilised during sale time or on an ongoing basis. It is essential to check the terms and conditions: such as a minimum eligible purchase or maximum discount or cashback on offer. One will also need to check the payment methods: cash or credit/debit card or e-wallets. Some portals allow specific online shopping offers to be used up through smartphones.

Check for free delivery services: Most of the shopping sites are now a marketplace. The increasing number of shopping apps has risen competition as well. While some prioritise on offering free delivery for premium members, some give no cost on delivery for all customers. For certain products, apps provide a list of offers from other sellers as well. Apps allow you to check which seller is offering the best price as well as the sellers rating, for authenticity purpose.

Track online shopping records: It is easy to get carried away with all the deals and offers in place. Now that worry is also taken care off. Some apps track consumers spending habits. One can also use #online to view all their shopping spends and keep a tab on their budget.

Ponder upon product reviews: Some online shopping offers can be too good to be true. In such cases, it is recommended to check reviews of the chosen product. These reviews can be either fake or biased. However, there some genuine ones out there as well. Other websites also review a product. In case of a query, one can ask their friends or a colleague, who has used the product, for reviews.

Use social media for research: Through social media customers usually post their rantings regarding poor product delivery by shopping apps. Always check the social mention section on Twitter. It helps you to be cautious and enables you to make the right shopping app choice.

Online shopping is synonymous with smart shopping. Even traditional retailers have entered the fray. With the rise in competition, it is time to keep your pockets in check as well.

Travelling to India? The best travel apps to use in 2018

‘Once a year go someplace you have never been before,’ Dalai Lama was quoted saying. Enthusiastic travellers never get tired of exploring places. These people have a slam book with a graphic demonstration of the places they have visited and are yet to travel. Just like we Indians are fascinated by countries/cities like Europe or Dubai or New Zealand, overseas travellers drool over Indian marvels.

India is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Under its umbrella are cities that are well known as a hill station, desert, beach and beautiful plain. These attractive cities have a large number of people staying in them. It is advisable to know the place before visiting it. With travel apps, this concern is eliminated as well.

In this fast-paced world of technology, the travel industry is creating a niche for itself. Such apps throw commoners with a plethora of options. Some of the trending and best travel apps that international tourist can refer to on their Android and iOS:

Holiday IQ:
Great hotel deals, best routes, hotel reviews, Holiday IQ, allows you to discover all of this in one place. Right from air ticket fares to accommodation, it satisfies all your desires. Apart from planning your journey, Holiday IQ also helps you learn about the travel destination. One can know about the places to visit the destination and the local foods to try.

Google Trips – Travel Planner:
Travellers pledge by Google trips as they get offline access to travel information and maps. All travel essentials are available under one roof. Through Gmail, you can receive activity suggestions around the place, customisable day plan alerts and travel reservations. It surely is an automatic travel planner.

MakeMyTrip:
It is one of travel booking apps where a person can book air, bus, train tickets instantly. Even hotels can be reserved, based on the users’ reviews. If you book a combo of flight and ticket, MakeMyTrip offers discounts as well. MakeMyTrip also includes the feature of reward points that can be accumulated and used at a later point. MakeMyTrip are also travel partners of HDFC’s PayZapp. All payments here are made on the go. 

TripAdvisor:
As the name suggests, it provides best advises for your trip. It helps you search flights, hotels, destinations on one go. TripAdvisor is best known for giving authentic user reviews to assist you to make a quick decision. 

IRCTC Connect:
India’s train travel network is the largest in the world. Trains are the travel passage in India to stunning destinations. Trains are the best route to enjoy India’s true essence. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has its mobile app through which travellers can check train statuses, book tickets and PNR statuses. It is one of the most feasible and best travel apps.

These travel apps act as the best consultant for your trip to India. The apps’ ability to provide a surplus of information has made visiting places more relaxed than ever.

5 reasons why you should book movie tickets online

What happens when you go to the theatre counter to book tickets, and they are sold out? Or you wanted specific seats and did not get them? You head back feeling disappointed and dissatisfied. With the internet here to stay, several industries are opting for the online route. Gone are the days when one stood in long queues to purchase tickets. With the advent of technology, movie ticket booking has become more comfortable than ever.

These days more people are stepping out in their leisure time, precisely why theatres are packed on weekends. Online movie ticket booking comes at attractive prices and specific benefits:

Book as per your convenience: With 24x7 services available, tickets can be booked on the go. One can sit back home and book tickets a day before the movie release. During public holidays and weekends, it gets tough to book tickets at multiplex’s counters. With pre-booking services offered by apps, one can freeze the desired seats and buy tickets cheaply.

Online booking is environment-friendly: Booking movie tickets is not just restricted to computers. The WiFi and internet plans are not always going to support you at the time of booking. With the excessive usage of smartphones, online booking portals are accessible through apps as well. With the help of a movie booking app, tickets are obtainable at your fingertips. It acts as environments best friend by cutting down on the usage of paper.

Save your time: Online movie ticket booking provides access to all information under one roof. It also allows users to check movie timings across different portals and apps. This enables the consumers to plan their day. Apart from movie shows, tickets can be purchased for concerts and stand up comedy as well.

No loss of money: Buying movie tickets online has other perks as well. Imagine you have bought tickets for your family and you. One of your family members falls ill, and the movie plan is hampered. Ultimately, there is a loss of cash. That is not the case online. In case of cancellations, through hassle-free customer service, one can get a refund on tickets.

Receive cashback and great deals: Several apps and portals have a partnership with banks. They run special promotions, and exciting movie ticket offers on specified debit/credit cards. HDFC’s PayZapp is associated with BookMyShow, PVR, INOX and ticketnew.com that has made movie ticket booking convenient and secure. One can receive alerts on offers and promotions through e-mail or SMS.

Save your pocket from going empty by choosing the online route. What are you waiting for? Grab those tickets and enjoy a faster, better and simpler life.

5 Reasons why online mobile recharge is the best innovation

How often do we come across the annoying message, ‘your mobile does not have sufficient balance?’ With zero balance, the rectangular electronic device is useless. Just like cars need fuel to run, mobile phones require full balance to talk, send SMS or use data. However, acquiring total balance is a physical chore.

Let’s say on a public holiday you have an urgent conference call with a client. You have no balance. Your nearest mobile store is shut. If the call does not take place, you are answerable to the client, there will be a significant loss, and a chain of other businesses gets affected. Thanks to technology, mobile phones have kept the convenience of the common man at fore. Online mobile recharge is a breather during emergencies. 

Types of online mobile recharge:

People are no longer limited to landline phones. Mobile phones have two types of services in the offer: prepaid and post-paid. Where in prepaid one must pay beforehand to avail the facilities, post-paid allows you to pay once the package has been disbursed. Prepaid users, nevertheless, face the brunt by recharging their mobile almost every two weeks after consumption of the services.

Apart from emergencies, online mobile recharge has other perks as well:

1) Its cheap: Consumers are increasingly relying on online retailers at the drop of a hat. Online mobile recharge is less expensive than the ones retailers offer. On a chosen plan, shops apply premium as they have no competition around. However, rivalry amongst online retailers has risen drastically over the years. Ultimately, it is the user who reaps the benefits. By comparing the mobile plans from various websites, one can opt for the least expensive package.

2) Offers great deals: Apart from opting for cheap plans, certain mobile retailers provide brownie points as well. Consumers are welcomed with recharge offers in the form of coupons or discount codes. These offers are an excellent effort to cut down on the cash flow. One way to get frequent updates on these offers is by signing up for email and SMS alerts.

3) Helps you get rid of unwanted services: While recharging your mobile through the traditional method of retailers, one has no choice but to go ahead with the plans and recharge offers he/she delivers. In the digital world, one has the option to do away with unwanted features and opt for the one you need.

4) Enables tracking of records: Once you are happy with the features of a plan offered by a service provider, you can continue to explore more in the same retail website. It also enables you to keep track of your expenses, all in one place.

5) Assurance of no loss of money: Often, the chosen plan does not reflect on the phone, once recharged through the traditional method. That leads to loss of cash. In case of online, if the recharge was unsuccessful, there is assurance of refund of money.

Online mobile recharge is the best thing to happen to humanity. Grab that mobile phone fuel it with an abundance of balance. It is just a click away!