TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card - TravelCardFinder
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Traveling internationally can be an exciting experience, but managing money in foreign currencies can often lead to confusion and high fees. That’s where the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card comes in. This innovative card offers a hassle-free way to manage your money when traveling to Kenya or any other destination. The Wise card, issued by TransferWise (now Wise), provides a multi-currency account that lets you hold and spend Kenyan Shillings (KES), along with many other currencies.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card. We will cover its features, benefits, supported currencies, fees, conversion rates, and the best ways to use it. After reading, you will understand why this card is a great option for travelers looking to save money on currency conversions and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
What is the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card?
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card is a debit card linked to your Wise account, which allows you to hold and spend Kenyan Shillings (KES) while traveling. It is specifically designed for people who want to travel to Kenya and make transactions in the local currency or need a travel card for use in various countries.
With Wise, you can open a multi-currency account and store Kenyan Shillings along with other currencies. The card enables you to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and convert currencies with ease and at low fees. The Wise card is accepted worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Key Features of the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Multi-Currency Account | Hold Kenyan Shillings (KES) and over 50 other currencies in your account. |
| Real Exchange Rates | Spend using the mid-market exchange rate, which is the best rate for currency conversion. |
| Low Fees | Enjoy low fees for currency conversions, ATM withdrawals, and card usage. No monthly account fees. |
| Global Acceptance | Accepted at millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard is accepted. |
| ATM Withdrawals | Withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide with low fees and free monthly withdrawal limits. |
| Contactless Payments | Make fast and secure payments using contactless technology. |
| App Integration | Manage your funds, track your spending, and convert currencies easily using the Wise app. |
| Security Features | Freeze or unfreeze your card, and protect your account with enhanced security features. |
Benefits of the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card
1. Real Exchange Rates
One of the key benefits of the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card is that it offers real exchange rates, also known as the mid-market exchange rate. This is the rate used by large financial institutions like Google or Reuters, and it is far better than the inflated exchange rates that traditional banks or other travel cards often offer.
When you convert currencies, you won’t be charged any extra fees or hidden markups. This means you get the best possible rate every time you use the card, whether you are spending in Kenyan Shillings (KES) or another currency.
2. Low Fees
The Wise card is known for its low fees, making it an affordable option for travelers. Traditional credit cards and travel cards often charge hidden fees for currency conversion, ATM withdrawals, and foreign transactions. With Wise, you only pay for the services you use, and the fees are much lower than those of traditional financial institutions.
- No monthly account fees.
- Low currency conversion fees (only a small percentage for currency conversions).
- Free ATM withdrawals up to a monthly limit, after which a small fee applies.
3. Multi-Currency Account
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card allows you to hold multiple currencies at once, including Kenyan Shillings (KES) and many others. If you are traveling to Kenya, this means you can load KES onto your card and spend it without worrying about exchange rates or conversion fees.
Additionally, if you’re traveling to other countries, you can easily convert your money into local currencies at the real exchange rate, saving you the trouble of carrying multiple cards or paying high conversion fees.
4. Low ATM Withdrawal Fees
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card allows you to withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide. You can withdraw Kenyan Shillings (KES) or other currencies from any Mastercard-compatible ATM. The Wise card offers free ATM withdrawals up to $250 USD or equivalent per month. After that, there is a small fee, which is still much lower compared to traditional cards or travel money solutions.
This makes the Wise card an excellent choice for travelers who need cash while abroad, especially if they want to avoid excessive ATM withdrawal fees.
5. Global Acceptance
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card is a Mastercard, meaning it is accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Whether you’re in the Czech Republic, the US, or in a local Kenyan store, you can use your Wise card to make purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted.
You can also use the card for online purchases, such as booking flights, accommodations, or paying for services, making it a convenient payment option for both in-person and online transactions.
6. Contactless Payments
The Wise card supports contactless payments, allowing you to make quick and secure payments for small purchases. Simply tap your card on the payment terminal to complete the transaction instantly. This feature is especially useful when you’re on the go and need to pay for things like transportation or coffee.
7. Manage Your Funds with the Wise App
The Wise app makes managing your TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card easy and convenient. You can check your balance, track your spending, convert currencies, and freeze or unfreeze your card at any time. The app is available for both iOS and Android, and it helps you stay in control of your money no matter where you are.
The app also allows you to set up notifications for transactions, so you can keep track of your spending in real-time.
Supported Currencies
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card supports over 50 currencies, making it perfect for travelers who visit multiple countries or need to convert currencies often. Some of the currencies supported by Wise include:
- Kenyan Shilling (KES)
- US Dollar (USD)
- Euro (EUR)
- British Pound (GBP)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Australian Dollar (AUD)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
With so many supported currencies, the Wise card is a versatile solution for managing your travel expenses. You can load different currencies onto your card and convert them at the best rates when needed.
Fees and Charges
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card comes with low, transparent fees. Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with the card:
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Issuance Fee | $10 USD or equivalent, depending on your location. |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 0.35% to 1% depending on the currency being converted. |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | Free for withdrawals up to $250 USD per month. After that, a small fee applies. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | No foreign transaction fees for international purchases or currency conversions. |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | No monthly fees or maintenance charges. |
| Card Replacement Fee | Small fee if your card is lost or stolen and needs replacement. |
These low fees are one of the reasons why the Wise card is a popular choice among travelers who want to avoid high charges from traditional banks or credit cards.
Best Ways to Use the TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card
1. Load Kenyan Shillings Before Your Trip
If you’re traveling to Kenya, it’s a good idea to load Kenyan Shillings (KES) onto your Wise card before you go. This will allow you to make payments in the local currency without worrying about exchange rates or additional conversion fees.
2. Use the Card for ATM Withdrawals
The Wise card is perfect for withdrawing Kenyan Shillings (KES) or other currencies from ATMs. Make sure to stay within your free withdrawal limit to avoid extra charges, and use the card to access cash when needed.
3. Make Payments Using Contactless Technology
Use the contactless feature of your Wise card to make quick payments while on the go. Whether you’re paying for public transportation, buying souvenirs, or grabbing a coffee, contactless payments are fast and convenient.
4. Track Your Spending with the Wise App
Monitor your spending, track your balance, and convert currencies easily through the Wise app. It helps you stay on top of your finances while you travel.
Top up and spend your holiday money in over 40 currencies
Which all countries can apply for Wise Travel Card
The Wise card is currently available for personal customers that live in these countries and regions:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- EEA + Switzerland*
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Singapore
- UK + European microstates and overseas territories*
- USA except for residents of Nevada (US cards temporarily unavailable)
Conclusion
The TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card is an excellent solution for anyone traveling to Kenya or other international destinations. With its real exchange rates, low fees, and global acceptance, this card offers a convenient and affordable way to manage your money abroad.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Nairobi or enjoying the beauty of Kenya’s natural wonders, the Wise card ensures that you can make secure payments and track your spending with ease. So, get your TransferWise Kenyan Shilling Travel Card today and start traveling smarter!
