National tourism agency VisitBritain and Standard Chartered Bank have teamed up to provide a prepaid travel money card for travelers from India to the UK.
The cards will offer value, convenience and security for visitors taking cash into the UK; and tourists will also have access to discounts at over 1,500 participating restaurants around the country.
It is all part of VisitBritain’s accelerating drive to smooth away the hassles of international travel and make tourists feel they are receiving a first-class welcome when they come to the UK.
Under the scheme cards will be issued to customers as they make their travel plans from strategic partner locations in the major cities around India.
Based on customer response VisitBritain and Standard Chartered plan to make the service available to travelers from other Asian countries, whilst retaining India as the central operational hub for all of the card programmes.
How will it work ?
Travellers will be able to purchase a card for a small sum. They will then load the card with currency before they travel at any Standard Chartered branch, or by depositing a cheque at one of a number of regional locations.
As the card is loaded with Rupees they will automatically be converted into Pounds Sterling at a very favourable exchange rate, and with no commission charged. The funds will then available in a virtual Sterling account, ready to be withdrawn as cash in the UK, or spent directly from the card in British shops and restaurants.
All cards will carry the Visa logo, and benefit from the wide acceptance of Visa at UK merchants and ATMs.
There is 4-digit PIN security, and a 24/7 phone number to block the card in the case that it is lost or stolen. Customer service is provided by phone and through a secure website where users can check their balance and view previous transactions.
Any outstanding currency can be converted back into Rupees on return to India; alternatively the card will remain valid for two years and can be loaded again for further trips.
Great value for travelers from India to UK
Working with a blue chip international bank like Standard Chartered makes it possible to convert Rupees to Sterling at a very competitive exchange rate. VisitBritain, through its local connections, has organised discounts of up to 20% at over 1,500 restaurants and cafés throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
An Anglo-Indian Partnership
Keith Beecham, Overseas Network Director:, said: “This innovative cashcard means that it couldn’t be simpler or safer for tourists from India to convert their Rupees to Sterling and then spend their cash in the UK with the minimum of fuss – accessing great value throughout the process. This is all part of VisitBritain’s programme to ensure our guests receive the very best welcome when they travel to Britain.”
“It was the international dimension of Standard Chartered that set them apart from the competition. We are delighted to have forged this relationship in India and we look forward to working with this team; initially in India and potentially in a wider context throughout Asia.”
Shyam Srinivasan, Country Head, Consumer Banking, Standard Chartered Bank said: “Standard Chartered is honoured to be selected by Visit Britain to roll out this unique offer to Indian citizens. It is recognition of the Bank’s constant endeavours at innovation for a greater customer experience.”
“This card not only takes away the hassle of carrying cash while traveling, it also helps the customer make savings with fabulous discounts at many of the UK’s most popular restaurants.”
Key Features:
• Discounts of up to 20% on over 1,500 restaurants and cafés in the UK.
• Load the card with currency before travel at any Standard Chartered branch, or remotely by cheque.
• Rupees are automatically converted to Sterling when the card is loaded.
• No commission charged, and a very favourable exchange rate.
• Withdraw cash from any ATM in the UK that accepts Visa.
• Or spend directly from the card, as if it is a debit card.
• 4-digit PIN security, and a 24/7 Lost and Stolen phone number.
• Customer service available by phone or through a secure website.
