Payments during your
internship abroad
Why a travel card is smarter than your regular bank card, and which card suits your trip best.
What is a travel card?
A travel debit card (like Monzo, Revolut, or Wise) is the perfect modern alternative to high-fee bank cards. Think of it as a smart payment card optimized for international use. You can often hold multiple currencies and get the real exchange rate.
The big difference? You avoid the heavy foreign transaction fees that traditional high street banks often charge. You only spend what you load onto it or have in your account.
Why do you need one?
Global Acceptance
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere. Some traditional bank cards might have restrictions or trigger fraud alerts when used abroad unexpectedly.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Traditional banks often charge 2.75% + a flat fee every time you use your card abroad. Travel cards often have 0% fees up to a certain limit.
Better Exchange Rates
Get the interbank exchange rate (the real one from Google) instead of a marked-up bank rate.
Recommended Cards
We've listed the best options for UK students. All are free to open and perfect for your internship abroad.
Monzo
UK's favorite challenger bank
Wise
Formerly TransferWise
Revolut
All-in-one money app
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a travel card?
It's highly recommended. While your standard UK bank card will work, you'll likely pay unnecessary fees on every transaction. Over 5 months, this adds up to over £100 in avoidable costs.
How do I load money?
It's simple. You link the card to your main bank account and transfer money via the app. It's usually instant.
Can I rent a car with these cards?
Sometimes, but not always. Many car rental companies require a traditional credit card for the deposit. Always check beforehand! For daily spending, debit cards are perfect.