[Complete Guide 2025] How to Use the Wise Card for Travel: Setup, ATM Withdrawals, and Beyond

👉🌐 English Articles｜Peace Boat Travel Guides

Hi, I’m Appy.

One of the biggest concerns when traveling abroad—or going on a cruise—is figuring out how to handle money.
Should you exchange cash in advance?
Rely on your credit card?
Withdraw money at local ATMs?

It’s not always clear which option is the most affordable or secure, and many people leave for their trip without a solid plan.

Especially on trips like the Peace Boat cruise, where you visit many countries in a short time, managing different currencies and keeping track of your spending can quickly become a headache.

That’s where the Wise card comes in.
More and more travelers are using it because it offers low fees, easy currency exchange, and app-based control—all in one simple debit card.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know:
how to get your Wise card, how to use it abroad, how it works with ATMs, and even how to use it back home.

Whether you’re still thinking about getting one, or you already have it but aren’t sure how to use it yet—this guide is here to help.

 

💳 Want to try Wise?
Here’s the sign-up link I use — it helps support this blog if you find this guide useful.
👉 Get your Wise card here

 

 

What Is the Wise Card? — A Smarter Way to Travel with Money

The Wise card is a prepaid debit card that makes managing money abroad simple, safe, and affordable.

You top it up with your home currency—like Japanese yen or US dollars—and then use it like a regular card:
💳 withdraw cash at ATMs, or
🛒 pay directly in stores, restaurants, and online.

It’s often compared to a prepaid travel card, but Wise stands out for two big reasons:

• It offers low exchange fees (typically between 0.4% and 1%)
• You manage everything from an easy-to-use mobile app, including currency exchange, top-ups, balance tracking, and even card security

 

💡 Who is the Wise card perfect for?

• Travelers who want to avoid high exchange fees
• Anyone worried about rising credit card foreign transaction fees
• Those who want to avoid overspending by using a prepaid system
• People who plan to withdraw cash at overseas ATMs
• Users who value card security features (like freezing the card instantly if lost)

🔍 Quick overview of the Wise card

Feature	Details
💳 Card Type	Prepaid debit card
🌐 Currencies Supported	40+ currencies (multi-currency wallet)
🧾 Payment Options	In-store, online, and ATM withdrawals
💸 Fees	Low exchange fees (0.4%–1% range)
🔐 Security	Freeze/unfreeze your card via the app anytime

 

Whether you’re buying coffee in a local café or withdrawing local currency at an airport ATM, you can do it all with one Wise card.
And because you can see all your transactions instantly in the app, you always know where your money is going—no surprises.

Next up: How do you get the Wise card?
Let’s go through the signup process and how to top it up before your trip.

 How to Get and Set Up Your Wise Card — What to Do Before You Travel

Getting a Wise card is simple—you can sign up right from your smartphone or laptop in just 5 to 10 minutes.
The physical card will be delivered by mail, so if you’re planning to use it during an international trip, it’s best to apply at least 2–3 weeks before departure.

📝 How to order your Wise card (Step by step)

1. Create a Wise account (free)
   → Register with your email and password
   → Complete identity verification with an ID and a quick selfie (done via app)
2. Request your debit card
   → Just tap “Get a Wise card” in the app or on the website
   → There’s usually a small card issuance fee (around ¥1,200), but free promotions are sometimes available
3. Wait for your card to arrive (around 1–2 weeks)
   → You can track the shipping status in the app
   → Be sure to enter your full address, including building and room numbers, to avoid delivery issues

 

💰 How to top up your Wise card (Add money)

The Wise card is prepaid, which means you load money into it in advance and spend from that balance.

Here are three easy ways to add money:

Method	Benefits
🏦 Bank transfer (Pay-easy in Japan)	Low fees and fast processing — highly recommended
💳 Debit card	Instant top-up, great for small amounts
📱 Apple Pay / Google Pay	Easy to use if your device supports it

 

👉 You can top up in your home currency (e.g., Japanese yen). Wise will automatically convert it to the local currency at the time of payment or ATM withdrawal, using their competitive exchange rate.

📦 What to do when your Wise card arrives

• Activate your card in the Wise app
• Check your PIN (personal identification number) — it’s displayed in the app
• Try using your card for a small purchase (e.g., Amazon or convenience store) to make sure everything works before your trip

 

Next up: How to actually use your Wise card abroad—at ATMs and in stores.

How to Use Wise Abroad — Withdrawing Cash and Making Payments (My Real Experience)

When you’re traveling internationally, the Wise card becomes incredibly useful in two main ways:

• 🏧 Withdrawing local currency from ATMs
• 🛒 Paying directly at stores and restaurants, just like a credit card

 

In this section, I’ll share how I personally used Wise while traveling, and what you should know before doing the same.

🏧 Using ATMs to withdraw cash

You can insert your Wise card into any supported ATM abroad and withdraw local currency directly from your balance.
Even if you’ve topped up in Japanese yen (or any home currency), Wise automatically applies the latest exchange rate at the time of withdrawal. The result: cash in hand with no pre-conversion needed.

💡 Wise ATM withdrawal limits

• ✅ Up to 2 ATM withdrawals per month are free
• ✅ Total withdrawal limit for free tier is approx. ¥30,000 (or equivalent)
• 🟠 From the 3rd withdrawal onward: ¥70 + 1.75% fee per transaction
• ⚠️ Some ATM operators may charge their own additional fees — check the on-screen notice before accepting

 

🔐 Where to find your PIN code

Wise cards don’t ask you to set a PIN during signup.

• Once your card arrives, simply:
• Open the Wise app
  Tap the “Cards” tab → “View PIN” (you may need to authenticate)
• You’ll also have the option to change your PIN from the same menu

 

🗺️ Where to find ATMs (and what to watch for)

ATMs are commonly available at:

• ✈️ International airports
• 🛍️ Shopping malls
• 🏦 Banks and busy city areas

 

💬 In my case, I used an ATM at Lima Airport (Peru) and paid a fixed operator fee of about ¥2,000.
Even with the fee, it was still cheaper than converting money at a local exchange counter.

📄 Want a step-by-step walkthrough?

👉 Download my Peru ATM Guide (PDF)

This includes screenshots from the actual ATM screen — great if you’re a first-time user.

🛍️ Paying in stores with your Wise card

Your Wise card functions like any other debit card.
If the store accepts Mastercard (or Visa, depending on your region), you can usually pay without issue.

✅ Common places that accept Wise:

• 🛒 Supermarkets and chain restaurants
• 🎫 Tourist shops and ticket counters
• 🏨 Hotels and airport convenience stores

 

🚫 For small local vendors, farmers markets, or mom-and-pop shops, cash is still king.
Bring a bit of local currency with you just in case.

⚠️ Currency choice at checkout matters!

Some merchants (especially in airports or tourist areas) may ask:

“Do you want to pay in your home currency or the local currency?”

🟢 Always choose the local currency (e.g., EUR, USD, THB)
🔴 If you choose your home currency (like JPY), the merchant will use DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion), which can lead to high hidden fees.

🧳 Final thoughts

Whether you’re pulling out cash or tapping at the checkout counter, the Wise card does it all:

• 💸 Withdraw only what you need
• 🛒 Pay securely without carrying a lot of cash

📲 Track everything in real time via the app

It’s a great balance between cheaper than credit cards and safer than carrying lots of cash.

Next up: So, how much should you top up before your trip? Let’s take a look. 💳✈️

How Much Should You Top Up? — Real Examples and What I Learned on a Cruise

Once you’ve got your Wise card ready, one of the first questions is:

“How much should I top up before I travel?”

Too little, and you might run short.
Too much, and the money might just sit there unused.

So here’s what I learned—based on my own experience during a Peace Boat cruise, and conversations with fellow travelers.

💳 How much did we top up?

Before our 3-month cruise, my husband and I each loaded ¥200,000 (approx. $1,300 USD) onto our Wise cards.

Here’s how we used it:

Cayao, Peru: Withdrew Peruvian sol at an ATM and used cash

New York City: Paid at restaurants with the Wise card

Porto, Reykjavik, Liverpool: Used the card for gift shopping where card payment was accepted

While I didn’t personally use it, I later found out the Wise card also works for tap-to-pay in the NYC subway system (OMNY compatible).
Some travelers used it at the turnstile with no issue — definitely a time-saver if you want to avoid ticket machines.

💰 My honest reflection: Cash exchange in Japan? Not worth it

Before departure, we exchanged a fair amount of local currency in Japan.
In hindsight, it wasn’t necessary.

• 💸 Exchange rates at Japanese banks weren’t great
• 💳 We used Wise for most transactions
• 🏧 For cash needs, withdrawing locally at ATMs was cheaper and more flexible

 

🧭 How much you’ll need depends on your travel style

Factor	How it affects your spending
Amount of free time	More sightseeing = more costs
Shopping habits	Buying souvenirs for home = higher budget
Food choices	Dining out vs. eating on the ship or at hotels
Payment preference	Cash-heavy travelers may need to top up more

For me, a Wise card with a bit of extra buffer turned out to be just right.
Remember: you can always top up later, but it’s easier if you plan ahead.

📡 Internet matters when topping up mid-trip

You can add money to your Wise balance while abroad — but keep this in mind:

If you’re topping up from your home currency, you’ll need an internet connection

On cruises (like Peace Boat), ship Wi-Fi may not always be reliable

✅ That’s why I recommend topping up a larger amount before departure, so you’re covered just in case.

🏦 What’s the best way to top up?

Bank transfer (such as Pay-easy in Japan) is the most reliable and cost-effective option.

• No transfer limits like credit/debit card top-ups
• Usually cheaper in terms of fees
• Funds typically appear in your account within 1–2 business days

 

💡 In comparison, card top-ups may have daily limits and may not work for high amounts.

Wise is a “load what you’ll use” system, so you won’t overspend by accident.
Start with a reasonable amount, monitor your spending, and adjust as needed. Easy.

 

Up next: What can you do with leftover balance after your trip? Let’s talk about how to use Wise back home! 🧳💳

 

After Your Trip — Wise Still Works in Your Home Country

So, your trip is over… but you still have money left on your Wise card.

“What should I do with the remaining balance?”

Good news: Wise isn’t just for travel. It’s also fully usable in your home country—even after you return.

💳 You can keep using your Wise card in daily life

Wise is a prepaid debit card, and it works just like any other debit or credit card at most shops in your home country.

You can use it for:

• 🏪 Convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson in Japan)
• 🛍️ Supermarkets, drugstores, electronics shops
• 🛒 Online shopping (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.)
• 📱 Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

 

💡 Don’t think of it as just a “travel card”—it makes a great secondary wallet for everyday use.

(I haven’t personally used it in Japan, but many readers and fellow travelers told me it worked just fine.)

🏦 You can also withdraw funds to your bank account

If you don’t plan to use the balance anytime soon, you can transfer it to your local bank.

• Just register your bank name, branch, and account number
• Tap “Send money” in the app to start the transfer
• For amounts under ¥200,000, the fee is often free or just a few yen
• The money usually arrives within one business day

 

🧾 This makes it easy to recover any unused travel funds.

💸 Sample withdrawal fees (as of July 2025)

Amount	Fee estimate	Notes
¥10,000	Around ¥100 or less	Depends on currency and bank
Under ¥200,000	Often free or very low	Especially cheap for JPY→JPY transfers

👉 You can always preview the fee before sending, directly in the Wise app.

💼 Or just keep the balance for your next adventure

If you’re planning another trip in the future, it’s totally fine to leave the money in your Wise account.

• Wise cards stay valid for several years
• Your balance won’t expire
• You can even exchange yen into foreign currency when the rate is good, and use it later

 

In other words: even if you topped up “a little too much,” you still have options:

• ✅ Use it at home
• ✅ Withdraw it to your bank
• ✅ Save it for your next trip

 

That’s what makes Wise so practical—not just during travel, but after it too.

Next up: Let’s talk about how to keep your card safe, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Security Tips — Stay in Control, Even If Something Goes Wrong

Let’s be honest: when using cards abroad, the biggest fear is losing your card or having it misused.
And that fear is totally valid.

But here’s the good news:
With Wise, you’re in control. The app gives you powerful features that make it easy to respond quickly if something goes wrong.

🔒 Lost or stolen? Freeze your card instantly
The Wise app lets you pause (freeze) your card with just one tap.

✅ How it works:

1. Open the app and go to the “Cards” section
2. Tap “Freeze card”
3. Your card is now disabled — no ATM withdrawals or payments can be made

 

💡 Found your card again?
→ Just tap to unfreeze, and your card is back in action.

🧾 Real-time tracking keeps you informed

Every transaction — location, amount, and time — appears in the app instantly.
If something looks suspicious, you can act right away.

This means no waiting on hold with your bank, no uncertainty. You see everything, and you decide what happens next.

💬 Worried about card number leaks?

Wise also offers virtual cards — an extra layer of security.

• You can create a virtual card in the app
• Use it just for online shopping
• If anything happens, you can cancel that card without affecting your physical card

 

This separation helps protect your main card from fraud or misuse.

✅ Final thought: Control = confidence

Especially when traveling, it feels good to know:

“If anything goes wrong, I can stop it instantly — from my phone.”

Wise isn’t just a smart way to spend — it’s a card that’s designed to be safe, flexible, and traveler-friendly.

❓ Common Questions from First-Time Users

Q: Is Wise a credit card?

→ No, it’s a prepaid debit card. You load money in advance and can only spend what you’ve added — no debt, no overspending.

Q: Are ATMs easy to find abroad?

→ Yes! Airports, train stations, shopping malls, and bank branches usually have compatible ATMs.
💡 Nervous about using ATMs in a foreign country?
I created a PDF guide for using an ATM in Lima, Peru.

Q: Do I need to open a local currency wallet?

→ Nope. You can just load your home currency (like yen or USD). Wise will convert it automatically at the time of payment or withdrawal.

Q: What if I have money left over after my trip?

→ You can still use it at home, or send it to your bank account. You can also keep it for your next trip — Wise doesn’t expire.

Q: Is the app hard to use?

→ Not at all. It’s beginner-friendly. You can check your balance, transaction history, and even freeze your card — all with just a few taps.

✈️ Final Thoughts: A Smart Travel Companion You Can Rely On

Traveling abroad — especially long trips like cruises — always brings questions about money.

• Carrying too much cash feels risky
• Credit cards are convenient, but the fees add up
• Exchanging money constantly feels like you’re losing every time

 

Wise takes all that and makes it simple, affordable, and under your control.

🔍 Quick Recap — Why Travelers Love Wise

✔ Prepaid = no overspending
✔ Withdraw local cash at ATMs with minimal fees
✔ Lower exchange rates than most credit cards
✔ Easy app management and tracking
✔ Usable even after returning home
✔ Instant freeze/unfreeze for peace of mind

Having a Wise card before your trip means you won’t be worrying about money while you should be enjoying your journey.

 

🎁 Want to Get a Wise Card?

If you’re thinking about getting a Wise card, you can sign up using the link below.
It’s the one I use to support this blog — no pressure, just sharing what works for me while traveling.

👉 Apply for your Wise card here

 

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