The Traveler's Guide to Using Niyo Global

Travel with Niyo
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The Niyo Global card (partnered with SBM Bank or DCB Bank) is one of the most popular tools for Indian travellers to save money and manage finances abroad.

Niyo Top Benefits for Travelers

  • Zero Forex Markup: Standard bank cards charge 2%–5% extra on every transaction abroad. Niyo charges 0% markup, meaning you pay the live VISA exchange rate with no added commission.

  • Load in INR, Spend in 130+ Currencies: You don’t need to “buy” foreign currency in advance. Just load Indian Rupees (INR) into your account via UPI or IMPS, and the card automatically converts it at the point of sale.

  • Complimentary Lounge Access:

    • Domestic: There are numerous options that provide their customers with free access to the airport lounge at the international terminals throughout India.

    • International: When you spend an amount of 50,000 dollars (usually 50,000 INR) in one calendar quarter, you will unlock a free international lounge pass (outside India).

  • Huge Interest on savings: It is a full savings account; therefore, your idle balance attracts up to 7 percent interest per annum (depending on the banking partner selected).

Essential Niyo App Features

  • ATM Locator: Find the nearest ATM anywhere in the world that accepts Visa/Mastercard.

  • Live Currency Converter: Check the exact conversion rate in the app before you swipe.

  • Security Controls: Instantly lock/unlock your card, or toggle specific channels (ATM, POS, or Online) if you misplace it.

  • Real-time Tracking: Get instant notifications in both INR and the local currency for every transaction.

How to Use Niyo It Abroad

Before You Fly

  1. Activate International Usage: Open the app, go to Card Settings, and ensure “International Transactions” (POS, ATM, and ECOM) are switched ON.

  2. Trial Transaction: Perform a small transaction in India (online or at a store) to ensure the card and PIN are active.

  3. Load Funds: Add enough INR to your account. Note: If you plan to load money while abroad, ensure your Indian SIM can receive SMS OTPs or use the app’s MPIN.

While Traveling

  • Always Choose Local Currency: When a card machine asks if you want to pay in “INR” or “Local Currency” (e.g., Euro, USD, Baht), always choose the local currency. Choosing INR triggers “Dynamic Currency Conversion,” which has high hidden fees.

  • ATM Withdrawals: You can withdraw local cash at most ATMs.

    • Note: While Niyo doesn’t charge a markup, the ATM service provider abroad may charge a flat fee (e.g., $2-$5).

  • Tap and Pay: The card supports contactless payments, which is the standard in most European and Asian cities for public transport and cafes.

Important Tips for Niyo

  • Keep a Backup: While Niyo is reliable, always carry a secondary credit card or some cash, as technical glitches or server downtimes can occasionally occur.

  • TCS (Tax Collected at Source): Remember that the Indian government applies a 20% TCS on foreign remittances/forex spends above ₹10 Lakh per financial year. Niyo provides a tracker in the app to help you monitor this.

  • Customer Support: Niyo offers 24/7 in-app chat support, which is often faster than calling international roaming numbers.