Come utilizzare le carte regalo Visa all'estero?

Businesses have been giving out gifts and complimentary items to customers, employees and partners as a token of thanks and appreciation for decades. They spend a lot of money on these, but how are these physical products valued? Your customers may not enjoy the T-shirt that you gave away. 

Your employees may need more than just a free lunch. Your partners certainly don’t need another piece of stationery with your business name printed on it. 

International visa gift cards are the best gift you can give your customers, employees, and partners. You can include your business name in these cards to remind them about you. They can spend the money loaded on the prepaid gift cards to buy anything. 

International visa cards can be used in any country. The right corporate gift card strengthens your relationship with your customers, employees, and partners. 68% of consumers prefer getting gift cards as incentives. 

Can visa cards be used internationally? 

Sì, esistono carte regalo Visa che possono essere utilizzate a livello internazionale. Molti Paesi e negozi accettano queste carte regalo internazionali. A seconda del luogo di utilizzo, l'utente potrebbe dover pagare una tassa per utilizzare la carta in un'altra valuta. Inoltre, alcuni negozi o mercati online potrebbero non accettarle. 

However, international visa gift cards are meant to be used across the globe. They can be used in 150+ countries. They must be registered first before customers can start using them. 

Non tutte le carte regalo sono ugualmente utili. Ad esempio, le carte Discover e American Express non sono utili al di fuori degli Stati Uniti. Le carte regalo di marche commerciali, come Gap, Home Depot, Subway, Hyatt, ecc. sono utili solo in determinati negozi. 

Le carte Visa internazionali non hanno queste limitazioni perché sono accettate in tutto il mondo. Possono essere utilizzate anche per i loro viaggi internazionali. 

It's important to note that while Visa gift cards are widely accepted, they're not reloadable. Once the balance is spent, the card can't be topped up. However, this feature makes them an excellent choice for budgeting while traveling or for sending a specific amount as a gift. 

Come utilizzare le carte regalo internazionali Visa? 

Le carte regalo digitali Visa sono facili e semplici da usare per i clienti. A differenza delle carte stampate, le carte digitali sono immediatamente disponibili. Possono essere utilizzate ovunque siano accettate le carte Visa. 

Businesses can send these digital international gift cards via SMS, email or even WhatsApp. To activate the card, the customer must click the link and register it in their name. Once registered, the money preloaded as a gift is ready to use. 

Il modo migliore per regalare carte Visa internazionali è permettere ai vostri clienti di utilizzarle ovunque vogliano. Inoltre, per aumentare la fedeltà e la fidelizzazione dei clienti, potete offrire sconti aggiuntivi quando i clienti utilizzano le carte regalo per acquistare qualcosa nel vostro negozio online o offline. 

Una volta attivata, la carta Visa internazionale può essere utilizzata ovunque. 

Come acquistare una carta regalo internazionale Visa? 

Offering gift cards is not something new. However, not all businesses can do it because of the inherent cost. Huge brands and retail chain stores offer gift cards to their customers.

Customers can use these cards to get discounts on their bills. But international visa gift cards come without these restrictions. Your customers can use it anywhere. 

Tradizionalmente, quando le aziende inviavano carte regalo, dovevano acquistarle tramite istituti finanziari. Le opzioni di personalizzazione erano solitamente limitate, anche se le aziende potevano aggiungere il logo del proprio marchio a un prezzo aggiuntivo. Poi, le aziende dovevano stampare e spedire le carte agli indirizzi fisici. 

Ci sono troppi punti di contatto tra l'invio delle carte e il loro utilizzo. Alcune carte possono andare perse nella posta e tracciare queste carte regalo è impossibile. Sebbene sia un ottimo modo per attirare nuovi clienti, questi non saranno interessati alla carta o a utilizzarla di nuovo una volta esaurito il denaro precaricato. 

Virtual cards eliminate all these pain points. They offer the following advantages: 

• Consegnato in formato digitale 
• Attivato digitalmente 
• Può essere utilizzato ovunque 
• Facile da personalizzare 
• Ricaricare la carta in qualsiasi momento per offrire maggiori incentivi ai clienti fedeli 
• Tracciare e monitorare l'utilizzo delle carte e ottenere metriche per il marketing delle carte regalo 

What are the benefits of international visa gift cards? 

With prepaid gift cards, your customers can protect their privacy. These cards can be used instead of ATMs or digital wallets. The customer and business banking information are kept secure by these virtual cards. 

When the prepaid cards are not linked to banks, the processing fee will also be much lower. For elite customers, you can also offer gift cards that add to their miles every time they use the card. 

Vantaggi delle carte regalo internazionali Visa per la vostra azienda 

Ecco come le carte regalo internazionali Visa possono aiutare la vostra attività: 

1. Encourage customers to spend more – Offer customers to unlock their gift cards if they spend a minimum value on your business products. Reward them with free money that they can use to purchase more. Simply ask them to buy more to get more. 

2. Send out gift cards for special occasions to deepen customer engagement – Celebrate anniversaries, important milestones, and business achievements by sharing the joy with your customers. Want to show that you care for your elite customers? Send them gift cards on their birthdays as a thank you for their support. Even if they don’t plan to buy anything from you, they will be tempted to when they get a gift card from you. 

3. Share new deals for gift card owners – Make your customers feel special by offering special deals and discounts if they own your international visa card. No one will want to pass on an amazing deal. So, you can increase sales magnitude even with a $10 gift card. When customers know they can get amazing deals if they own the gift card, they will do whatever it takes to earn it. 

4. Increase reach to international customers – Virtual gift cards are not specific to demographics. You don’t have to worry about shipping and processing fees when you give away virtual gift cards. So, use virtual gift cards to reach customers beyond borders. 

Vantaggi delle carte regalo internazionali Visa per i vostri clienti

Ecco alcuni vantaggi per i vostri clienti quando offrite loro carte Visa internazionali virtuali: 

1. Free money they can use – Preloaded gift cards are loaded with free money that your customers can use. They can use it online and in offline stores or load their digital wallets. 

2. No need to worry about safety – The virtual card can be used digitally without worrying about sharing financial details. These cards won’t be connected to their bank account, ensuring privacy and security. 

3. Use globally – Your customers can use international visa cards wherever they are accepted. They can travel to any country and use visa cards easily. 

Considerations for employers issuing Visa gift cards internationally 

Providing international customers, prospects, employees, or research participants with a Visa prepaid card gives them enhanced flexibility in using their rewards or incentives. These cards can be used online at any retailer that accepts Visa, making them a far more versatile option compared to a gift card tied to a single store, which limits spending choices. 

However, while Visa gift cards offer excellent benefits both in the US and abroad, there are some considerations to keep in mind: 

• Regional limitations: 
  Certain Visa prepaid cards are only valid in the country where they were issued. It’s important to review the cardholder agreement before sending one internationally. 
• Transaction fees: 
  In some countries, recipients may incur foreign transaction fees or be subject to currency exchange rates. 

8 Practical use cases for visa gift cards 

International Visa gift cards offer a seamless and flexible way to make payments across borders. Here is a list of practical use cases for visa gift cards: 

1. Corporate rewards & recognition – Companies use international Visa gift cards to reward employees for achievements, work anniversaries, and milestones, ensuring global accessibility. 
2. Sales incentives – Businesses drive sales by offering Visa gift cards as incentives for meeting targets, boosting motivation, and enhancing performance. 
3. Customer loyalty & retention – Retailers and brands use gift cards to retain customers, encourage repeat purchases, and strengthen brand loyalty. 
4. Referral programs – Companies reward customers, employees, or partners for referring new clients or business opportunities with internationally accepted Visa gift cards. 
5. Survey & market research incentives – Organizations distribute gift cards as compensation for survey participation, user feedback, and research contributions. 
6. Employee wellness & perks – Businesses integrate Visa gift cards into wellness programs, allowing employees to use them for fitness memberships, healthcare, and relaxation experiences. 
7. Remote & gig worker payments – Freelancers and gig workers receive payments instantly via Visa gift cards, avoiding banking complexities and delays. 
8. Channel partner & distributor rewards – Businesses incentivize distributors and resellers with gift cards to drive sales and enhance partner engagement. 

Essential guidelines for using visa gift cards internationally 

​ When utilizing Visa gift cards internationally, it’s essential to understand each country’s regulations, compliance requirements, and card acceptance policies. Below is a country-wise breakdown to help you navigate the rules effectively. 

United States (USA) 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards issued in the U.S. are primarily intended for domestic use. 
• Some issuers offer internationally accepted cards, but verification with the issuer is necessary. 
• Cards may incur foreign transaction fees if used outside the U.S. 

Regulations 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) governs prepaid cards, including gift cards. The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 enforces rules on expiration dates, fees, and disclosures. 

• Expiry period is a minimum of five years from the date of issuance. 
• Monthly inactivity fees apply after 12 months of inactivity. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must provide clear disclosures on expiration dates and fees. 
• Federal laws prevent issuers from charging dormancy fees before 12 months of inactivity. 

(Source) 

India 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards issued in India are typically only for domestic transactions due to strict financial regulations. 
• International use depends on the issuing bank's policies and RBI restrictions. 

Regulations 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates prepaid instruments, including gift cards. 
• RBI mandates a cap on transaction limits for prepaid gift cards. 
• Gift cards cannot be used for cross-border remittances. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must follow Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines. 
• Non-reloadable gift cards have a validity of up to 3 years. 

(Source) 

United Kingdom (UK)

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are widely accepted across the UK at merchants that accept Visa payments. 
• Some UK-issued Visa gift cards may have restrictions on international transactions. 

Regulations 

• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates electronic money and prepaid card services. 
• Gift cards in the UK cannot expire before five years. 

(Source) 

Compliance 

• Issuers must clearly disclose fees, validity, and terms of use to consumers. 
• Some retailers impose spending limits on gift cards for security reasons. 

European Union (EU) 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are generally accepted across EU member states. 
• However, merchant acceptance may vary between countries. 

Regulations 

• The EU Prepaid Payment Instruments Directive ensures gift cards have clear fee structures and transparency. 
• Minimum validity of five years applies across all EU states. 

Compliance 

• Merchants must accept prepaid Visa cards unless stated otherwise. 
• Cross-border fees may apply if the card is issued in a different EU country. 

(Source) 

Philippines 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are widely accepted in major retail stores and online marketplaces. 
• However, usage may be limited at smaller, local merchants. 

Regulations 

• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) oversees prepaid card issuance and consumer protection. 
• The maximum load amount on gift cards is PHP 100,000 ($1,800) per transaction. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must follow anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. 
• Expiry rules are set at five years minimum. 

(Source) 

Singapore 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are widely accepted in Singapore at retailers, restaurants, and online stores. 

Regulations 

• The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) governs prepaid payment instruments, ensuring consumer protection. 
• Gift cards must remain valid for at least two years. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must provide clear expiry information. 
• Gift cards cannot be converted to cash. 

(Source) 

Malaysia 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are accepted in Malaysia across multiple merchants. 
• Some prepaid cards may not work for online purchases due to security regulations. 

Regulations 

• Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) oversees the electronic money framework, ensuring gift card security. 
• Gift cards must have a validity period of at least three years. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must provide customers with fee disclosures and comply with AML regulations. 

(Source) 

Irlanda 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are accepted throughout Ireland at merchants that process Visa transactions. 

Regulations 

• Ireland mandates a minimum validity period of five years for gift cards. 
• Retailers cannot charge inactivity fees for 12 months. 

Compliance 

• Businesses must clearly inform customers about fees, usage limitations, and expiry dates. 

(Source) 

Cina 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards may have limited acceptance due to China’s preference for local payment networks like WeChat Pay and Alipay. 

Regulations 

• The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) regulates prepaid cards, ensuring compliance with financial security laws. 
• Prepaid gift cards must not exceed CNY 1,000 per transaction. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must verify customer identity (KYC) for cards exceeding CNY 1,000. 

(Source) 

United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 

Acceptance 

• Visa gift cards are widely accepted across Dubai and the UAE. 
• Some cards may have restrictions on use for online purchases. 

Regulations 

• The Central Bank of the UAE regulates prepaid instruments, ensuring compliance with financial security laws. 

Compliance 

• Issuers must comply with AML and KYC policies for prepaid card issuance. 
• Gift cards have a minimum validity period of five years. 

(Source) 

General considerations for international visa gift cards: 

• Foreign transaction fees: Using Visa gift cards internationally may incur fees of 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. 
• Currency conversion: Transactions are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. 
• Merchant acceptance: While Visa is widely accepted, some merchants may decline foreign-issued cards. 

How can Plum simplify international visa gift cards? 

If you want to expand your business, attract new customers, retain old customers, increase sales volume, and improve your brand reputation, you should find the right partner to offer international visa gift cards for your customers. Plum is the perfect unified platform that you can use to send virtual visa cards to your customers, employees, and partners. Load the cards with incentives you want to offer and see their faces shine brightly. 

Here's why Plum is the perfect option to deliver virtual international visa gift cards- 

• Impostazione a basso costo 
• Instant delivery of virtual cards 
• Manutenzione semplice grazie a un'unica piattaforma 
• Scalare rapidamente 
• Consegna di carte regalo in blocco 
• Easy integration with your incentive's platform 
• Personalizzate le carte virtuali per i vostri obiettivi di marketing 
• Assistenza ai clienti in qualsiasi paese 

Aumentate il raggio d'azione della vostra azienda, migliorate la reputazione del marchio e create un coinvolgimento dei clienti con carte regalo internazionali personalizzate. Queste carte regalo virtuali sono migliori di qualsiasi altro regalo creativo. 

There is no need to spend anything on delivery and shipping; you can transfer these savings into incentives for your customers. If you want to extend the benefits of international visa gift cards for your customers, book a free demo and we will get you started! 

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