Indian travellers are increasingly opting to immerse themselves in local cultures during their international trips, according to new data from Wise, a global technology company. As World Tourism Day approaches, Wise's insights reveal that Indian tourists, particularly those aged 25 to 35, are spending on travel, dining, and everyday experiences rather than extravagant splurges.

The data highlights that popular destinations for Indian travellers include cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, London, and Amsterdam. In these locations, tourists are choosing to dine where locals eat and shop where locals shop, using local transport methods. This shift towards local experiences is reflected in their spending habits, with most expenditures going towards travel, lodging, and transport, followed by dining and retail. The transactions are predominantly in euros, dollars, and pounds.

Wise notes a significant change in how Indian tourists manage their finances abroad. They are increasingly using tap-to-pay methods and local apps, mirroring their financial habits in Indian cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Additionally, travellers are becoming more discerning about exchange rates and hidden fees, ensuring they get the best value for their money.

Wise, which handles around 10% of all inward remittances to India, reported a card spend of $44.3 billion in FY 26. The company continues to facilitate seamless international transactions, aiming to make global travel more financially accessible for its 19 million active customers.

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.