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Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Studying abroad? How prepaid forex cards help manage student expenses
Are you going abroad for studies? Then, a prepaid forex card, which is specially designed for students, will be a handy tool for managing your expenses. Prepaid forex cards for students come with a host of benefits including multi-currency features, locked-in exchange rates and lower transaction fee compared to regular debit and credit cards. Here is a guide on the features, benefits and what you should look for while getting prepaid forex cards. A prepaid forex card for students is a convenient and secure way to carry foreign currency abroad. It offers features such as multi-currency support, locked-in exchange rates, and lower transaction fees than regular debit or credit cards. 'Prepaid forex cards provide multi-currency loading options, online tracking, secure chip-and-pin technology, easy reload functionality, and easy blocking in case of loss or theft,' says Ankit Mehra Co-Founder and CEO of GyanDhan, an NBFC (Non-Banking Finance Company) that has a tie-up with edtech firms. 'Additionally, forex cards lock in the loaded amount, protecting against currency fluctuations,' he says. 'These cards can be used for payments and ATM withdrawals globally. Many service providers offer student-friendly perks such as zero issuance fees, discounted rates, free international SIM cards, and travel insurance,' says Pavan Kavad, Managing Director, Prithvi Exchange, an RBI licensed forex dealer. These cards are widely accepted at merchants and ATMs worldwide, making them an ideal choice for students studying abroad. They come with added benefits like expense tracking through mobile apps and instant card blocking in case of loss. Prepaid forex credit cards are a smart choice for students studying abroad. They offer benefits such as global acceptance, online tracking, and easy reloads from India. They ensure safe, convenient payments and help manage foreign currency expenses efficiently. Students should ensure that their forex card comes with ISIC (International Student Identity Card) as an additional benefit. ISIC provides access to thousands of discounts worldwide on travel, food, shopping and educational resources. 'Combining an ISIC with a forex card helps students save money on everyday expenses and enhances their international experience. Many banks and forex providers also offer combo deals that include both cards for extra savings and convenience,' Kavad says. 'Additionally, pairing a forex card with an ISIC card provides verified student status and also unlocks additional global discounts on travel, shopping, and entertainment, making the student's overseas experience more economical,' Mehra says. Mastercard is offering ISIC as a complementary benefit for all prepaid forex cardholders who are on its network in India. Education finance consultants say that students should ideally load a prepaid forex card with enough funds to cover at least 3-6 months of expected expenses, including tuition fee, rent, and living costs. 'A typical initial load ranges from $3000 to $10,000, depending on the destination and the cost of living. Since forex cards are reloadable, students can top up funds as needed,' Kavad says. 'The load comes with a limit of $7500 daily, which is enough. So, students can load sufficient funds for the first couple of months, and then reload based on actual expenditure patterns,' Mehra says. Incidentally, students can transfer up to $250,000 per financial year for their studies abroad under RBI's 'Liberalised Remittance Scheme'. Consultants say that prepaid forex cards can also be used for large payments such as tuition fees. 'Prepaid forex cards should not be limited to managing only routine expenses. While they are ideal for daily needs like groceries, transportation, and dining, they can also be used for larger payments,' Kavad says. 'However, for tuition fees, it's essential to check if the university accepts card payments. Otherwise, a wire transfer from an Indian bank might be required,' he says. 'Forex cards can safeguard the amount from exchange‐rate uncertainty. Thus, loading larger sums when rates are favourable can shield students from future volatility. Beyond daily expenses, preloading tuition fees in advance locks in favourable rates and minimizes exchange costs,' Mehra says. Most banks issue prepaid forex cards to students who are more than 18 years old. There are banks that issue these cards to students above 12 years of age. In any case, the student should have secured admission in a foreign school/college/university to get the card. Here are the documents that you have to furnish to the bank for availing the card. Self-attested copy of valid passport Self-attested copy of PAN card of the Applicant or Guardian (If the applicant is a major, PAN card of the applicant is mandatory. Additionally, if the forex card is funded by the Guardian, the PAN card copyof the Guardian is mandatory). Self-attested copy of Appointment letter/ Admission letter/University Identity Card Cancelled cheque/passbook copy Self-attested copy of international travel ticket or visa (any one) Copy of 'Passbook' or one year 'Account Statement', used for funding the forex card. Self-attested copy of Form I-20 if the student is going to the US for higher studies. Form I-20, officially titled the 'Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status', is a crucial document for international students seeking to study in the US. The signature of the 'Guardian' is required on the application form if the applicant is between 12 to 18 years old. The card will be activated only after complete verification of the KYC (Know Your Customer) documents. Allirajan M is a journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked with several leading media organisations in the country and has been writing on mutual funds for nearly 16 years.
India Today
15-05-2025
- India Today
Study Abroad: 6 hacks for cheap flights, student discounts and smart savings
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can also become costly if you're not careful. From airfare and accommodation to daily expenses, the costs can add up quickly. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can save a lot without missing out on your experience. Whether you're booking your first international flight or navigating life in a new country, these six travel hacks—ranging from finding cheap flights and student discounts to clever money-saving tips—will help you stretch your budget while maximising your time abroad opens up unparalleled academic and cultural opportunities, and with careful planning, you can create unforgettable travel experiences as well. However, between flights, hotels, and tours, expenses can accumulate rapidly. Thankfully, there are smart, student-friendly tips that can help you go further for less, inputs from Ritika Gupta, Counsellor at AAera are the best travel tips every study abroad student needs to know. 1. Fly cheap and book smartAirfare is one of the largest expenses, but it doesn't have to cost an arm and a fares using tools such as Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper to monitor price midweek or off-peak hours whenever possible—this tends to be flying in and out of secondary airports if the primary hubs cost too shop incognito to prevent cookie-based price Student Universe and STA Travel provide special student and youth discounts—sign up and compare!2. Access student discounts everywhereBeing a student has its benefits—make the most of an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for international student enquire if a museum, gallery, store, or restaurant has student prices—it's usually not advantage of various discount Most public transportation systems have youth or student passes—purchase them ahead of time to save a bundle on commuting.3. Pack light, travel easilySkip the high baggage fees and make things easy by packing in a carry-on backpack to save time and money at the essentials that can be layered and forget such essentials as a universal power adaptor, a refillable water bottle, and a compact first-aid Space-maximising compression packing cubes keep your bag tidy.4. Opt for budget-friendly transportationDitch expensive taxis—venture out and discover local transport and regional travel Europe, purchase a Eurail or Interrail pass for free-form train travel between overnight buses or trains to save on both transport and accommodation.5. Sleep cheap and safeHotels can be pricey—opt for budget alternatives with hostels via Hostel World or and read the reviews university housing boards for affordable sublets or short-term student Airbnb for group accommodations or couch-surfing for local, free experiences (just be careful and consider safety first).6. Take advantage of free and low-cost activitiesNot all things memorable are costly—some of the best are free walking tours in big cities (just tip your tour guide).Go to museums on free-admission days or with your student through local markets, parks, and cultural at Meetup or Facebook events for free local events.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Delhi teen's 12-hour-a-day gaming addiction leads to partial paralysis, bent spine
A 19-year-old boy in Delhi had to undergo a spinal surgery after he suffered from partial paralysis from gaming addiction for PubG and remaining isolated in his room for over 12 time, he developed a bent spine and began losing control over his bladder, signs that the spinal cord was under almost a year, his condition had silently worsened due to undiagnosed spinal tuberculosis (TB), and by the time he reached the hospital, he was struggling to walk and even pass Doctors at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) noticed a severe deformity in his spine—a dangerous condition called kypho-scoliosis, which involves both forward and sideways revealed that tuberculosis had infected two of his spinal bones (D11 and D12), leading to pus formation and pressure on his spinal cord."This was a challenging case due to the double burden of advanced spinal TB and the impact of long-term gaming addiction," said Dr Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC. Due to gaming addiction, the Delhi teen developed a bent spine and began losing control over his bladder, signs that the spinal cord was under pressure. () advertisementTo fix the issue, the medical team used spinal navigation technology, a modern technique that helps surgeons place screws and align the spine with high precision, similar to how GPS guides a surgery involved decompressing the spinal cord, correcting the spine's shape, and stabilising it with a few days of the surgery, the teen began to show signs of recovery. He regained control over his bladder and started walking again, showing clear signs that the pressure on his spinal cord had been the disease, the case was a stark reminder of how mental health, screen addiction, and physical problems can be deeply connected."We are seeing more adolescents with bone and joint problems due to prolonged screen use, poor posture, and lack of movement," he said. More adolescents are suffering from bone and joint problems due to prolonged screen use, poor posture, and lack of movement. () The boy is now undergoing rehabilitation, which includes physiotherapy to strengthen his body and counselling to address his gaming recovery is being closely monitored to ensure he can return to a normal life—both physically and mentally."This case shows why early medical attention, parental awareness, and regular physical activity are so important. Gaming addiction can be more dangerous than it looks, especially when it hides symptoms of serious illnesses like spinal TB," Dr Tandon the teen continues his journey of healing, doctors hope his story serves as a reminder to families to look beyond the screen, and pay attention to both the physical and emotional health of Watch
Hans India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Can PUBG addiction damage your spine, cause paralysis?
New Delhi: Are you addicted to playing online games like PUBG? Prolonged gaming addiction can lead to spinal deformity and paralysis, said doctors here, who treated a 19-year-old boy suffering from the condition. The adolescent boy spent almost a year isolated in his room and engaged in excessive gaming for up to 12 hours a day. He suffered a gradual loss of appetite for physical activity and school and eventual social withdrawal. The increasing dependence on online gaming finally resulted in an abnormal curvature of the spine and problems in walking and passing urine. 'This excessive gaming led to a significant kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity," according to a statement from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi. The doctors stated that the boy developed severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels, due to spinal tuberculosis -- an infectious condition that had remained undiagnosed due to the patient's prolonged immobility and social withdrawal. The disease had led to abscess formation and pus accumulation, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and contributing to his neurological decline. The boy underwent a successful complex spinal correction surgery, enabling him to regain mobility and bladder control. 'This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction. The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord, and threatened permanent disability,' Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC. "Fortunately, we were able to realign the spine, relieve the pressure on the cord, and restore his mobility. The patient responded well — early signs of neurological recovery were visible within days of the procedure,' the doctor said. Tandon also noted a "disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents'. He blamed prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming. 'This case is not just about spinal TB — it reflects a growing public health challenge where physical and mental health are deeply intertwined. Excessive gaming, poor posture, and social isolation can create a perfect storm for delayed diagnoses and serious outcomes. Awareness, parental monitoring, and early intervention are critical to prevent such cases,' the expert said.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Delhi teen undergoes surgery after PUBG addiction leads to spinal damage
A teenager underwent critical surgery in Delhi due to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis caused by excessive PUBG gaming. Spending up to 12 hours daily gaming led to kypho-scoliotic deformity and spinal tuberculosis. The corrective surgery reversed paralysis, highlighting concerns about musculoskeletal issues from prolonged screen exposure in adolescents. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads A teenager underwent critical surgery at a private hospital after excessive PUBG gaming led to a severe spinal deformity and partial paralysis. The patient, who was brought to the hospital after experiencing difficulty walking and passing urine, had reportedly spent nearly a year isolated in his room, playing video games for up to 12 hours a to a statement from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi, this excessive gaming led to a significant "kypho-scoliotic spinal deformity"."This was a challenging case due to the dual complexity of advanced spinal TB and the psychosocial impact of gaming addiction . The spine had suffered significant deformity, compressed the cord, and threatened permanent disability," said Dr. Vikas Tandon, Chief of Spine Services at ISIC."We are seeing a disturbing trend of musculoskeletal complications in adolescents, especially due to prolonged screen exposure and sedentary habits linked to gaming," he boy, according to the hospital, was also suffering from a range of issues including a loss of interest in physical activity and school, along with social withdrawal -- all linked to his prolonged isolation and gaming doctors based on the symptoms concluded that he was suffering from "severe kypho-scoliotic deformity at the D11 and D12 vertebral levels due to spinal tuberculosis".A corrective surgery using advanced spinal navigation technology was eventually conducted to reverse paralysis and prevent long-term disability."The patient responded well as the surgery was successful," the hospital said in a statement.
