Indian travellers are shifting their spending patterns abroad, prioritising authentic local experiences over high-end indulgences, according to new data from global fintech firm Wise. The findings, released ahead of World Tourism Day, indicate a growing preference among Indian tourists to eat, shop and move around like locals in key international cities.
The data highlights that Indian travellers, particularly those aged 25 to 35, are allocating most of their travel budgets to essentials such as flights, accommodation and transport, followed by dining and retail. Popular destinations include Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, London and Amsterdam, where visitors are increasingly using local transport networks and frequenting neighbourhood eateries and shops rather than tourist-centric venues.
This behavioural shift is also reflected in how Indian tourists manage their finances abroad. Wise notes a significant uptake of tap-to-pay methods and local payment apps, mirroring habits seen in major Indian cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Travellers are also becoming more discerning about exchange rates and hidden fees, seeking the best value for their money.
Financial habits travel with Indian tourists
Wise, which processes roughly 10% of all inward remittances to India, reported card spend of $44.3 billion in FY26. The company continues to facilitate seamless international transactions for its 19 million active customers, aiming to make global travel more financially accessible.
The trend aligns with broader shifts in the travel industry, where destinations and service providers are adapting to the preferences of Indian outbound travellers. For instance, OZEN Collection has tailored its Maldives offerings to Indian luxury travellers, while Scoot's recent Everywhere Sale targeted Indian travellers with festive fares. Additionally, Agoda data has highlighted a boom in Indian spiritual travel across Asia.
The emphasis on local experiences is not limited to India. Similar patterns are emerging among other Asian outbound markets, as seen in ICONSIAM's cultural and luxury push for Golden Week travellers. This suggests a broader regional trend towards immersive travel.
For travel professionals, the implications are clear: Indian travellers are increasingly value-conscious and experience-driven. Destinations and service providers that can offer authentic local encounters, transparent pricing and seamless digital payment options are likely to gain a competitive edge in this growing market.
As the global travel industry continues to recover, understanding these evolving preferences will be crucial for airlines, hoteliers, tour operators and destination marketers looking to capture the Indian outbound segment.
