Cryptocurrency isn’t just digital speculation—it’s becoming real money used in everyday life. With innovations in PayFi (Payment + Finance), crypto is stepping out of exchanges and into restaurants, stores, and travel experiences. But does using a crypto Visa card abroad actually save you money compared to traditional cash or cards?
To answer this, we tested the RedotPay virtual crypto Visa card during a trip to Thailand. From setup to real-world spending at places like McDonald’s, we’ll break down how seamless and cost-effective crypto payments really are—especially when traveling internationally.
👉 Discover how easy it is to spend crypto like cash with the right tools.
What Is PayFi? Bridging Blockchain and Daily Spending
PayFi stands for Payment Finance—a fusion of blockchain-powered transactions with real-world financial services. Unlike traditional banking systems that rely on slow, expensive cross-border networks, PayFi uses cryptocurrency to enable faster, cheaper, and more transparent payments.
When you send money overseas through banks, the process often takes 1–3 business days and incurs multiple fees—from currency conversion to intermediary charges. PayFi eliminates many of these layers by allowing users to pay directly with stablecoins like USDT or USDC, or even major cryptos like BTC and ETH, converted instantly at the point of sale.
This shift means travelers can now avoid carrying large amounts of cash or worrying about poor exchange rates at airport kiosks. Instead, they use a simple app-based virtual card tied to their crypto wallet—exactly what RedotPay offers.
Real-World Test: Using a Crypto Visa Card in Thailand
We took the RedotPay Visa card on a trip to Thailand to see how well it performed in daily scenarios—from fast food to retail purchases.
The results? Smooth transactions, competitive exchange rates, and no need to carry stacks of Thai baht. Here's how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: Register and Download the App
Getting started with RedotPay is straightforward:
- Download the RedotPay app (available on iOS and Android).
- Sign up using your email or phone number.
- Set a secure password.
RedotPay offers both virtual and physical Visa cards:
- Virtual card: $10 USD one-time fee (~NT$330), no annual fees.
- Physical card: $100 USD (includes shipping), supports ATM withdrawals in local fiat.
Both come with a $5 USD bonus upon completion—usable only for RedotPay transactions.
👉 Start your journey toward borderless payments today.
Step 2: Activate Your Visa Debit Card
Next, complete identity verification (KYC):
- Provide an English billing address.
- Upload a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
The KYC process typically takes 5–10 minutes, though our virtual card was approved in under 5 minutes.
Once verified, you’re ready to fund and use your card.
Step 3: Link to Apple Pay or Google Pay
After activation:
- Generate your virtual card within the app.
- Copy the card details and add them to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
This allows contactless payments at any merchant that accepts mobile wallets—making spending as easy as tapping your phone.
Note: You must deposit at least $10 USD worth of crypto or fiat before making your first purchase.
Step 4: Configure Payment Settings
RedotPay supports five main currencies:
- USDT (TRC20/ERC20)
- USDC
- BTC
- ETH
- USD (fiat)
Crypto must be transferred on-chain to your RedotPay wallet before use. Once funded, you can customize key settings:
- Set spending limits per transaction (default max: $100,000 USD; adjustable down to $10,000).
- Choose the priority order of which currency to spend first (e.g., USDT over USD).
These features enhance security and control—especially useful when traveling.
Step 5: Spend It in the Real World
We used the RedotPay card at a McDonald’s in Bangkok, purchasing a meal for 422 THB (Thai baht). The payment was made using USDT and USD, with a 1% transaction fee applied.
Here’s how the exchange rate compared:
| Source | Exchange Rate (THB/USD) |
|---|---|
| RedotPay (with fee) | ~33.1 |
| Local Bank Rate | ~32.77 |
That’s a slight advantage—you get more value per dollar spent compared to traditional banks. While not revolutionary, consistent small gains add up over time, especially for frequent travelers.
Additionally, no foreign transaction fees were charged beyond the 1% processing cost—far lower than typical 2–3% fees on conventional credit cards.
Pros and Cons of Using RedotPay Abroad
✅ Advantages
- Fast KYC approval – Verified in under 5 minutes.
- No annual fees – Only a one-time $10 cost for the virtual card.
- Competitive exchange rates – Better than many local banks.
- Supports major cryptos and stablecoins – Flexible funding options.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay integration – Seamless mobile payments.
- Customizable spending controls – Reduce fraud risk with limits.
- Available in 61+ countries – Including U.S., Thailand, Taiwan, and more.
❌ Limitations
- Requires initial crypto deposit via blockchain transfer (may involve network fees).
- Physical card is relatively expensive ($100).
- Limited customer support visibility outside Asia.
- Not all merchants accept contactless payments in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a crypto Visa card like regular money?
Yes. Once linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay, a crypto Visa card functions just like a traditional debit card. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted—online, in-store, or at contactless terminals.
Q2: Do I need to pay foreign transaction fees?
RedotPay does not charge separate foreign transaction fees. There’s only a flat 1% processing fee, which includes currency conversion. This is typically lower than traditional banks’ 2–3% fees.
Q3: Which cryptocurrencies can I spend directly?
You can spend USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and USD (fiat). However, crypto must first be transferred into your RedotPay wallet before use.
Q4: Is my money safe with RedotPay?
RedotPay is a licensed Money Services Business (MSB) based in Hong Kong, with anti-money laundering (AML) compliance protocols. While not insured like traditional banks, its regulatory alignment adds credibility.
Q5: Can I withdraw cash from ATMs?
Only the physical card supports ATM withdrawals in local currency. The virtual card is designed for digital and contactless payments only.
Q6: How fast is the identity verification?
Most users complete KYC in 5–10 minutes. Our test showed approval in under 5 minutes with a valid ID upload.
Final Thoughts: Is Spending Crypto Abroad Worth It?
Absolutely—if you're already holding stablecoins or crypto, using a service like RedotPay makes international travel simpler and potentially cheaper. No more hunting for exchange counters or paying hidden bank fees.
With real-time conversions, strong security settings, and seamless mobile integration, crypto-powered PayFi solutions are redefining how we think about money across borders.
Whether you're in Bangkok, New York, or Taipei, your digital assets can now work as hard as you do—turning blockchain balances into real-world purchases.
👉 See how you can turn your crypto into everyday spending power.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk. Please conduct thorough research and assess your risk tolerance before engaging in any transaction.