What gift cards can be used internationally?

The ROI of thoughtful, locally relevant gift cards is clear. According to a recent study, the right gift card can increase employee performance even more than cash bonuses. And when companies resolve customer service issues with a meaningful incentive, 98% of customers remain loyal compared to just 63% without a reward.

Whether you're rewarding employees, incentivizing customers, or compensating research participants, your business needs to offer rewards that recipients can actually redeem. Sending rewards internationally can introduce unique challenges. 

Recipients in different countries have varying preferences, shopping habits, and payment systems. A gift card that works in the US might be useless in India or Mexico. Even companies that operate internationally often require country-specific gift card codes. 

In this article, we'll explore the different types of international gift cards, break down the most popular options by country, and explain key considerations for running a successful global rewards program.

Types of international gift cards

Before we dive into the data on the best gift cards by country, here’s a look at the main types of international gift cards businesses send to individuals.

Prepaid international gift cards

Prepaid cards offer maximum flexibility. Recipients can use them virtually anywhere that accepts credit or debit cards, and they aren't linked to bank accounts, providing security and ease of use across borders.

Some of the common prepaid cards are issued by major payment networks like:

Visa

Visa prepaid cards work in over 200 countries and territories. They're accepted by millions of merchants worldwide and can be used for online purchases, in-store shopping, or ATM withdrawals of local currency.

Our recent survey showed that Visa prepaid cards are perceived to be of similar value to cash transfers. This is no surprise since prepaid Visas offer the flexibility of cash with built-in protections against loss or theft.

Mastercard

Like Visa, prepaid Mastercards offer broad international acceptance. They’re also backed by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection to cover online and in-person purchases. 

Both Mastercard and Visa are great choices for global recipients since they don't require them to have accounts with specific retailers or banks.

American Express

American Express prepaid cards combine worldwide acceptance with a premium feel. It’s worth noting that Amex’s international merchant network isn't quite as extensive as Visa or Mastercard. American Express cards are accepted in 160+ countries while Visa and Mastercard operate in over 200 countries.

TL;DR: If you’re sending prepaid cards to non-US recipients, you might be better off choosing Mastercard or Visa.  

Retailer-specific gift cards

People appreciate the versatility of prepaid cards, but brand-specific gift cards create a deeper connection, allowing recipients to choose from retailers that match their interests.

Research shows that gift cards can trigger different psychological responses than general-purpose rewards. While cash typically goes toward everyday expenses, branded gift cards are viewed as "treat yourself" funds. Recipients feel more permission to indulge in wants rather than needs, leading to more memorable and emotionally rewarding experiences.

These purchases often become memory anchors, creating lasting positive associations with your brand. For example, if a fitness enthusiast receives a Nike gift card and buys new running shoes, every morning run can become a reminder of appreciation, turning a simple gift into an ongoing source of motivation.

Some of the most-redeemed retail gift cards include:

Amazon

You can buy just about anything on Amazon, and the e-commerce giant operates dedicated online marketplaces in 20+ countries worldwide. Recipients can shop Amazon in their local currency and language whether they’re based in Rome or Rio De Janeiro.

Starbucks

Starbucks operates in 80+ countries, making the coffee chain’s gift cards practical for global rewards and incentives. Recipients can load their gift card funds directly into the Starbucks app and easily spend them at any location.

Apple

Apple gift cards work across the company's entire ecosystem, including devices, apps, games, and digital services like Apple TV+. They're particularly valuable in countries where iPhones dominate like the US (58% market share), Canada (60%), and Japan (69%).

Airbnb

Airbnb gift cards unlock travel possibilities in 220+ countries and regions. Recipients can book unique stays, local experiences, or adventurous excursions in their own country or abroad. This flexibility makes them ideal for global recipients with diverse travel preferences.

eBay

eBay gift cards connect recipients to a global marketplace of unique or hard-to-get items — the type of finds that can become long-lasting memory anchors. Plus, eBay operates in 190 countries worldwide, so it's accessible to just about everyone. 

Nike

Nike gift cards can be used online or at Niketown retail locations. The brand's global presence means recipients can shop locally, avoiding international shipping fees. With a wide range of athletics and athleisure products, Nike has broad appeal for all types of recipients.

Steam

There are over 3.3 billion active gamers worldwide, and Steam's gaming platform transcends language barriers. Steam gift cards work seamlessly across borders and unlock access to over 73,000 console and PC titles. 

Considerations for using gift cards internationally

Sending gift cards across borders is more complex than sending just in the US, but understanding a few key details makes international rewards simple and effective. Here's what you need to know.

Exchange rates

Gift card amounts need careful consideration when sending internationally. Exchange rates can turn round numbers into awkward decimals — a $50 card might convert to 37.82 euros. Plus, some retailers only support specific gift card currency increments, so an oddly converted amount might not work.

Planning reward amounts that make sense in local currencies helps avoid confusion. Consider both current exchange rates and typical gift card increments in your target markets.

The right rewards platform can handle these complexities automatically. Recipients should receive clean, standard amounts in their local currency, regardless of where the reward originates.

Regional restrictions and regulations

International gift cards face varying regulations around expiration dates, fees, and redemption policies. Some countries restrict certain payment methods or have specific requirements for digital rewards.

Different regions also have distinct tax implications and reporting requirements for rewards programs. Understanding these obligations helps ensure program compliance and recipient satisfaction.

Working with reward providers who understand local markets helps navigate these challenges. Choose partners with established presence in your target regions who can offer appropriate options for each location.

Gift cards: A great way to reward international recipients

No matter where your recipients are located worldwide, gift cards are a compelling and flexible reward option. The right mix of options, from prepaid cards to local retail favorites, helps ensure every recipient gets a reward they'll actually use.

A gift card distributor like Tremendous can simplify the process of sending gift cards internationally. Our platform handles everything from currency conversion to compliance, letting you focus on your recognition program rather than administrative details. With over 2,000 reward options across 200+ countries, we ensure every recipient receives a locally relevant reward.

Explore our global gift card catalog >