What gift cards can be used internationally?
By Zach Links●4 min. read●May 23, 2025
Whether you're rewarding employees, incentivizing customers, or compensating research participants, your organization needs to offer compelling rewards. But if you send rewards internationally, it introduces some unique challenges — you have to find something global recipients can redeem wherever they live.
Recipients in other countries have different local retailers, currencies, and payment systems. A gift card that works in the U.S. might be useless in India or Brazil. Even online, international companies can’t always accept locally purchased gift cards.
To avoid redemption headaches, you need gift cards that work internationally. Here you can see different types of international gift cards, explore the most popular options by country, and get key considerations for running a successful global rewards program.
Prepaid Visa gift cards
Prepaid Visa gift cards (that are enabled for global use) work in over 200 countries and territories. Millions of merchants worldwide accept Visa, so you can use these gift cards at most of the places you usually shop. Virtual Visa gift cards even work in physical stores as long as the recipient adds them to a mobile wallet first (like Apple Pay).
Just keep in mind that some merchants don't accept prepaid cards, so you'll have to check the payment options for your particular transaction.
Our research shows that people value Visa prepaid cards almost as much as cash, and more valuable than other types of rewards such as extra paid time off (PTO).
Retailer-specific gift cards
People appreciate the versatility of Visa gift cards, but brand-specific gift cards can come across as more personalized.
Research shows that gift cards can trigger different psychological responses than cash rewards. While cash typically goes toward everyday expenses, people see gift cards as "treat yourself" funds. With a branded gift card, people might feel freer to indulge in wants rather than needs.
To delight your recipients, choose one of the most-redeemed retailer gift cards to send as a reward.
Note about currency restrictions:
When you buy a retailer-specific gift card, it's frequently tied to the region or currency you bought it in. International recipients might not be able to use a gift card you bought in USD.
To avoid this problem, you'll want to use a platform like Tremendous that handles currency exchanges automatically and lets you filter gift card options by country.
Amazon
You can buy just about anything on Amazon, and the e-commerce giant operates dedicated online marketplaces in 24 countries. Recipients can shop on 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 useful 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+. These gift cards are particularly valuable in countries where iPhones are popular such as Australia, Canada, and the U.K.
Airbnb
Airbnb gift cards unlock travel possibilities in over 220 countries and regions. Recipients can book unique stays and local experiences in their own country or abroad. This flexibility makes Airbnb gift cards ideal for global recipients who love to travel.
eBay
eBay gift cards connect recipients to a global marketplace of unique or hard-to-get items. Plus, eBay operates in 190 markets worldwide, so it's accessible to just about everyone.
Nike
Nike gift cards can be used online or at Nike-owned stores. The brand's global presence means recipients can shop locally in over 70 countries and avoid 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. Many other countries have access to Steam, and the brand's gift cards unlock access to over 89,000 console and PC titles.
Considerations for using gift cards internationally
Sending gift cards across borders is more complex than sending them within your own country. But if you understand a few key details, you can send international rewards simply and effectively.
Exchange rates
Gift card amounts need careful consideration when you send them internationally. Exchange rates can turn round numbers into awkward decimals — for example, a $50 card that converts to $44.30 in 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 platform can handle currency conversions 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 can help you navigate these challenges. Choose partners with an established presence in your target regions who can offer appropriate gift card 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 Visa gift 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. Tremendous 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 more than 200 countries, you can ensure every recipient receives a locally relevant reward.
