What is ISIC card and what actually it does?
International Student Identity Card or ISIC is an ID card for international students. This is an internationally recognized card and can help one to avail 1,50,000+ discounts over 130 countries. This card is issued by the ISIC Association, an NGO registered in Denmark. Being introduced in 1953 by ISIC Association, this was aimed to improve the cross cultural understanding and in surge the education related opportunities. At present the student organizations, academic institutions and governments of 133 nations recognize this card. Every the number of students that buy this card amount to 5 million.
Following are the benefits, the students gets as they get hold of this card:
1. 1200 Buses, Airlines, Trains, Coaches, and Ferries
2. 2700 Attractions
3. 2800 Cultural Sites and Museums
4. 2400 Hostels and budget hostels
5. 21000 Bars, restaurants, and Entertainment
Benefits of ISIC Card
With the ISIC card usage comes various benefits. These benefits makes the life of card holder easy in many ways. Following are the benefits of having a card:
- Easy to use
- Provides protection against fluctuation of forex
- Quick reloads
- Saves money
- Widely accepted
- Universal identity
- Safe and secure transactions
- Complimentary insurance
- Easy to track
- International SIM for free
Who can get the ISIC card?
In order to be the holder of the ISIC card, one has to be a full time student at a school, college or university. Moreover, the age of the person shall be equal to or greater than 12. There’s no upper age limit on same. In case on a break with studies, one needs to check with the local issuer of ISIC card.
Applying of ISIC Card
To apply for ISIC card there are couple of processes one can follow. It is simply you need to choose a process and go ahead with it.
- Online Process
Applying for ISIC card through online process is one of the most convienient way to apply. One needs to go to ISIC website, select the country and fill the form in correct manner. Following are the things that needs to be done:
a) A digital photo is to be updated in the jpeg format.
b) A scanned copy of the proof of full time student status needs to be uploaded. Date of issue needs to be clearly visible.
c) Scanned copy of proof of identity needs to be uploaded. These can be driver’s license or passport.
d) Last but not the least, payment mode needs to be selected i.e. card payment or via Paypal.
Online orders may take upto 3 to 4 weeks to be delivered to you depending on various factors.
2. Offline Process
One can pay a visit to the designated ISIC office and buy a card there. There are many offices in various locations. You can check the nearest ones. Same se to of documents needs to be presented, as discussed above, while you are in the office to process the application.
The card remains valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Cost of ISIC card in US and Canada
The cost does varies from country to country but it usually falls between USD 4 and USD 25 i.e. INR 296 and INR 1857. It is directly proportional to buying power in the country. The calculation of same remain in the hands of IMF in order to have a fair pricing. Following are the pricing of same in US and Canada:
USA
1. ISIC with no travel insurance — $20 (INR 1487)
2. ISIC with Basic travel insurance — $25 (INR 1857)
3. With Premium travel insurance — $199 (INR 14779)
4. With Explorer travel insurance — $199 (INR 14779)
Canada
1. Virtual ISIC card — $20 (INR 1160)
2. Additional plastic card (requires virtual ISIC) — $5 (INR 291)
3. Getting an ISIC card is a great idea for students who are moving to a different country and want to explore a more reliable way to manage their finances.
