International digital wallets: what they are, how they work, and what makes sense for you in 2026

Moving money across countries shouldn’t feel like a bureaucratic endurance sport. Today, international digital wallets let you send money, pay abroad, get paid from overseas, and manage your finances from almost anywhere. But with so many options, picking the right one can get overwhelming fast.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most widely used international digital wallets, how they work, and the differences that actually matter—so you can choose the best option for your needs.

What is an international digital wallet?

An international digital wallet is a service (usually an app) that lets you store, send, receive, and use money globally—without relying on a traditional bank account.

They’re part of the broader fintech ecosystem designed to make life easier for travelers, freelancers, migrants, and anyone who needs to make cross-border P2P transfers or pay businesses internationally.

For example: you can get paid in USD from anywhere, pay for a hotel in Europe, or send money to family in seconds—without bank approvals or paperwork. All from a single app.

Types of international digital wallets

Fiat digital wallets

Often called e-wallets, these are app/web services that let you hold and move balances in traditional currencies, make payments, and transfer money. They run on private infrastructure managed by a company.

That’s why even when some of them offer access to digital assets like crypto or stablecoins, it’s usually via a fully custodial model: you accept the provider’s terms, and the provider controls access to the funds.

Web3 wallets

Apps that let you hold and move digital assets directly on blockchain networks. They work with public addresses and allow you to send and receive funds without intermediaries.

These wallets typically don’t support cashing out directly into traditional currency. To convert digital assets into dollars or local currency, you usually need to send them to a third party that handles conversion and charges for it. Web3 wallets also come in different flavors depending on their custody model.

Hybrid digital wallets

Hybrid wallets combine the best of both worlds: an e-wallet-like experience (balances, transfers, cash-outs, and payments in fiat) plus real Web3 capabilities (stablecoins and on-chain transfers). They often make everyday use simpler without giving up interoperability.

Which international digital wallets are most used in Latin America?

There are plenty of options, each with different strengths. Here are the main ones:

1. Kontigo

Hybrid wallet

Kontigo is more than a wallet—it’s a global USDC account, built around a stable, audited digital dollar that works in 100+ countries.

What makes it stand out?

• It runs on USDC, which avoids the volatility of typical cryptocurrencies.
• It offers a secure way to store money through MPC self-custody: your money stays yours—no middlemen.
• It supports global top-ups: PayPal, U.S. banks, Zelle, PSE, cards, cash, crypto, and more.
• You can send and receive money across borders without relying on traditional bank transfers.
• It works for travelers, freelancers, founders, migrants, or anyone without reliable local banking access.
• It’s designed for real daily use: international payments, online shopping, and currency conversion.

2. Wise

Fiat wallet

Wise is one of the best-known wallets for international transfers with competitive pricing. It’s built around a global card, support for networks like Mastercard, and wallet integrations such as Apple Pay—plus transparent conversions based on the mid-market exchange rate.

It’s great for frequent travelers or people paying global services, although availability in parts of Latin America is still limited.

3. PayPal

Fiat wallet

PayPal is probably the most widely used online payments platform in the world. It enables you to get paid for work, send money, and shop globally thanks to broad merchant and platform integration. The tradeoff: fees and FX rates can be expensive—especially when withdrawing to bank accounts in the region.

Even so, it remains a core tool for freelancers and anyone who needs international flexibility.

4. Payoneer

Fiat wallet

Payoneer is popular with remote workers and businesses that get paid in multiple currencies. It makes it easy to receive payments from global platforms and withdraw to local bank accounts.

Withdraw times can vary by country, and fees can be higher than other alternatives—so it’s often best for specific professional use cases rather than everyday personal spending.

5. Skrill

Fiat wallet

Skrill is commonly used in gaming, betting, and certain niche digital markets. It supports fast payments and, in some countries, offers a prepaid card linked to your wallet balance.

Its ecosystem is more limited than newer options, and its footprint is less universal—so it’s useful for specific scenarios, but not as versatile as Wise or Kontigo.

6. AstroPay

AstroPay works mainly as a virtual prepaid card designed for international online purchases. It lets you pay online without exposing a traditional credit card.

It’s convenient for quick purchases, but it’s not a full wallet for holding funds, receiving payments, or managing multi-currency balances.

7. Prex

Fiat wallet

Prex is well known in some Latin American countries and offers a prepaid international card plus basic digital payment features. Its geographic reach is more limited and doesn’t provide the same global flexibility as Wise—or as USDC-based solutions like Kontigo.

8. Binance Web3 Wallet

Hybrid wallet

Binance’s Web3 Wallet is a blockchain wallet integrated into Binance’s centralized exchange and financial services ecosystem. It lets you send/receive on-chain funds and use dApps while staying inside Binance. Custody can vary depending on configuration, and you can operate without leaving their platform.

9. MetaMask

Web3 wallet

MetaMask is a self-custody wallet available as a browser extension and mobile app for Ethereum and EVM networks. You manage addresses and sign transactions to send/receive tokens and connect to dApps—without intermediaries. The catch: to cash out or use funds in daily life (USD or local currency), you’ll typically need to move funds to a hybrid wallet or a fiat service that supports digital asset payments.

Best international digital wallets in Latin America

Even if many wallets claim they’re “global,” real-world usability changes by country: top-up methods, cash-out options, fees, and local compatibility aren’t the same everywhere.

That’s why here’s a quick overview by country—along with links to deeper guides based on your context.

Colombia

In Colombia, international wallets are mainly used to get paid from abroad, send transfers, and manage digital dollars. Local top-up integrations and cross-border flexibility are key decision factors.

👉 See international digital wallets in Colombia

Venezuela

In Venezuela, the priority is often protecting savings from inflation, receiving funds from abroad, and operating without relying on the local banking system. Wallets that support digital dollars and alternative top-ups tend to matter most.

👉 See international digital wallets in Venezuela

Mexico

In Mexico, international wallets are used for online payments, cross-border shopping, and receiving income from global platforms. Card compatibility, transfer options, and the exchange rate applied often make the biggest difference.

Argentina

In Argentina, many users look for wallets that enable saving in dollars, receiving payments from abroad, and reducing friction with the local financial system. Fees, limits, and how currency conversion works are critical when comparing options.

Brazil

In Brazil, the focus tends to be daily usability, sending money abroad, and integration with digital payments. International wallets often complement the local system when you need to operate outside the country.

How does an international digital wallet work?

There are differences depending on wallet type, but wallets that let you top up or cash out in USD or local currency tend to follow a standard flow. Unlike purely Web3 wallets, these providers typically must comply with AML (Anti–Money Laundering) requirements, so they apply stricter identity verification.

• Sign up: creating an account is usually fast—basic personal info, email, and identity checks (KYC). You often don’t need a bank account, and onboarding typically takes minutes.
• Add funds: depending on the wallet, you can top up via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, PayPal, cash deposits, or crypto.
• Use your balance: once funded, you can send money abroad, pay online, scan QR codes, convert currencies at current rates, link virtual/physical cards, and make international purchases.
• Withdraw funds: depending on the provider, you can cash out to a local bank, another wallet, cash, or crypto—factoring in exchange rates and fees.
• Security: security varies by provider. Some are custodial (they control access to funds). Others—like Kontigo—use self-custody approaches to protect your money using advanced tech like MPC and biometric verification.

In practice, it’s simple: top up with a card → pay for a service in another country → send money in minutes → store savings in USDC. All from your phone. No waiting, no approvals, no banks.

What should you consider when choosing an international digital wallet?

Before choosing, check these points:

1. Define your goal

Start with first principles: list the exact financial actions you need (transfers, physical card payments, virtual card payments, etc.). The more specific you are, the easier it is to find the right fit. Ask things like: Who is sending and receiving? What currencies are involved? What currency do I want to save in?

2. Where it works

Not all wallets operate everywhere. Kontigo, for example, is available in 100+ countries.

3. Real fees (not marketing fees)

Include:

• Transfers
• Withdrawals
• FX conversion margins
• Maintenance fees
• Card usage (physical or virtual)

4. Privacy and security

• Is it custodial or self-custody?
• Does it use biometric verification?
• Are funds protected even if you lose your device?

5. Speed

Ideal: near real-time transfers.

6. Top-up and cash-out options

More options (PayPal, banks, cards, crypto) usually means more flexibility.

7. Compatibility with global platforms

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Mastercard, Visa, e-commerce, etc.

8. Support and reputation

Check reviews and how the company handles issues.

9. Does it support stable currencies?

Wallets built around stablecoins like USDC typically offer more stability and flexibility.

Kontigo: the next generation of international digital wallets

Kontigo isn’t just another wallet—it’s built for people who live, work, or move across borders. Instead of limiting you with countries, banks, and slow processes, it gives you a modern way to manage money—simply.

The difference isn’t only the tech—it’s the underlying idea: anyone, anywhere, should be able to manage their money freely, without friction.

If you want a wallet that supports your global life—not just individual transactions—Kontigo is built for that. Download the app on iOS or Android and start managing your money globally, without borders.

International digital wallets FAQ

Can I use an international digital wallet without a bank account?

Yes. Many let you add funds via card, local top-ups, PayPal, or alternative methods—making them useful for people without traditional bank access.

Are these wallets safe?

It depends on the provider. The most reliable options use biometric authentication, encryption, and advanced security. Kontigo, for example, uses MPC self-custody, designed to keep funds protected even if you lose your device.

Should I use crypto or digital dollars?

If you want stability, digital dollars like USDC are a strong option because they’re designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the U.S. dollar, while still letting you move money without relying on banks.

Which wallet is best for getting paid from abroad?

PayPal and Payoneer are still popular due to platform integrations. That said, Kontigo can be more accessible and cost-effective for receiving funds and converting balances with less friction.

Do exchange rates affect my transactions?

Yes. Every wallet applies its own FX rate and margin, and this can vary significantly—so it’s worth comparing before converting or sending.