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How to Send Employee Gift Cards Abroad Without the Hassle

Written by Toasty | Oct 10, 2025

Why Sending Employee Gift Cards Abroad Is So Important in 2025

In today’s borderless workforce, recognition has no boundaries. Whether your employees are working from London, Lagos, or Los Angeles, meaningful appreciation must travel just as far and just as fast.

Remote and Hybrid Teams Span the Globe

The global shift toward remote work has changed how businesses recognize success. Traditional in-person celebrations or physical gift boxes don’t translate well across continents. Instead, digital rewards and global e-gift cards make it possible to appreciate employees instantly, no matter where they are.

Recognizing Across Borders Builds Connection

Recognition is the heartbeat of company culture. For global teams, it strengthens unity, reinforces shared values, and keeps employees engaged—even when separated by oceans and time zones. That’s why mastering how to send employee gift cards abroad efficiently and compliantly is essential for modern HR and People Ops teams.

 

 

The Challenges of Sending Gift Cards Internationally

Sending rewards across borders can get complicated fast. Let’s look at the three most common challenges companies face.

Currency and Tax Compliance

International transfers often involve conversion rates, cross-border taxes, and reporting obligations. Non-compliance can expose companies to legal risks. That’s why using a platform like Toasty, which manages regional compliance and handles multi-currency support automatically, is a game-changer.

Delivery Delays and Regional Restrictions

Physical gift cards or local-only eGift options can’t guarantee smooth global delivery. Shipping delays, customs fees, or incompatible formats create frustration. Digital-first tools like the Toasty Card ensure instant global delivery to recipients in over 90 countries.

Hidden Fees and Conversion Charges

Traditional gifting platforms often deduct fees from card value. A $100 card might deliver only $94 after handling or conversion fees. With Toasty, there are zero activation or service fees, meaning recipients always get the full value.

 

 

What Makes a Global Gifting Platform Truly “Compliant”?

Compliance isn’t just about following laws—it’s about protecting your company and your people.

Data Privacy and Regional Regulations (GDPR, CCPA)

Any platform sending data internationally must meet strict privacy standards. Toasty complies with global data protection laws, ensuring employee information stays secure and never shared with third parties.

Multi-Currency and Local Market Adaptation

Compliance also means localization. Toasty’s system detects the recipient’s country and automatically offers region-appropriate redemption options—eliminating issues with unavailable merchants or blocked cards.

 

 

How to Send Employee Gift Cards Abroad Without the Hassle

Here’s a step-by-step framework for global gifting made simple.

Step 1: Choose a Compliant Global Gift Platform

Select a platform that offers multi-currency support, real-time delivery, and GDPR-compliant systems. Toasty leads in this space, delivering digital rewards seamlessly while ensuring full legal compliance.

Step 2: Automate the Process

Manually sending hundreds of cards is inefficient. Toasty’s automation tools allow you to schedule and deliver bulk digital cards across departments, countries, and time zones—all within minutes.

Step 3: Personalize for Local Relevance

Custom messages and branding make global gifts feel personal. Add your company’s logo, language localization, and heartfelt notes directly within Toasty’s dashboard.

Step 4: Track, Report, and Optimize

With real-time tracking and redemption analytics, HR teams can measure engagement, reclaim unused balances, and refine future gifting campaigns.

 

 

Why Toasty Card Is the Easiest Way to Send Employee Gift Cards Abroad

Instant Global Delivery in 90+ Countries

With coverage across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, Toasty Card enables organizations to send employee gift cards abroad instantly—without worrying about logistics or delays.

The Toasty Choice Card = Universal Redemption

This flagship feature allows recipients to redeem from 30,000+ global brands, including Visa, Amazon, and Starbucks. Employees can split their balance between multiple cards or add to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Compliant, Secure, and Fee-Free

Toasty operates on a zero-fee model with built-in compliance, making it one of the few truly global and transparent gifting solutions.

Custom Branding for Corporate Identity

Each Toasty Card can be fully branded with your company logo, color palette, and personalized messaging—transforming a simple card into a branded experience.

 

 

Top 10 Employee Gift Card Options for International Teams

  1. Toasty Choice Card (Editor’s Pick) – Redeemable in 90+ countries, 400+ brands.

  2. Visa International Gift Card – Universal acceptance with digital convenience.

  3. Amazon Global eGift Card – Great for international shoppers.

  4. DoorDash or Uber Eats – Perfect for remote lunch perks.

  5. Spotify or Netflix – Entertainment gifts that transcend borders.

  6. Airbnb eGift Card – Encourage rest and travel for top performers.

  7. Google Play or Apple Gift Cards – Ideal for app and tech purchases.

  8. Local Retail Cards – Toasty tailors brand options by region.

  9. Charity Choice Cards – Let employees donate globally.

  10. Prepaid Mastercard or Reloadable Cards – Flexible for any global purchase.

 

How Toasty Ensures Compliance in Global Gift Card Delivery

Data Protection Standards

All data handled through Toasty adheres to GDPR, CCPA, and ISO 27001 standards, ensuring complete privacy and trust.

Anti-Fraud and Financial Regulations

Toasty partners only with certified payment providers and card issuers, maintaining high standards of AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance.

Localized Brand Catalog and Currency Support

Each recipient sees brand options relevant to their country—no mismatched merchants or blocked currencies.

 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Gift Cards Abroad

Ignoring Tax and Legal Requirements
Always use a compliant vendor that manages cross-border regulations for you.


Using Physical or Country-Restricted Cards
Avoid traditional cards that can’t cross borders or require postal shipping.


Not Personalizing or Tracking Rewards
Sending generic, untracked gifts wastes budget and weakens engagement.

 

 

Conclusion: Global Rewards, Simplified with Toasty

Sending employee gift cards abroad doesn’t have to be complicated. The right platform turns what used to be a logistical headache into a streamlined, compliant, and delightful experience.

With Toasty Choice Card, companies can reward, recognize, and celebrate employees worldwide—instantly, securely, and with zero fees.

🌍 Ready to send global rewards without the hassle?
👉 Start with Toasty Card or book a demo today

Sign-Up   Book a Demo

 

 

FAQs

Can I send employee gift cards internationally via email?
Yes—platforms like Toasty Card deliver eGift cards digitally, instantly, and globally.

Is it compliant to send international gift cards for employees?
With Toasty, yes. All transactions comply with international tax and privacy standards.

How fast are global eGift deliveries?
Delivery is instant—or scheduled in advance for birthdays or recognition events.

What currencies are supported?
Toasty supports USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, INR, and many others, adapting to recipient regions.

Can recipients choose their own brands?
Absolutely. The Toasty Choice Card allows employees to select brands they actually use.

Are there any hidden or activation fees?
None. Toasty operates on a zero-fee model, ensuring every dollar goes to your people.