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Tips to Use Leftover Foreign Currency in India

Blog Outline

When you travel abroad, it’s tempting to splurge on entertainment, shopping, and other leisure activities, especially if you’ve budgeted for them. However, many folks end up withdrawing more cash than they actually use, resulting in leftover foreign currency in India. If you’ve recently returned from an international trip and don’t want to attract unnecessary attention, it’s smart to use this extra leftover foreign currency before it causes any problems. Consider exchanging the leftover foreign currency to avoid any mishaps.

Completing a whole trip abroad without using cash is tough. You might end up with foreign currency notes or coins because you withdrew too much or got gifts from friends or family overseas. After each trip, there’s a good chance you have some leftover foreign currency. So, it’s important to know how to exchange foreign currency notes in India that you didn’t spend in the foreign country you visited.

According to the Reserve Bank of India, you can keep foreign exchange up to US$ 2,000 indefinitely in the form of foreign currency notes or travellers’ cheques (TCs) for future use. If you have more cash than this, you must deposit the extra leftover foreign currency back to the bank within 90 days of returning to India. For TCs, the deposit period is 180 days. Anything exceeding US$ 2,000 can be added to the Resident Foreign Currency (Domestic) [RFC(D)] account.
So, if you need to exchange leftover foreign currency in India, make sure to follow these guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India.
You can bring any amount of foreign currency into India without a specific limit. However, if the total value of the foreign currency in cash is more than US$ 5,000 or if the combined value of cash and travellers’ cheques exceeds US$ 10,000, it’s necessary to declare it to the customs authorities at the airport. Upon arrival in India, this declaration should be made using the Currency Declaration Form (CDF).
So, when you have a significant amount of foreign currency in India, especially if it goes beyond those limits, be sure to declare it using the Currency Declaration Form at the airport.

Tips To Handle The Leftover Foreign Currency In India

If you have leftover foreign currency from your trip that you didn’t spend, it’s important to know how to exchange foreign currency in India. You can manage the currency effectively and get the best foreign currency exchange rates. Here are a few simple ways to handle the unspent foreign currency you brought back home.

    1. Encash Forex Card or Exchange Currency Notes

The best method to deal with leftover foreign currency is currency encashment. Travellers can opt for this straightforward approach by exchanging foreign currency notes for Indian Rupees (INR) through banks or online forex platforms.

However, it’s important to note that their rates might not always be real-time or transparent when dealing with banks. On the other hand, online forex platforms offer live and transparent exchange rates ,ensuring you get the best foreign currency exchange rates.

If you have foreign currency loaded on a Forex card, you can use the unload funds feature. Simply contact the service provider that issued the Forex card or use their mobile app/website to unload the funds easily and manage your foreign currency notes effectively.

2. Avoid Waiting for the Currency Value to Increase

Some tourists wait for the right moment to exchange their foreign currency, hoping for an increase in its value. For example, if you bought Sterling Pounds during a trip to the UK and now wish for the Indian Rupee to decrease in value against the Pound so that you can exchange more INR. However, it’s strongly advised against playing this waiting game because it can backfire.
Predicting currency changes can be tricky, as most of us are not currency experts. Instead of relying on predictions, using a currency converter can help you accurately calculate the amount you’ll receive after exchanging your money. While some may think there won’t be much loss or profit during the trip due to minimal currency fluctuation, playing this waiting game carries the risk of the currency losing its value.
So, when it comes to exchanging leftover foreign currency, it’s generally safer to use a currency converter and avoid trying to time the market.

3. Keep The Foreign Currency For Your Next Trip

If you often travel to the same country for work, business, leisure, or any other reason, you can save the foreign currency for your next trip.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the amount of foreign currency notes you’re keeping for future use is within the limits set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). If it exceeds these limits, you may need to exchange the extra amount to comply with regulations.

4. Keep as a Souvenir or Gift to Family and Friends

Keeping the extra cash from an international trip can be a nice way to have a souvenir. Some folks even collect the coins as a keepsake, especially if they don’t plan to visit that country again. Another idea is to share some foreign currency notes as gifts with your family and friends, making it a unique and thoughtful present. It could be one of the best gifting options for your loved ones.

5. Shop at Duty-Free Stores

If you’ve got a good amount of foreign currency notes left, consider checking out a duty-free shop. It’s a great option if you’re buying something you regularly use or want to pick up a souvenir from your trip. However, be aware that some countries are concerned about inflation and may not accept foreign currency at duty-free stores. So, ensure your leftover foreign currency notes are accepted before shopping at the duty-free store.

How Do I Sell the Leftover Foreign Currency Notes in India?

If you want a trustworthy way to sell your extra foreign currency notes, using the services of an RBI-authorized money-changing company is the best option. They provide the best foreign currency exchange rates in the market, ensuring you get the most value for your money. This is particularly crucial if you have significant cash to exchange. So, opting for the best exchange rates is essential for getting the most out of your foreign currency.

Niyo Global Card – Your Global Travel Partner

Niyo has joined forces with the State Bank of India to simplify handling foreign currency. They provide a user-friendly INR-based digital savings account that you can manage yourself. This account includes a VISA Signature Debit Card with ZERO forex markup. The card is connected to the easy-to-use Niyo Global app, making your banking experience seamless while travelling abroad. The Niyo Global card is a great option if you’re looking for convenience.

Some standout features of Niyo Global include:
  • ZERO forex markup 
  • VISA Signature Debit Card 
  • Complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access in India
  • 7.5% Interest* p.a. on savings with a monthly payout
  • Works at VISA-accepting merchants in 150+ countries
  • Load in INR and spend anywhere
  • Integrated Niyo Global app
  • Real-time in-app currency converter
  • In-app nearby ATM locator
  • 24×7 Support
  • Concierge services (powered by VISA Signature)

What is Forex Card

A Forex Card, also known as a Travel Card, is a prepaid card crafted for travel convenience. Users preload it with a specific amount of foreign currency before their trip, enjoying the benefits of enhanced security through chip and PIN protection. One of the key advantages lies in the potential absence or reduction of forex conversion charges, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment cards. Beyond its financial advantages, Forex Cards are widely accepted globally, functioning seamlessly at merchants, ATMs, and online platforms. Users can lock in exchange rates when card loading, offering protection against currency fluctuations. Additionally, the benefits extend to practical features such as balance inquiry, reload options, and expense tracking, making Forex Cards a secure and efficient solution for managing finances while travelling internationally.

What are the Benefits of Forex Card: Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global card is like a supercharged version of a forex card, offering all its features and benefits, but with some improvements! If you don’t travel to the same country often, you might wonder what to do with the leftover currency. Check the below comparison of Niyo Global card and forex card.

for your next trip. What are your options in such a scenario?

 Niyo Global cardForex card
1.The Niyo Global digital savings account and card are linked, so funds are available instantly. Reloading funds to your account is a matter of minutes.Prepaid forex cards could take up to 3 days to make funds available in them after reloading. This could be a problem when you are out of money abroad.
2.Niyo Global is an interest-earning savings account. Your money earns up to 7.5% interest* p.a. and gives monthly interest payout.The money available in a forex card is not linked to any bank account and it doesn’t earn any interest for you.
3.There is no joining or account activation fee at the time of opening a Niyo Global accountForex cards usually charge an activation fee
4.Only the amount that is utilized to make payments goes through currency conversion. The remaining amount in the account continues to earn interest.The entire amount loaded on a forex card is charged with conversion charges at the time of loading irrespective of whether you use it or not
5.Only the VISA exchange rate is applied to all currency conversions. Niyo doesn’t charge any fee.Exchange rates vary across different forex cards. It is recommended to check with the service provider
6.There are no charges for loading/unloading/transferring funds via NEFT/RTGS/IMPSAt the time of unloading any unused balance in the forex card, a currency conversion charge is levied to convert the amount back to INR
7.Niyo Global is an INR-based card that auto-converts the transaction amount into the local currency at the time of purchase. There’s no need to load different currencies. The in-app currency convertor can do the math for you!Forex cards come with a limitation of the number of currencies that can be loaded into them
8.Niyo Global is a zero balance account that comes with a promise to not charge a fee for not maintaining a balance in your account.Forex cards usually charge an inactivity fee to keep your card active
9.The Niyo Global account comes with a virtual VISA Signature debit card that’s issued instantly at the time of account opening to use for all online purchases.A physical card can be ordered for use at POS, ATM transactions, accessing airport lounges, etc.Forex card comes with only one card. Occasionally, some may offer a backup card too. 
10.As the Niyo Global card is loaded with INR, it works in India too Forex cards work only in countries depending on the currencies loaded on it
11.The Niyo Global card provides complimentary airport lounge access at international terminals across India
12.Niyo Global provides VISA Concierge services (powered by VISA Signature)–a digital personal assistant with access to world-class experiences and exclusive privileges
13.In-app exclusive offers on flight, hotel and car rental bookings, etc. can save you a lot so you can enjoy the other finer things in life 
14.Should you need cash any time while you are abroad, the in-app nearby ATM locator can come to your rescue
15.Should you need assistance with your account, you can connect with us  24×7 through our in-app live chat

Niyo Global Card is a fantastic way to handle leftover foreign currency in India. It aims to make banking easy for travel or study and helps manage expenses during international trips effectively. You won’t have to deal with the hassle of carrying cash or paying hefty fees on regular debit or credit cards. If you’re looking for the best forex card in India, Niyo Global is the answer. Download the Niyo Global App for Android or iOS, and you can get started immediately. The Niyo Global card can be your best friend on international trips. Happy travels!

Conclusion

As an Indian family or student living in Australia, managing your day-to-day expenses can be challenging. It is high time you get a reliable global card that assures maximum savings with add-on benefits. If you are looking for hands-on solutions to your financial woes while living abroad, the zero forex markup international Niyo Global debit card can effortlessly facilitate international transactions.
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