FAQ

Q. 1. What are currency Notes ?

Ans. Currency notes are the physical notes. In India we typically use notes of Rs. 10,20,50,100,500 and 1000 denomination. Similarly, each currency has its own denomination set.

Q. 2. What is the maximum limit for carrying foreign currency and for foreign currency notes?

Ans. Maximum limit for foreign currency per traveller for a leisure trip is USD 250000 in a year as per Indian regulations but only $3000 can be carried as currency notes as per Indian regulations and the balance has to be carried in the convenient form of Prepaid Forex cards or Foreign Currency Travellers Cheques.( Maximum $-25000 as per USA regulations ).

Q. 3. What are the various documents that are needed to buy Foreign Currency Notes?

Ans. Valid passport, your confirmed tickets or Visa, Basic Travel Quota (BTQ) Form and Residence Permit in case of Foreign Nationals and a LERMS letter (For business travel) and purchase your foreign currency notes. In case you prefer to buy online, just fill in the details on the left of this page and book your currency online.

Q. 4. What is a Prepaid Forex Card?

Ans. Prepaid Card is a secure, convenient and easy way to carry money and make payments whenever you travel abroad. Once loaded in India, it can be used to pay for your shopping, food and other expenses with one simple swipe across 31.4 Million merchant establishments globally who accept a Visa card.

Q. 5. In which currencies are the Prepaid Forex Cards available?

Ans. USD/EUR/GBP/AUD/YEN/THB/SGD/NZD/AED/SAR/ZAR/SEK/AUD/CHF/NZD

Q. 6. What is the validity of the Prepaid Forex Cards?

Ans. Valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issue printed on the card. Within this period you can use this Prepaid Forex Card as many times as you like. On your next trip overseas, you can recharge your Card at a Thomas Cook branch. Simply fill in the reload coupons given to you along with the necessary documents; your Card will be credited with the new amount within hours. This is subject to RBI regulations. (For latest on RBI regulation: www.rbi.org.in)

Q. 7. Once I get the Prepaid Forex card, can I use the card in India?

Ans.  Since this is a Foreign Currency card, usage is limited only to foreign countries excluding India, Nepal and Bhutan as per RBI guidelines.

Q. 8. Can I retain the card and reload it for my next trip?

Ans. RBI allows you the convenience of retaining your card and reloading it before your next trip abroad so that you can use the same card the next time you travel.

Q. 9. If I have money left on my card, how can I encash it once I come back?

Ans.  The Card can be encashed only after your return to India. Furthermore, the last transaction done on the card should be more than 10 days prior to the date of encashment.

Q. 10. Can I pay for my Foreign Currency in Indian Rupee in cash?

Ans. Foreign exchange for your personal/business foreign trip can be purchased in cash only up to Rs. 50,000/-. However, if the Rupee equivalent exceeds Rs. 50,000/-, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/ banker’s cheque/ pay order/ demand draft/ debit card / credit card / prepaid card only. Please note that providing a PAN Card is mandatory for payments above INR 25,000.

Q. 11. How much foreign exchange is available for a business trip ?

Ans. For business trips abroad to countries, (other than to Nepal and Bhutan), you can avail of foreign exchange up to USD 250000 per annum. Release of foreign exchange exceeding USD 250000 for business travel abroad (other than to Nepal and Bhutan), irrespective of the period of stay, requires prior permission from the Reserve Bank.

Q. 12. What types of trips are treated as business trips?

Ans. Visits in connection with business, deputation by company, attending of an international conference, seminar, specialised training, study tour, apprentice training, etc., are treated as business visits.