Get competitive exchange rates without the airport markup. We help you understand RBI guidelines and carry the right mix of cash and cards.
"First-time international travelers often worry about forex. We explain everything in simple terms - how much cash to carry, which forex card works best, and how to avoid hidden charges."
- The Oyster Holidays TeamExchanging money for international travel can feel confusing - different rates, hidden fees, RBI rules, and the question of how much to carry. We've been helping travelers from Bangalore navigate forex since 2015, and we'll make sure you have exactly what you need.
We work with RBI authorized dealers to get you competitive rates without the markup you'd pay at airports. More importantly, we help you understand the best combination of cash, forex cards, and credit cards for your specific destination.
Each option has its advantages. We help you choose the right mix based on your destination and travel style.
Load multiple currencies on one card. Safe, convenient, and accepted worldwide. You can track spending via mobile app and reload if needed.
Essential for small purchases, tips, local markets, and places that don't accept cards. We recommend carrying a reasonable amount as backup.
Your existing bank cards for larger purchases and emergencies. Useful but check forex markup fees with your bank before travel.
As an Indian traveler, there are rules about how much foreign currency you can carry. Here's what you need to know.
We can arrange all major currencies through our authorized dealer network. Here are the most commonly requested ones.
Widely accepted globally. Essential for USA, many Caribbean islands, and as backup currency in most countries.
For European travel - France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, and 16 other Eurozone countries.
Essential for Thailand. Cash is widely preferred for street food, local markets, and smaller establishments.
For Singapore travel. Also accepted in Brunei. Cards are widely accepted but cash useful for hawker centers.
For Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all UAE emirates. Mix of cash and cards works well.
For Malaysia travel. Cash preferred in local markets and smaller towns outside Kuala Lumpur.
For United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales. London is very card-friendly.
For Switzerland travel. Note: Switzerland is not in the Eurozone. CHF is separate from EUR.
Need a different currency? Contact us - we can arrange most currencies with advance notice.
We typically recommend carrying 30-40% of your budget as cash and the rest on a forex card. The exact amount depends on your destination - Thailand and Indonesia require more cash for local markets, while Singapore and Dubai are more card-friendly. We'll advise based on your specific itinerary.
For major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AED), buying in India usually gives you better rates than exchanging at your destination - especially at airports abroad. For some currencies like Thai Baht or Indonesian Rupiah, you might get marginally better rates locally, but the convenience of having money ready when you land often outweighs this small difference.
You can convert unused foreign currency back to Indian Rupees within 180 days of your return. Keep your original purchase receipts (encashment certificate) as proof. Any unused amount on your forex card can also be transferred back. We'll help you with the reconversion process.
Yes, you need a valid passport and confirmed travel tickets (flight booking) to purchase foreign exchange in India. For amounts above Rs 50,000, you'll also need your PAN card. These are RBI requirements that all authorized dealers must follow.
A forex card is a prepaid card loaded with foreign currency at a locked-in exchange rate. You can use it for purchases (like a debit card) or withdraw cash from ATMs abroad. The main advantages are security (PIN protected, can be blocked if lost), rate certainty (no fluctuation after loading), and the ability to load multiple currencies. We can help you choose the right forex card based on your travel needs.
Tell us where you're going and we'll help you get the right forex at competitive rates. We also advise on the best cash-card combination for your destination.