Travel with Confidence
Don't let currency fluctuations disrupt your travel plans. At Shahi Travels, we provide highly competitive, transparent forex rates with instant availability for all major global currencies.
Our Forex Solutions
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Currency Notes
Major global currencies available instantly at competitive market rates.
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Multi-Currency Travel Cards
Secure, reloadable prepaid cards locking in favorable rates for safe international spending.
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Demand Drafts (DD)
For international payments including university fee remittances, immigration fee payments, and property transactions abroad. Drawn on correspondent foreign banks as per RBI LRS guidelines.
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Wire Transfers / Outward Remittances
For large international transfers including education fees, overseas investments, and maintenance of close relatives abroad. Subject to the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) annual limit of USD 250,000 per financial year.
Forex Card vs Foreign Currency Cash: Which is Better for Travel from Ahmedabad?
| Feature | Forex Card | Foreign Currency Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | PIN-protected; can be blocked instantly if lost | Risk of theft with no recourse |
| Exchange Rate | Locked at time of loading | Subject to daily fluctuation |
| Global Acceptance | Worldwide Visa/Mastercard network | Limited in remote or rural areas |
| Reload | Yes, remotely from India | Cannot be reloaded |
| ATM Access | Yes, at international ATMs | N/A (carry as cash) |
| Best For | Long trips, multiple destinations | Small local expenses and backup |
Recommendation: Carry approximately 70% of your travel budget on a forex card and keep 30% as local currency cash for markets, tips, and small vendors.
RBI Guidelines for Foreign Currency Exchange in India
Cash Limit per Trip
As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, Indian residents can carry foreign currency notes up to USD 3,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) per trip abroad for personal travel. For travel to Nepal and Bhutan, the limit is Rs 25,000 in Indian rupees only.
Annual LRS Limit
Under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year (April to March) for permissible transactions including education abroad, foreign investments, international travel, and medical expenses overseas.
A2 Form Requirement
For foreign exchange purchases above USD 1,000 equivalent per transaction, an A2 form (declaration of purpose of remittance) must be completed as per Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations. Shahi Travels assists customers with A2 form completion at the Ashram Road, Ahmedabad office.
TCS on Forex Above Rs 7 Lakh
Under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) at 20% applies on forex purchases above Rs 7 lakh per financial year (effective October 2023 per Budget 2023 provisions). This TCS is fully creditable against your income tax liability. Lower TCS rates apply for education and medical remittances.
All regulatory information reflects RBI/FEMA guidelines as of 2025-26. Regulations are subject to change. Consult Shahi Travels or a qualified CA for specific guidance on your situation.
Common Currencies for Popular Destinations from Ahmedabad
| Destination | Currency | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai / UAE | UAE Dirham | AED | Most popular forex request from Ahmedabad |
| Europe (Schengen) | Euro | EUR | 1 currency for 20+ countries; also see our Schengen visa service |
| United Kingdom | British Pound Sterling | GBP | Separate from EUR post-Brexit |
| USA | US Dollar | USD | Most widely accepted global currency |
| Thailand | Thai Baht | THB | Cards accepted in Bangkok; keep THB cash for markets |
| Singapore | Singapore Dollar | SGD | Keep SGD 100-200 cash; cards widely accepted |
| Australia | Australian Dollar | AUD | Higher denomination notes preferred |
| Switzerland | Swiss Franc | CHF | EUR partially accepted in tourist areas |
Frequently Asked Questions about Foreign Exchange in Ahmedabad
Which currencies does Shahi Travels exchange in Ahmedabad?
Shahi Travels provides foreign exchange for all major currencies including US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), UAE Dirham (AED), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Thai Baht (THB), Australian Dollar (AUD), and Swiss Franc (CHF). Japanese Yen (JPY), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Omani Rial (OMR), and Qatari Riyal (QAR) are also available on request. Contact us for the full current list.
What is the RBI limit on foreign currency I can carry from Ahmedabad?
As per RBI guidelines, Indian residents can carry foreign currency notes up to USD 3,000 (or equivalent) per trip abroad for personal travel. For travel to Nepal and Bhutan, the limit is Rs 25,000 in Indian rupees only - no foreign currency is permitted for these destinations. The annual LRS limit for all overseas remittances combined is USD 250,000 per financial year.
What documents do I need to buy forex at Shahi Travels?
You need a valid passport and a copy of your visa (for international travel). For amounts above USD 1,000 equivalent, an A2 form must be completed as per FEMA regulations. For multi-currency travel cards, a PAN card may also be required. Our Ashram Road, Ahmedabad office assists with all documentation at the time of purchase.
What is the difference between a forex card and carrying cash abroad?
A forex card is safer (PIN-protected and can be blocked if lost), locks in the exchange rate at loading time, is reloadable remotely from India, and is accepted worldwide on the Visa/Mastercard network. Cash is useful as a backup and for small local markets. Experienced travellers from Ahmedabad typically carry 70% of their budget on a forex card and 30% as local currency cash.
What is TCS on foreign exchange purchases?
Under Section 206C of the Income Tax Act, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) at 20% applies on foreign exchange purchases above Rs 7 lakh per financial year (effective October 2023 per Budget 2023 provisions). This TCS is deducted at source by the authorised dealer and is fully creditable against your total income tax liability. Lower TCS rates (0.5% for education loans, 5% for other education/medical) apply for those purposes.
Are Shahi Travels' forex rates better than the airport counter?
Yes. Airport forex counters at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) typically charge 5-8% above interbank rates due to captive demand. Shahi Travels provides rates based on the RBI daily reference rate with a much smaller margin. For travellers departing from Ahmedabad, it is always better to buy forex from our Ashram Road office before reaching the airport.
How do I check today's forex rates at Shahi Travels, Ahmedabad?
Exchange rates are updated daily based on RBI guidelines and market rates. Call +91 9898 249 252 or WhatsApp us during business hours (Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM) for today's rates. You can also walk in to our office at G-23, Swastik Super Market, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 380009.
Can I buy forex for someone else at Shahi Travels?
No. Foreign exchange purchases must be made by the traveller themselves with their own KYC documents (passport, visa). Proxy purchases are not permitted under FEMA and RBI KYC regulations. If you are buying forex for a family member's trip, the family member must be present at our office with their own valid travel documents.
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