Ways to use Leftover Foreign Currency When Returning Back from Your Trip in India

If you have recently travelled to a foreign land, chances are that you have some foreign currency left and some balance on your forex card. On returning, you have two choices: convert the currency back into Indian rupees or wait for the currency prices to rise to gain some profit.

Updated On - 08 Oct 2025

However, if you are planning to keep the foreign currency indefinitely, do check the rules. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), an individual is allowed to hold up to 2,000 US dollars in foreign currency or its equivalent. Excess currency, beyond USD 3,000 needs to be disclosed at the airport using a Currency Declaration Form. 

Rules Regarding the Maintenance of Foreign Exchange

It is important to understand RBI's rules before choosing how to use your remaining foreign currency as follows: 

  1. Individuals may keep traveler's checks or foreign cash notes up to USD 2,000 or its equivalent indefinitely for future use, according to the Reserve Bank of India 
  1. They must deposit any unused foreign currency and traveler's checks within 90 and 180 days of their return to India, respectively, if they have more foreign currency in cash than this limit 
  1. The quantity of foreign currency that can be imported into India is not subject to any fixed limitations 
  1. However, people must use the Currency Declaration Form (CDF) at the airport to declare foreign currency to customs officials upon arrival in India if the total value of cash and traveler's checks (TCs) exceeds USD 10,000 or if the value of foreign currency in cash exceeds USD 5,000. 

How to Make Use of India's Leftover Foreign Exchange

Here are some ideas for making use of the remaining foreign currency as follows: 

1. Exchange Currency Notes or Cash Forex Cards

Cashing leftover foreign currency for Indian rupees is the simplest approach to deal with it. Although banks provide this service, they may have unknown fees or offer poor conversion rates. Rather, real-time, transparent prices are provided by online forex services such as BookMyForex, guaranteeing that you receive the best value for your money. 

You can now use the website or mobile app of the card issuer to unload any remaining monies from your Forex card. It may take three to four working days for your forex card to be unloaded, however with BookMyForex, you can unload money to your INR wallet right away and utilize it in India. 

2. Avoid the Waiting Game

To convert when the value of the currency increases, some tourists choose to wait. For example, if you have visited the US and are now back in India, you would like that the value of the Indian rupee declines in relation to the US dollar so that you can exchange USD for more Indian rupees. 

3. Keep the Foreign Exchange for Your Subsequent Journey

If you regularly travel to the same nation for business, pleasure, or any other reason, you can set aside the money for your next trip. In essence, you have the option of keeping the currency notes for your next trip or not cashing the Forex card. Make sure, however, that the currency you are preserving for later usage is exclusively within RBI's limits. Otherwise, you might have to cash in the excess. 

4. Keep it as a Souvenir or Present it to Family/Friends

Coin and foreign currency collecting is popular. Collecting rare, exotic coins and notes is an interesting pastime.  you keep a little amount of your leftover cash as a souvenir. Giving money as a gift to loved ones or friends is an additional choice. This would be a very unusual present. The RBI says you can keep foreign currency for as long as you like. 

5. Utilize it at Duty-Free Stores

In many Indian international airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, passengers are permitted to utilize any remaining foreign currency at duty-free shops. Before you go home, you can spend it to purchase luxury goods, electronics, chocolates, and perfumes. Be sure to check before buying because some stores only accept specific amounts (not coins).

How to Sell my Leftover Currency Notes in India?

It is dangerous to make any kind of prediction if you are not an expert in forex. Because the currency's value is always changing, we advise you to cash in any leftover notes as soon as possible. To sell leftover cash notes in India, simply follow the steps listed below: 

  1. Visit the official website. Click Sell Forex 
  1. Select your currency and city 
  1. Choose how much you wish to trade. After you upload the necessary documents, your order will be placed. 

FAQs

  • Why are foreign currency conversion rates different between companies?

    The foreign currency conversion rates between companies are different because each company manipulates the interbank rate to gain profit.

  • Which banks in India offer foreign currency exchange facility?

    Foreign currency exchange facility is available at banks like HDFC, Axis, and State Bank of India.

  • Which documents are required for foreign currency exchange in India?

    An individual needs to submit a valid copy of their passport, confirmed travel ticket (issued not more than 60 days before travel), PAN card, Aadhar card and valid visa copy of the country they are travelling to.

  • Is it mandatory to surrender foreign coins to dealer on returning from abroad?

    No, the residents can foreign coins on returning from abroad.

  • Is foreign currency trading legal in India?

    Yes, foreign currency trading is legal in India, however, you need to adhere to rules.

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