Amravati, being a large city but not a major international hub, offers foreign exchange primarily through three main channels: Banks, Authorized Money Changers (FFMCs/AD-II), and Reputable Travel Agencies. This is a detailed guide on how to get Forex and currency exchange services in Amravati, Maharashtra, ensuring a new visitor has all the necessary information.
1. Authorized Money Changers
Authorized Money Changers (AMCs) or Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) are licensed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and generally offer the best rates and quicker service compared to major banks.
Key Authorized Money Changer Location:
A prominent and reliable option in Amravati is often a dedicated Forex service provider:
- BFC Forex and Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. (RBI Authorized Dealer Category – II)1
- Address/Landmark: Office No. 3, 2nd Floor, Khatri Chambers, Morshi Road, Amravati, Maharashtra – 444 601.2 (Often located next to a major landmark like Ragavendra Bakery & opposite Manyavar Mohey).
- Services: Currency notes exchange (buy/sell), Multi-Currency Forex Cards, and International Money Transfer (Outward Remittances).3
- Timing: Generally Monday to Saturday (9:30 am to 6:00 pm).4 Always call ahead to confirm operational hours.
Other Travel Agencies Offering Forex:
Several reputable tour and travel operators in the city, especially near central areas like Rajkamal Square, Jaistambh Chowk, and Rajapeth, are often registered as agents for foreign exchange services (AD-II or FFMC sub-agents).5
- Look for: Destination Tours and Travels, Pack N Trip, Unique Tours & Travels, etc.6
- Recommendation: While convenient, always check their authorization and compare the rates they offer against major banks or dedicated forex houses.
2. Major Banks (Reliable & Secure)
Large national and private banks in Amravati are authorized dealers for foreign exchange. This is the most secure option, though the process might be slightly slower, and the exchange rate may be less competitive than an AMC.
Banks to Check:
Most major national and private banks with large city branches will offer this service.
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank7
- Axis Bank8
- Union Bank of India
How to Exchange Currency at a Bank:
- Locate a Main Branch: Visit a main branch (not a small ATM or satellite branch) in central areas like Rajkamal Square, Morshi Road, or Jaistambh Chowk.
- Required Documents: You will need your Passport and Visa. You may also need to show your flight ticket/itinerary as proof of travel, especially when buying large amounts of currency.
- Timing: Bank operating hours are typically 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and possibly half-day on Saturdays.
3. Essential Digital and Card Options
For most travelers, modern payment methods are the easiest and often most cost-effective alternatives to carrying large amounts of cash.
| Method | Details | Recommendation |
| Multi-Currency Forex Card | A prepaid debit card loaded with multiple foreign currencies. They lock in the exchange rate at the time of loading. | Highly Recommended. Safer than cash, lower transaction fees than debit/credit cards. Available from major banks (HDFC, ICICI) and AMCs (like BFC, Thomas Cook). |
| Credit/Debit Cards | You can use your international Credit/Debit Card at ATMs and merchant terminals (PoS) in Amravati. | Use Sparingly. ATMs charge a withdrawal fee, and your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%). Use only for emergencies or when cash exchange is unavailable. |
| ATMs | ATMs of all major banks are widely available in Amravati. | Withdrawals are in Indian Rupees (INR) only. Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions (Visa/Mastercard). Always decline the “Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)” option at the ATM to get a better rate. |
Documents and Tips for Exchange
Mandatory Documents:
To buy or sell foreign currency notes in India, you must present the following:
- Original Passport (Mandatory)
- Valid Visa (If applicable, depending on nationality)
- Flight Ticket / Travel Itinerary (Proof of travel)
- Local Address/ID: A copy of a document showing your local address (like a hotel reservation or local ID, though usually the passport is sufficient for tourists).
General Tips for the Traveler:
- Do Not Use Airports: While Amravati does not have an international airport, if you are traveling via Nagpur (nearest major airport), avoid exchanging large amounts there, as airport rates are significantly poorer.
- Compare Rates: Always ask for the “rate of the day” from at least two different providers (a bank and an AMC) before conducting a large transaction.
- Check Notes: Ensure you receive clean, crisp notes and count the money before leaving the counter.
- Legality: The only legal places for currency exchange are RBI-authorized banks and AMCs/FFMCs. Never exchange money with unauthorized individuals on the street to avoid scams and counterfeit currency.
- Carry Small Change: It is always a good idea to exchange a small amount of cash into smaller denominations of Indian Rupees (₹100, ₹500 notes) for immediate use with local auto-rickshaws or small vendors.