When travelling internationally, you’ll need to convert your money into Indian Rupees (INR) or buy foreign currency before departing India. In Bhopal, you have both offline and online options for safe and reliable foreign exchange.
1. Local Currency Exchange Bureaus (Best Offline Option)
These are authorised money-changer businesses where you can buy foreign currency (forex) or sell leftover currency at competitive rates.
Trusted Forex & Currency Exchange Services in Bhopal
- EBIXCASH World Money Limited – Multiple currencies available, competitive rates.
- VIKSHARI FOREX SERVICES PVT. LTD. – Well-rated provider for major currencies.
- Xe Forex Bureau India Pvt. Ltd. – Fast service and reliable exchange.
- BFC Forex and Weizmann Forex Bhopal – RBI-licensed providers.
- XOTIK TRAVEL AND FOREX PVT LTD and WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER – Smaller local exchange counters.
- Thomas Cook – Offers forex and travel cards.
- RemitX, Paul Merchants, Vasundhara Travel Division – Good options to compare rates.
- CHHAYA CURRENCY CHANGER SERVICES PVT LTD – Smaller shop for quick exchanges.
Most of these bureaus are located in central markets like Maharana Pratap Nagar, Peer Gate, and around major banks.
2. Banks in Bhopal
Most major banks in the city offer forex services, including:
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
These banks can handle forex card issuance, foreign currency notes, and traveller’s cheques. Passport and travel documents are usually required.
Tips for banking forex:
- Rates may be slightly better than at airport counters.
- Banks are generally closed on Sundays.
3. Online & Home-Delivery Forex Services
For convenience or better rates, you can order forex online and have it delivered to your hotel or residence.
Online Forex Benefits
- Choose from 40+ currencies
- Same-day doorstep delivery
- Prepaid multi-currency forex cards
- Transparent live exchange rates
Platforms offering online services
- BookMyForex and other travel-forex aggregators
Online options allow you to lock in rates in advance and avoid queues at local currency exchanges.
4. Airport Forex Counters
If you’re arriving or leaving via the airport, you can exchange currency at airport counters, but:
- Rates are usually less favourable than city centres.
- You might pay higher commissions.
It’s best to exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate needs and do the rest in the city.
5. Required Documents & Tips
Documents usually needed:
- Passport (original)
- Visa and travel itinerary
- Sometimes a boarding pass or ticket copy
- PAN or Aadhaar (for larger amounts)
Tips for tourists in Bhopal:
- Always compare rates before exchanging.
- Keep small denominations for easier transactions.
- Avoid unofficial money changers; always use RBI-authorised dealers.
- Most vendors will buy leftover foreign currency after your trip, though rates may differ.
6. Forex Card vs Cash
Forex Cards
- Safe and reloadable
- Accepted in many countries
- Usually charge lower fees than carrying a lot of cash
Cash (Foreign Notes)
- Useful for places that don’t accept cards
- Must be exchanged physically
Summary: Best Options in Bhopal
- City Forex Bureaus – Best local exchange with competitive rates
- Banks – Safe and reliable, but sometimes slower
- Online booking & delivery – Convenient and often better rates
- Airport counters – Good for small amounts upon arrival/departure