International Travel has once again opened up without any covid restrictions and Indians are travelling abroad in large numbers but did you know that you can carry forex up to a certain limit on international airlines when travelling outside India. There are specific guidelines for Indians, NRIs and Foreign Tourists by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on maximum cash limit allowed to carry through Indian airports while travelling abroad.  

Cash Limit On Indian Currency

*Travellers carrying foreign currency exceeding $5,000 or in case total foreign exchange value is equal to or more than $10,000 are required to fill out a Currency Declaration Form before a customs officer.
**Foreign currency taken out of India has to be purchased or issued by RBI approved foreign exchange dealer as per norms.

Cash Limit On Foreign Currency 

Please note that carrying Indian currency in the denomination of 500/1000/2000 is strictly prohibited in Nepal.

Passengers can use ATITHI app to file a declaration of dutiable items or currency with the Indian Custom before boarding the flight in India.

* Please refer to the above Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions  

How much Indian currency can I carry outside India?
Indian residents are allowed to carry up to Rs. 25,000 cash while going abroad.

How much foreign currency can I carry while going abroad?
According to RBI, travellers going abroad can carry cash of up to $3000 with balance amount in form of store value cards, traveller’s cheque or banker’s draft. Exception to this are the travelers going to Iraq and Iran who can carry up to $5000.

How much foreign currency can I bring to India?
Indian Residents are allowed to bring cash up to Rs. 25,000 from any country except Nepal and Bhutan where the same amount can be brought in denomination of 100.

Is there a penalty for exceeding the limit?
If a person does not follow the guidelines, it can lead to confiscation of entire cash, imposition of heavy fine or even arrest.

How much foreign exchange can I carry while travelling abroad for medical treatment?
You can carry forex up to $50,000 on the basis of self-certification to meet the medical expenses outside India. Banks are also allowed to release exchange up to $50,000 on the basis of an estimate provided by a doctor or hospital. A foreign exchange of up to $25,000 per person is also allowed to meet other travelling expenses of the patient and an accompanied attendant.  

What is the amount I can carry if I want to study abroad?
You can carry foreign exchange up to $30,000 or more per academic year based on the estimate provided by the institution abroad on the basis of document evidence stating the requirement.

If not cash, what are the other options of meeting expenses for travelling abroad?
You can use international credit cards, debit cards or ATM cards while travelling abroad. The use of ICCs when you’re outside India is free from any restriction without any limit.