Overview — currency exchange at TIR

Tirupati International Airport lists currency exchange among its passenger services, making it convenient for international travellers and visitors to get foreign cash or reconvert unused currency. However, the exact opening hours and which operator is on duty can vary with flight schedules — always confirm on your travel day with the airport information desk or your airline.

Who provides foreign-exchange services near / at Tirupati Airport

While smaller airports sometimes host on-site forex booths or partner operators, Tirupati travellers frequently rely on authorised money-changers and bank branches in the airport vicinity and in Tirupati city. Common, trusted providers servicing the Tirupati/Tirumala area include Thomas Cook, Unimoni / EbixCash (World Money), and other RBI-authorised local money-changers — many of which also offer online pre-order and doorstep delivery. Use airport info to confirm which operator is working on the day of travel.

Typical Services Offered

• Cash exchange (INR ↔ foreign currency): Major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, AED, SGD, etc.) depending on stock.
• Forex/Travel cards: Prepaid multi-currency cards that work like debit cards overseas.
• Buyback / reconversion: Convert unspent foreign currency back to INR (usually within the bank’s reconversion period).
• Pre-order & airport pickup / doorstep delivery: Many authorised dealers let you reserve currency online and collect it at a city branch or have it delivered.
• Traveler assistance & documentation help: Providers help with required KYC and forms.

Where to Find Currency Exchange

• At the airport: The Tirupati Airport services page confirms currency exchange as an available facility — ask at the May-I-Help-You desk or information counter on arrival for the exact location (cityside/arrival hall or a mobile operator counter).
• Nearby / city options: If the airport counter is closed or rates are better in town, established forex agents (Thomas Cook, Unimoni, EbixCash, local banks) have offices on Mosque Road, Air Bypass Road, VV Mahal Road and central Tirupati. Many operate long hours and offer online booking.

Documents & KYC — what you must carry

To buy or sell currency you will usually need:

• Valid government ID: Passport preferred for foreigners; Passport/Aadhaar/Driver’s license for Indians.
• PAN card: May be required for certain transactions (higher value) as per dealer policy and tax rules.
• Purchase receipt and forms: Any documents issued by the forex operator — keep them safe for reconversion or customs checks. Providers like Unimoni list KYC document requirements on their local pages.

Rates, Fees & Tips to Get the Best Value

• Compare exchange rates: Rates vary between airport counters and city dealers. Airports are convenient but may charge slightly higher margins—compare rates if you have time.
• Check total cost: Ask for the complete cost including rate, commission/fee, and GST before completing the transaction.
• Pre-order online: Many authorised dealers allow online reservation, offering better rates and guaranteed collection—especially useful for larger amounts or less common currencies.

Declaration & Legal Limits (What Travellers Must Know)

• Declaration thresholds: Under Indian customs rules, you must declare foreign currency notes exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent), or if the total foreign exchange (cash + traveller’s cheques) exceeds USD 10,000. Use the Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival/departure when these limits are crossed. This is RBI/Customs guidance followed at Indian airports. Failure to declare may lead to seizure and penalties.
• Surrender / reconversion window: If returning to India with unspent foreign currency, check reconversion timelines (often within 180 days) and the dealer’s reconversion policy. RBI/Customs & provider rules apply.

Safety & Fraud Prevention

• Use only RBI-authorised forex dealers or well-known banks (Thomas Cook, HDFC buy-forex partners, Unimoni/EbixCash).
• Count notes in front of the counter staff and keep your receipt. Verify serial numbers on large notes if needed.
• Avoid street exchangers (unofficial) despite tempting rates — risk of counterfeit notes and no recourse.

Contact & Confirmations

• Tirupati Airport (AAI) — General enquiries / info desk: Phone +91-877-2275354 — ask which forex operator is on duty on your travel date.
• Popular local forex providers (examples; confirm location & hours): Thomas Cook, Unimoni / EbixCash, local bank branches (HDFC, SBI) and authorised money-changers listed on Justdial / Wise / BuyForex. Pre-book via provider websites for faster service.