💵 Sending Money to India — Forex & Remittance
Whether you’re remitting to family, funding an NRE/NRO account, or carrying travel money, a few simple choices usually beat bank and airport rates.
💸 Remittance services (money to family/accounts)
Specialist money-transfer services usually beat a traditional bank wire on both exchange rate and fees. Compare the all-in rate (the ₹ your recipient actually gets) rather than the headline “zero fee”.
For regular transfers, funding an NRE (repatriable) or NRO (India-income) account can simplify things — ask your bank which fits your situation.
💳 Travel money for your trip
A multi-currency forex card or some foreign cash from an authorised changer usually beats airport counters. Tell your bank you’re travelling so cards aren’t blocked.
UPI (Google Pay / PhonePe / Paytm) is accepted almost everywhere in India now — carry a little cash for autos and small shops.
❓ Frequently Asked
What’s the cheapest way to send money to India?
Compare the all-in rate — the rupees your recipient actually receives after the exchange rate and fees — across specialist transfer services; they usually beat a traditional bank wire. “Zero fee” can still hide a poor rate.
What’s the difference between NRE and NRO accounts?
NRE holds money you send from abroad and is freely repatriable; NRO holds income earned in India (rent, dividends) with limits on repatriation. Many NRIs keep both.
Is a forex card better than cash for travel to India?
A multi-currency forex card or cash from an authorised changer usually beats airport-counter rates. And UPI is now accepted almost everywhere in India — carry only a little cash.
🔗 More travel guides
India Visa & OCI
Customs & Duty-Free
Looking for your city’s airport, flights to India and local travel agents? Open your city’s Travel Desk from any Desi.Net city page.
This is a general guide — rules, fees and allowances change, so always confirm on the official sites linked before you travel. Verified Jul 2026.