RBI rule change: Can residents exchange INR at airport departure areas?

The Reserve Bank of India has announced a key change to its currency exchange rules, allowing both residents and non-residents to exchange Indian rupee (INR) notes at foreign exchange counters located in the departure areas of international airports.

Under the revised framework, travellers can now access forex services at counters situated in the duty-free or security hold areas beyond immigration and customs checkpoints. This marks a shift from the earlier rule, which permitted such counters only to buy Indian rupees from non-residents and sell foreign currency to them.

The RBI said the decision was taken after a review of the existing guidelines governing money-changing activities at airports. With this update, Indian residents departing the country can also exchange their rupee notes conveniently at these counters, simplifying last-minute currency needs.

The move is aimed at improving ease of travel and providing greater flexibility to passengers, particularly those who may need to convert leftover Indian currency before departure.

To implement the change, the RBI has amended its Master Direction on Money Changing Activities, which governs how authorised dealers and exchange counters operate across the country.

The updated rule is expected to streamline airport forex services, reduce inconvenience for travellers, and align India’s currency exchange practices with global standards at international transit points.