change money in Chennai airport

chiwai · Dec 19th, 2003, 16:48

my point of entry to India is Chennai. is it a good idea to change money in the airport? I will head straight to Mamallapuram, so...will it be better to change money in Mama...!
thank for any idea.

angelika · Dec 19th, 2003, 18:00

it is possible to change money at the Chennai airport.
I done it in February 2002. I can't remember the exact rates, but it was not bad. nearly the same as at the other money changer in kanipuram or mamalapuram.
I think the rates change every day so it is a bit difficult to give a good advise.
If you are in doubt maybe it is better just to change only the money you need in Chennai and for the transport to Mamallapuram and see how the rates are there.

Have a great time in India!

Merchant · Dec 19th, 2003, 22:57

The exchange rates are almost the same everywhere. It's really not worth the hassle to shop for different rates. The exchanges at the airport are, obviously, the most convenient. Change your money there.

BTW, not every hotel or bank will exchange money, so as you head off the beaten path, make sure you have enough cash. ATMs are becoming more widespread too, but again, they're not everywhere.

Dec 28th, 2003, 02:58

Dear Chiwai,
For best rates use your debit ATM card and withdraw more than Rs 5000 at a time.

chiwai · Dec 29th, 2003, 19:27

hi sharp. can you explain more about why it will get the best way to draw from ATM. as you need to pay commission for each transaction,right? would like to know more. thank again

Merchant · Dec 29th, 2003, 23:42

The commission on international ATM transactions is set by your own bank. It could be a flat fee or a percentage of your withdrawal--check with your bank.

In April, my US bank charged $5 for withdrawing the equvalent of $50 in rupees.

Colin · Dec 30th, 2003, 03:07

I have two cards with two different banks. One charges a sum related to the amount (I think its a sliding scale) for each transaction and the other charges a fixed amount (I think its $2.70) for every transaction regardless of the amount.

The moral is to shop around!!

wabat · Dec 13th, 2008, 04:25

This is fairly old thread now.

What is current position at the international airport re exchanging money / getting rupees.. ATM's and desks.

Where are the facilities located - in particular are there any ATMs etc before exiting customs immigration.

We will be arriving at around 23 00 hrs.

From Other threads It seems as of Thomas Cook is there .. are there other possibilities -in particular ATM?

Thank you
Albert

Nick-H · Dec 13th, 2008, 12:07

Quote:

are there any ATMs etc before exiting customs immigration

There is nothing before the formal stuff is over. Err... sorry, there is a small duty-free shop.

It is so long since I needed to change money there I can't advise further, except for the standard advise to get just a couple of thousand Rs to cover your car and first night...

Ambler · Dec 16th, 2008, 11:16

When I arrived in Chennai in early October I changed some money at the airport (after picking up bags). I think it was Thomas Cook, but I could be wrong. The rate was bad--40 rupees per USD and they only took cash, not travelers checks. I did it just to have some folding money as there is apparently no ATM in the airport.

My friend came to visit a few weeks ago and had trouble finding a counter to change money--not sure if he came in at a different place (not sure that's possible as we were both coming in from international locations, but whatever) or if it was just closed for some reason.

ATMs are the way to go as long as your bank doesn't charge you crazy amounts. I have an account with HSBC in the US and when I use the HSBC ATMs here I don't get charged anything.

Dec 19th, 2003, 16:48	#1
chiwai Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: hongkong Posts: 29	change money in Chennai airport my point of entry to India is Chennai. is it a good idea to change money in the airport? I will head straight to Mamallapuram, so...will it be better to change money in Mama...! thank for any idea.

Dec 16th, 2008, 11:16	#10
Ambler Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 142	changing money in the Chennai airport When I arrived in Chennai in early October I changed some money at the airport (after picking up bags). I think it was Thomas Cook, but I could be wrong. The rate was bad--40 rupees per USD and they only took cash, not travelers checks. I did it just to have some folding money as there is apparently no ATM in the airport. My friend came to visit a few weeks ago and had trouble finding a counter to change money--not sure if he came in at a different place (not sure that's possible as we were both coming in from international locations, but whatever) or if it was just closed for some reason. ATMs are the way to go as long as your bank doesn't charge you crazy amounts. I have an account with HSBC in the US and when I use the HSBC ATMs here I don't get charged anything.

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Dec 19th, 2003, 18:00	#2
angelika Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Munich - Germany Posts: 109	it is possible to change money at the Chennai airport. I done it in February 2002. I can't remember the exact rates, but it was not bad. nearly the same as at the other money changer in kanipuram or mamalapuram. I think the rates change every day so it is a bit difficult to give a good advise. If you are in doubt maybe it is better just to change only the money you need in Chennai and for the transport to Mamallapuram and see how the rates are there. Have a great time in India!

Dec 19th, 2003, 22:57	#3
Merchant Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New York Posts: 2,213	The exchange rates are almost the same everywhere. It's really not worth the hassle to shop for different rates. The exchanges at the airport are, obviously, the most convenient. Change your money there. BTW, not every hotel or bank will exchange money, so as you head off the beaten path, make sure you have enough cash. ATMs are becoming more widespread too, but again, they're not everywhere.

Dec 28th, 2003, 02:58	#4
sharp_in1008 Posts: n/a	Dear Chiwai, For best rates use your debit ATM card and withdraw more than Rs 5000 at a time.

Dec 29th, 2003, 19:27	#5
chiwai Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: hongkong Posts: 29	hi sharp. can you explain more about why it will get the best way to draw from ATM. as you need to pay commission for each transaction,right? would like to know more. thank again

Dec 29th, 2003, 23:42	#6
Merchant Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: New York Posts: 2,213	The commission on international ATM transactions is set by your own bank. It could be a flat fee or a percentage of your withdrawal--check with your bank. In April, my US bank charged $5 for withdrawing the equvalent of $50 in rupees.

Dec 30th, 2003, 03:07	#7
Colin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Pai, Mae Hong Son, Thailand Posts: 208	I have two cards with two different banks. One charges a sum related to the amount (I think its a sliding scale) for each transaction and the other charges a fixed amount (I think its $2.70) for every transaction regardless of the amount. The moral is to shop around!!

Dec 13th, 2008, 04:25	#8
wabat Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canberra Australia Posts: 270	This is fairly old thread now. What is current position at the international airport re exchanging money / getting rupees.. ATM's and desks. Where are the facilities located - in particular are there any ATMs etc before exiting customs immigration. We will be arriving at around 23 00 hrs. From Other threads It seems as of Thomas Cook is there .. are there other possibilities -in particular ATM? Thank you Albert