Which Mumbai Bureau de Change for best rate?

lalooprasadyadav

Arrived at Mumbai airport last year and headed for the Bureau to change some GB pounds to rupees. Everyone was queueing at the government run counter which was manned in the usual inefficient manner. The guy at the private Bureau next door was calling people over from this queue and dealing with them promptly. I was also tempted and got my cash quickly. They also gave me a small bottle of mineral water and asked me to help myself to sweets from a container on the counter.

The question is - Would I have got a better deal at the government counter?

I didn't wait to compare rates or if there were hidden charges.

Going back this month so I need to know.

cyberhippie

I can't talk specifically about Mumbai airport, but at Delhi there is little or no difference between the exchange rates and no one takes a commission. If there is a difference it's likely to be no more than 5-10 paise.
Just take a look when you get there. The rates are usually posted on a big board so you can see what's best for you, no need to wait in line to see the rates just head for the front!

davey

we stopped at Mumbai, both were the same exchange rate at that time, the one on the right seemed busy and anxious for the money the one on the left , laid back but same exchange rate, that was in February.

seventies'hippy

Work out, & know within the thousands & hundreds how much you're expecting and do watch the teller count it out carefully.
In the hecticiness of just arriving, mistakes have been 'shall we say' known to have happened.,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Alan D

The branches of Indian banks located at major international airposts give the official going exchange rate. We have never been charged commission.

To compete, I imagine, any private Bureau would have to be paying pretty much the same. Just spend a minute or two checking up on the rates to see whether you are paying over the top for your bottle of water and sweets!Remember to ask if any commission is charged.

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-m2-

The 'hole in the wall' State Bank of India has considerably better rates than the glossy Amex counter. Both are required to charge an extra 2% fee that goes to the airport authority, so it is probably best to change only your immediate requirements at Mumbai airport.

lalooprasadyadav

Thanks everyone for comprehensive replies.

lalooprasadyadav

Replying to my own question here :

The 2 booths give the same rate. There is also a third booth which is just outside the doorway where you hand in your little immigration stub to the uniformed policeman. This gives 2 rupees less per GB£, but its too late to turn back to the other booths - be warned.