
Traveling between India and Australia—for tourism, study, or work—necessitates smart financial planning, particularly with respect to carrying foreign money such as the Australian Dollar (AUD). Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) dictate the amount of money one can carry or transfer abroad legally. Reading these guidelines could save you penalty and free travel.
The main rule to take foreign currency out of India is under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). According to LRS:
Indian visitors visiting Australia can bring or buy foreign exchange up to the LRS limit of USD 250,000 (approximately AUD 385,000) per financial year. But for average holiday purposes, the amount needed is much lower.
You can bring:
Up to AUD 3,000 in cash
The balance amount (if required) should be brought through safer means such as Travel Cards, debit cards, or wire transfers.
Students studying abroad can also remit under LRS.
Permissible limits are:
Up to USD 250,000 per year towards tuition fee, accommodation, and other costs.
Students may carry AUD 3,000 in cash, and the remaining amount can be wired or pre-loaded on a travel cards.
In the event of increased tuition fees, students can be permitted to pay extra amounts by producing evidence of expenses to authorized dealers such as Orient Exchange.
Business travelers, who go for conferences or corporate meetings, can also utilize the LRS limit.
Business travelers can:
Carry AUD 3,000 in cash.
Utilize travel Cards or wire transfers for high expenses such as hotel charges or event entry fees.
Note: Company-sponsored business travelers need to present proper documents (e.g., business visa, invitation letters, company authorization) to get foreign exchange.
If you are caught carrying foreign exchange in excess of the allowed limits:
The excess amount can be seized by Customs.
You can be penalized under FEMA, and in extreme cases, even legal action.
Always report foreign currency if it is more than USD 5,000 in cash or USD 10,000 in aggregate (cash + instruments) at customs when departing India.
While buying foreign currency such as the Australian Dollar, selecting the appropriate service provider is essential. That is where Orient Exchange excels as a reliable and RBI-approved foreign exchange and remittance service provider.
Competitive Rates: Orient Exchange provides live and transparent rates—giving you the best value for your INR while purchasing AUD.
Comprehensive Range of Services: Whether tourist, student, or business traveler, Orient Exchange offers:
Online Booking with Door Delivery: Prevent last-minute airport struggles. Order AUD online through the Orient Exchange website or mobile app and have home delivery of currency or travel Card in India's key cities.
RBI Authorized Dealer (Category II): Orient Exchange is a full-fledged license holder and is in line with RBI norms, ensuring peace of mind and dependability.
Whether you’re heading to Australia for a vacation, higher education, or business, staying informed about foreign exchange regulations is essential. While the overall remittance limit is quite generous at USD 250,000 per year, carrying AUD in excess of the allowed physical currency limit (AUD 3,000) could invite trouble if not declared.
In order to handle your travel money wisely and securely, bank with Orient Exchange—your single point of contact for all your money exchange requirements. Book online, receive live rates, and experience hassle-free service designed specifically for your travel destination.