FinFIRST Blogs

Secure transactions, smooth travel: Tips for NRIs travelling to India

Key Takeaways

Before travelling to India as an NRI save time by checking current exchange rates and comparing transfer options to avoid high fees.
Carry important documents such as your bank statements and insurance papers and ensure compliance with foreign currency regulations under FEMA.
Avoid using unverified currency exchange providers, avoid transferring funds last minute, and minimise carrying cash to reduce risk and cost.
Use reliable banking tools such as the FIRST WOW! Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank for UPI transactions, zero forex markup fees, and global acceptance.

12 Nov 2025 by Team FinFIRST

Are you an NRI planning to travel to India? Whether for a holiday or work, managing finances will be a major concern. No doubt, you will want to ensure all your transactions are smooth and secure.

This guide will help you navigate the financial landscape when you come home. Simply following these dos and don’ts will make your travel to India stress-free.

Furthermore, the FIRST WOW! Credit Card by IDFC FIRST Bank might just be the perfect tool to stop you from worrying at all. Let’s find out what’s in store.

Also read - Discover IDFC FIRST Bank NRI Banking Service under 3 minutes!

Rules that every NRI should know before investing in India

Understanding Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in banking

What to do when travelling to India

Financially speaking, India is as safe to travel as any other country. But, as an NRI, keep the following points in mind –

Understand currency exchange rates

Consider the exchange rate value of your foreign currency in terms of rupees. Take the time to review the current currency exchange rates before your trip. This will play a huge role in managing your budget.

Monitoring fluctuations will help with timing conversions to get the best value for money. Converting at the right time will increase your purchasing power.

Choose the right mode of money transfer

Research and compare beforehand the various options for transferring money to Indian accounts. Whether bank transfers, digital platforms, or UPI applications, security and reliability come first. Also consider factors like transfer fees, speed, and exchange rates before deciding.

Carry necessary financial documents

Make sure all your financial documents are ready to facilitate smooth transactions. When travelling to India, you will obviously need valid identification documents. But, above that, carry bank statements, insurance documents, and traveller’s cheques, as applicable.

Follow legal regulations

Familiarise yourself with the legal regulations regarding foreign currency holdings in India. Make sure you understand the rules as per the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

Declare any foreign currency exceeding permissible limits to customs authorities upon arrival. This will keep you safe from any fines and other legal issues.

Practise safe and secure transactions

To keep your transactions safe and secure, use reputable ATMs and payment terminals. Verify the credibility of the merchant for point-of-sale transactions. Always keep your PINs, passwords, and banking details confidential to prevent fraud or theft.

What not to do when travelling to India

To make your travel planning perfect, you must know when to be vigilant. When you travel to India, these are some things you shouldn’t do –

Exchanging currency at unverified providers

Avoid exchanging your foreign currency with unverified or unauthorised providers. You may be charged excessive fees at unfavourable exchange rates.

It is always best to stick to reputable currency exchange providers. This way you can ensure the safety and reliability of your conversions.

Waiting until the last minute to transfer money

Last-minute fund transfers can result in high transfer fees and detrimental exchange rates. Always plan ahead and transfer in advance to minimise costs.

Carrying excessive cash

Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash when travelling to India. This can lead to risks and attract unwanted attention. Instead, use alternative payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, or UPI applications.

Forgetting to keep track of your transactions

Monitor all your financial activity, including withdrawals, purchases, and money transfers. Keep every receipt and transaction record. This will help you manage your budget and detect any discrepancies.

Ignoring security precautions

Maintain basic security precautions for your transactions when travelling to India. Use secure internet connections and avoid public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions. Remember to always guard your personal and financial information from theft.

Making financial transactions, when travelling to India, can feel like a minefield. You might wonder if there’s a way to handle everything in one fell swoop. The answer – yes, there is.

Unlock the UPI benefits of the FIRST WOW! Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank offers the FIRST WOW! Credit Card. With this card, NRIs can make UPI payments easily when travelling to India. But why use this card when UPI services are already available through NRE/NRO accounts?

Here’s why –

Flexibility of credit card

Using the FIRST WOW! Credit Card means no worrying about your bank balance. Suppose you need to buy something that exceeds your NRE/NRO account balance. You can still conveniently make payments via this UPI-compliant credit card system.

It’s all digital

To perform UPI transactions with this card, you will use the IDFC FIRST Bank Digital RuPay Credit Card. This is a digital card issued to customers with the FIRST WOW! Credit Card. This means you won’t need to carry a physical card and worry about losing it.

UPI benefits galore

Availing the UPI facilities of this card also means –

You can pay general utility bills like phone recharges and electricity bills
Conduct e-commerce transactions without entering credit card details repeatedly
Receive 100% cashback up to ₹200 (₹50 each on the first four UPI transactions)
Earn up to 3X reward points on all UPI spends

Special benefits for FIRST WOW! Credit Card users

Possessing the credit card itself has a bunch of perks –

No forex markup fees when paying in foreign currencies
Ability to be used anywhere in the world
Low-interest rates starting at 9%
Attractive reward points and cashback systems with plenty of discounts and offers
0% interest for up to forty-eight days for cash withdrawals
Around-the-clock customer support

Doesn’t it solve every problem you can think of during your travel to India? If you’re interested, here’s how you can get it.

Steps to acquiring UPI benefits with FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Follow these simple steps to start making UPI payments –

Step 1 – Apply for the FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Go to the official website of IDFC FIRST Bank
Start the registration process for the FIRST WOW! Credit Card
Fill out the required details and verify
After registering, select and fund your Fixed Deposit
Finish the application by completing the KYC process
Once approved, you will receive your FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Step 2 – Activate UPI on your FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Open the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile banking app
Click the banner in the credit card section to activate UPI on your FIRST WOW! Credit Card
You will then receive the details of IDFC FIRST Bank Digital RuPay Credit Card issued by the bank

Step 3 – Link your credit card to a UPI application

Open a UPI application of your choice
Go to the ‘Account’ section
Select IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card
Enter the details of your IDFC FIRST Bank Digital RuPay Credit Card
Follow the directions to set your UPI PIN
Start making UPI payments

Also read - NRIs visiting India this holiday season? Travelling tips to reduce expenses, save more, and bank smarter!

To sum up

Now, you’re prepared to navigate the financial pitfalls of travelling to India. Taking advantage of the FIRST WOW! Credit Card for UPI transactions will make things even simpler. After all, relishing your trip back home is what really matters, isn’t it?

Apply now for a FIRST WOW! Credit Card for smoother and more flexible transactions.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.