Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for Indian students to gain global exposure and advance their education. However, managing finances, particularly currency exchange, can be daunting. Beyond tuition and living expenses, hidden costs in currency exchange can significantly impact your budget.
This guide explores the hidden costs in currency exchange, offering practical tips to minimise them and ensure your money goes further. Let’s get started without further ado!
Table of contents
What Are Exchange Rate Markups?
Exchange rate markups are a common yet often overlooked cost when converting Indian Rupees (INR) to foreign currencies. These markups occur when banks or currency exchange services offer a rate lower than the mid-market rate, pocketing the difference as profit.
- How It Works: For instance, if the mid-market rate is INR 1 = 0.012 USD, a service might offer INR 1 = USD 0.011. This 0.001 difference may seem small, but it can add up for large transactions.
- How to Minimise: Compare rates across multiple providers, such as banks, fintech platforms, or a zero forex markup card.
- Pro Tip: Opt for services with transparent rates and low markups, especially for large sums like tuition payments.
By choosing providers with competitive rates, you can save significantly on currency exchange.
Also Read: Check here all the major differences between forex card and international debit card
Currency Exchange Service Fees and Commissions
Most currency exchange services charge fees or commissions, which can erode your funds, especially for frequent or large transactions.
- Types of Fees: These may include flat fees (e.g., INR 500 per transaction) or percentage-based commissions (e.g., 1-2% of the exchanged amount). For example, exchanging INR 1,00,000 at a 2% commission costs INR 2,000.
- Impact: Small transactions may not feel the pinch, but fees for tuition or rent payments can be substantial.
- Solutions: Look for fee-free exchange services or platforms which offer transparent fee structures. Some banks also waive fees for student accounts.
Checking the fee structure upfront ensures you avoid unexpected deductions.
Comparing Fee Structures Across Providers
To make informed decisions, compare the total cost (exchange rate + fees) across providers. For example:
| Provider Type | Typical Fee Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Banks | 1-2% + INR 200-500 | Large, secure transactions |
| Fintech Apps (e.g., Wise) | 0.5-1% + low flat fee | Transparent, low-cost exchanges |
| Forex Cards | Zero markup + INR 100-200 reload fee | Frequent small transactions |
International transfers for tuition, accommodation, or living expenses often come with hidden charges that reduce the amount received.
- Common Charges: These include intermediary bank fees (INR 500- INR 2,000 per transfer), receiving bank fees, and currency conversion charges. For instance, a USD 5,000 transfer might lose USD 50- USD 150 in fees.
- Solutions: Use multi-currency forex cards or MCTC services that offer low-cost, transparent transfers. Some platforms specialise in student transfers, minimising intermediary fees.
- Pro Tip: Transfer larger sums less frequently to reduce cumulative fees, and always check the total cost before initiating a transfer.
Understanding these charges helps you choose cost-effective transfer methods.
ATM Withdrawal Fees Abroad
Withdrawing cash abroad using an Indian debit or credit card can be expensive due to multiple fees.
- Fee Breakdown: Expect foreign ATM fees (INR 100- INR 300 per withdrawal), foreign transaction fees (2-3.5% of the amount), and inflated exchange rates.
- Example: Withdrawing USD 100 (INR 8,300) might cost INR 200 (ATM fee) + INR 249 (3% transaction fee) = INR 449 in fees alone.
- Solutions: Use a forex card with low or no ATM withdrawal fees. Alternatively, open a local bank account in the host country and transfer funds in bulk to avoid frequent withdrawals.
Minimising ATM usage can save hundreds of rupees per transaction.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) allows you to pay in INR instead of the local currency during card transactions abroad, but it comes at a high cost. Here are the details:
- DCC: When using a debit, credit, or forex card, merchants may offer to charge you in INR. This often involves poor exchange rates and additional fees (3-6% of the transaction).
- Example: A USD 50 purchase with DCC might cost INR 4,200 instead of INR 3,900 in local currency due to a worse rate and fees.
- How to Avoid: Always choose to pay in the local currency (e.g., USD, EUR) to get the standard exchange rate applied by your card provider.
Being vigilant about DCC can prevent unnecessary expenses during your travels.
Costs of Traveller’s Cheques and Prepaid Forex Cards
Traveller’s cheques and prepaid forex cards are convenient for managing expenses abroad, but they come with potential fees. Here are the details:
- Fee Types: These include issuance fees (INR 100– INR 500), reload fees (INR 100- INR 200 per reload), and inactivity fees (INR 50- INR 100 per month after a period of non-use).
- Comparison: Forex cards are generally cheaper than travellers’ cheques, which have fallen out of favour due to high costs and limited acceptance.
- Best Practice: Evaluate the total cost of forex cards, including reload and inactivity fees, and compare with alternatives like cash or bank transfers. Popular options include HDFC ForexPlus or SBI Forex Cards.
Choosing the right payment method can reduce long-term costs.
Also Read: Check here all the major differences between Forex Card and Credit Card for international students.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Exchange rates are volatile and can significantly affect the amount you receive when converting currency.
- Impact: A 1-2% rate change can mean a difference of INR 1,000- INR 2,000 on an INR 1,00,000 exchange. For example, if INR 1 = USD 0.012 today but drops to USD 0.0115 tomorrow, you lose USD 50 on a USD 1,000 exchange.
- Strategies: Monitor rates using various apps. Some platforms offer rate alerts or allow you to lock in rates for future exchanges.
- Timing Tips: Exchange currency during stable or favourable rate periods, avoiding times of high volatility (e.g., during major economic events).
Staying informed about rate trends can maximise your funds.
Practical Tips to Save on Currency Exchange
To manage currency exchange costs effectively, follow these actionable steps:
- Compare Providers: Use various platforms to find the best rates and lowest fees.
- Use Fintech Solutions: Apps like Wise, Revolut, or Niyo offer competitive rates and transparency.
- Opt for Forex Cards: These are cost-effective for ATM withdrawals and card payments.
- Avoid DCC: Always pay in the local currency to avoid inflated rates.
- Monitor Rates: Use rate alerts to exchange at optimal times.
- Plan Transfers: Consolidate international transfers to minimise fees.
By adopting these strategies, Indian students can save significantly on currency exchange costs.
Being informed about the hidden costs of currency exchange is important for students planning to study abroad. By being aware of these costs and taking proactive steps to minimise them, students can manage their finances more effectively and ensure that their money goes further. Check some FAQs based on Hidden Costs in Currency Exchange below:
FAQs
Exchange rate markups are the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate offered by exchange services. Avoid them by comparing rates on platforms and using low-markup providers.
Fees can be flat (e.g., INR 500) or percentage-based (1-2%). For large sums, these add up. Choose fee-free or low-fee services to save.
The hidden charges in international transfers include intermediary bank fees, receiving bank fees, and conversion charges. Use student-focused transfer services or forex cards to minimise deductions.
Withdrawing cash from ATMs abroad using an Indian bank card can incur high fees, such as foreign ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and higher exchange rates. To avoid these costs, students can use a Forex card for withdrawals or open a local bank account in the host country to transfer larger sums of money at once.
DCC involves poor exchange rates and high fees (3-6%). Paying in the local currency ensures better rates from your card provider.
Use forex cards with low withdrawal fees or open a local bank account to transfer funds in bulk, avoiding frequent ATM use.
To know more about education loans, the best bank accounts for students, forex and banking experience for global students or international money transfers, reach out to our experts at 1800572126 to help ease your study abroad experience.
Follow Us on Social Media
