Multi Currency Forex Card in Chennai: How to Get One, Load It, and Use It AbroadQuick AnswerQuick Answer: A multi-currency forex card lets you load 10+ foreign currencies on one prepaid card for international travel. Sri Vari Money Exchange issues and loads forex cards in Chennai. You can load USD, EUR, GBP, AED, SGD, AUD, THB, CAD, and more. Process takes 30-60 minutes at the T. Nagar branch.


The multi-currency forex card is one of the most underused tools in an Indian traveller's arsenal — and one of the most financially sensible. Yet most Chennai travellers either don't know it exists or assume it's complicated to get. It isn't.

Here's everything you need to know about getting, loading, and using a multi-currency forex card from Sri Vari Money Exchange in Chennai.


What Is a Multi-Currency Forex Card?

A multi-currency forex card is a prepaid card (Visa or Mastercard network) that you load with foreign currency before your trip. Think of it as a travel wallet - it holds multiple currencies simultaneously and automatically deducts from the relevant currency wallet when you make a purchase.

Example: You load USD 800, EUR 500, and SGD 300 before a trip to USA–Europe–Singapore. The card automatically uses USD in America, EUR in France, and SGD in Singapore without any manual switching.


Forex Card vs Debit/Credit Card for International Travel

FeatureMulti-Currency Forex CardIndian Debit/Credit Card Used Abroad Cards.Exchange rateFixed when loadedDynamic - market rate at transaction timeForeign transaction feeUsually 0%-1%2-3.5% on most Indian cardsCurrency conversion at merchantAutomatic from preloaded walletDynamic conversion (often poor rate)Rate certaintyYes - locked on loadingNo - fluctuates with marketAccepted atAll Visa/MC merchants globallyAll Visa/MC merchants globallyATM withdrawal fee abroad₹150-300 per withdrawal₹300-500+ per withdrawalIf lostBlock and protect fundsBlock - same as debit/creditGood forPre-planned travel budgetsEmergency use or last-minute travel


Conclusion: For planned international travel, forex cards save significantly on foreign transaction fees and rate uncertainty.


Currencies You Can Load at Sri Vari (Chennai)

Sri Vari Money Exchange loads the following currencies on multi-currency forex cards:

CurrencyCodePopular Destination.US DollarUSDUSA, internationalEuroEUREurope (20+ countries)British PoundGBPUKUAE DirhamAEDDubai, Abu DhabiSingapore DollarSGDSingaporeAustralian DollarAUDAustraliaCanadian DollarCADCanadaSwiss FrancCHFSwitzerlandJapanese YenJPYJapanThai BahtTHBThailandSaudi RiyalSARSaudi ArabiaNew Zealand DollarNZDNew Zealand



How to Get a Multi-Currency Forex Card from Sri Vari in Chennai

Step 1: Visit Sri Vari's T. Nagar branch

Or call +91 85500 08686 to confirm your card requirements and the currencies you need.

Step 2: Submit KYC documents

  1. Valid Indian passport (original for verification)
  2. Visa copy or confirmed air ticket
  3. PAN card
  4. Flight Ticket

Step 3: Fill the card application form

Sri Vari's team will guide you through the form. You specify which currencies to load and in what amounts.

Step 4: Pay in INR

Payment accepted: Cash, NEFT, RTGS, UPI. The INR equivalent of all currencies to be loaded must be paid upfront.

Step 5: Receive your card

Card is issued and loaded in 30–60 minutes. First-time cards may take 24 hours for full activation depending on the card provider.


How to Use a Forex Card Abroad

At a shop or restaurant: Present the card at the payment terminal. Enter PIN. Card deducts from the appropriate currency wallet automatically.

At an ATM abroad: Insert card → select withdrawal → amount debited from the relevant currency wallet → ATM dispenses cash. Note: ATM withdrawal fees apply (₹150-300 per withdrawal from the card issuer + possible local bank fee).

For online transactions: Enter card details as you would for a normal credit/debit card. Works at Booking.com, Airbnb, airlines, etc.

Checking your balance: Most forex card providers have a mobile app or web portal where you can check each currency wallet balance in real time.


How to Top Up a Forex Card from India While You're Abroad

If you run low on funds abroad:

  1. WhatsApp or call a family member in Chennai
  2. They visit Sri Vari's branch or transfer INR to Sri Vari's account
  3. Sri Vari loads the additional amount to your card
  4. Funds appear within hours (usually 2–4 hours)
  5. They can send request in mail and send payment to Sri Vari
  6. Then the card gets reloaded in a few hours
  7. Public holidays and Sunday excl. And normal office hours.

This is especially useful for students studying abroad or long-term travellers.


Key Takeaways

  1. Multi-currency forex cards save 2-3.5% on foreign transaction fees vs. Indian debit/credit cards used abroad
  2. Sri Vari issues and loads forex cards at T. Nagar, Chennai - process takes 30–60 minutes
  3. You can load 10+ currencies on one card: USD, EUR, GBP, AED, SGD, AUD, THB, and more
  4. Card can be topped up remotely by family in Chennai while you're abroad
  5. Always load your card 2-3 days before departure - don't wait until the last day
  6. Now we load up to 28 currencies in a multi-currency card


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a multi-currency forex card in Chennai?

Visit Sri Vari Money Exchange at T. Nagar, Chennai with your passport, visa/ticket, and PAN card. Sri Vari issues and loads multi-currency forex cards in 30-60 minutes. Call +91 85500 08686 or WhatsApp to confirm the process before visiting.

What is the maximum amount I can load on a forex card?

Under RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), the annual limit is USD 2,50,000 per person across all forms of forex (cards + cash + remittances). For a single trip, most travellers load USD 1,000–10,000 equivalent depending on destination and duration.

Can I load Indian Rupees on a forex card?

No. Forex cards hold foreign currencies only. You pay in INR; the card is loaded with the foreign currency equivalent at the day's exchange rate.

Can I withdraw cash from ATMs abroad using a forex card?

Yes. Forex cards work at international ATMs. However, each ATM withdrawal typically incurs a fee from the card issuer (₹150-300) plus a possible fee from the local ATM bank. Minimize withdrawals by loading sufficient cash separately.

How do I close/encash a forex card with leftover currency?

Return the card to Sri Vari after your trip. The remaining foreign currency is converted to INR at the prevailing buy rate and paid to you. You can also leave the card loaded for a future trip to the same destination.