I still remember my first big international trip to the US in 2018. I walked into my bank branch and asked for dollars. They quoted me ₹72.50 per dollar. I thought, “Okay, sounds reasonable.” I exchanged ₹2 lakhs and got my dollars.

A week later, my colleague mentioned he got dollars at ₹70.80 from an online forex platform. I did the math—he saved nearly ₹3,400 on the same amount! I felt like I’d thrown away money that could’ve paid for two extra days in New York.

That experience taught me something valuable: knowing how to get the best USD rate in India can literally save you thousands of rupees. Whether you’re a student heading to the US for education, an NRI visiting family, a tourist planning that dream America trip, or a business person attending conferences—getting the best dollar rate directly impacts your budget.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about finding the best USD rates in India. No banking jargon, no complicated theories—just practical tips that actually work.

Why USD Exchange Rates Vary So Much Across India

Here’s something that surprised me initially: The dollar rate isn’t the same everywhere. On the same day, in the same city, you might find rates varying by ₹1-2 per dollar. That’s a ₹10,000-20,000 difference on a $10,000 exchange!

The Real USD Rate vs What You Actually Get

There’s something called the “interbank rate” or “mid-market rate”—this is the real USD to INR exchange rate that banks use when trading with each other. Let’s say it’s ₹84.00 today. But when you go to exchange money, you’ll never get exactly ₹84.00. Why? Because everyone in the chain adds their profit margin.

Your bank might give you ₹83.50 when buying dollars from you (if you’re selling dollars) and charge you ₹84.70 when you’re buying dollars from them. That ₹1.20 difference? That’s their profit spread. Some places have bigger spreads, some smaller. Finding places with the smallest spread is how you get the best rate.

Why Airport Counters Have the Worst Rates

I learned this the hard way too. Missed getting dollars before my Singapore trip and ended up at the airport counter. They quoted ₹86.20 when the actual rate was around ₹83.80. That’s a massive 2.9% premium! On ₹1 lakh, I overpaid ₹2,900 just for the “convenience” of last-minute exchange.

Airport counters charge premium rates because they have captive customers. You’re standing there with your bags, flight in two hours, and no other option. They know it, you know it. They charge accordingly.

City-to-City Rate Differences

Interestingly, metro cities usually have better rates than smaller towns. Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore forex dealers handle huge volumes, so they can afford to give better rates. My friend in Ranchi once got a rate ₹0.80 worse than what I got in Bangalore the same day—just because of location.

Where to Actually Get the Best USD Rates in India

Let me walk you through all your options, from best to worst based on my experience and research.

Online Forex Platforms (Usually Best Rates)

This is where I get my dollars now. Platforms like the ones you can compare on MyForexer.com typically offer rates 1-2% better than bank branches. Why? Lower overhead costs—no fancy branches, smaller staff, automated processes. They pass some of those savings to customers.

Last month, I needed $3,000 for a conference trip. My bank branch quoted ₹84.85. I checked MyForexer.com and found three providers offering ₹84.25-₹84.35. I went with the ₹84.25 option. Saved ₹1,800 right there. That paid for my airport transfers in the US!

These platforms usually deliver forex to your home or have pickup points across major cities. The process is smooth—apply online, upload documents, pay digitally, get dollars delivered. Takes 2-4 days usually.

Authorized Forex Dealers in Markets

Every major city has forex markets. In Mumbai, it’s Zaveri Bazaar and Crawford Market. Delhi has Connaught Place and Karol Bagh. Bangalore has residency road area. These authorized dealers often give rates close to online platforms, sometimes even better for large amounts.

The catch? You need to physically visit, compare rates across 4-5 dealers (they’re usually clustered together), and negotiate. I’ve done this when I needed dollars the same day. Got a decent rate, not the absolute best, but better than my bank.

Pro tip: These dealers are more willing to negotiate on rates if you’re exchanging larger amounts—say $5,000 or more. For smaller amounts, they’re pretty firm on their quoted rates.

Banks (Convenient But Usually Not Cheapest)

Banks are convenient, I’ll give them that. You trust them, they’re regulated, the process is straightforward. But their rates? Usually 1-1.5% worse than the best available rates.

I still use my bank sometimes when I need forex cards rather than cash. Or when I’m exchanging very small amounts where the rate difference doesn’t matter much. But for significant amounts, banks rarely offer the best USD rate.

Different banks have different rates too. I’ve noticed HDFC and ICICI often have slightly better rates than some PSU banks, but this varies. Worth calling 2-3 banks before deciding.

Hotel and Local Money Changers (Avoid)

These guys operate in tourist areas and hotel lobbies. Convenient? Yes. Good rates? Absolutely not. They typically charge 3-5% more than the market rate. Only use them if you’re truly desperate and have no other option.

Friends Returning from US (Actually Pretty Good)

Here’s an unconventional option that’s worked for me: Friends or colleagues returning from the US often have leftover dollars they need to convert back to rupees. Since they’re not professional dealers, they’re usually happy to give you a rate somewhere between the buy and sell rate—often better than what you’d get officially.

Obviously, this only works if you have trusted friends traveling to/from the US regularly. And only for smaller amounts. But I’ve saved decent money this way a few times.

The MyForexer.com Advantage: How I Save Money Every Time

After that expensive lesson on my first trip, I discovered MyForexer.com, and honestly, it’s changed how I handle forex completely.

Live Rate Comparison from 20+ Providers

Instead of calling banks and dealers one by one, I see all rates on one screen. Takes literally two minutes. I can see which bank, forex dealer, or online platform is offering the best USD rate right now.

Yesterday, I checked rates for a friend. The spread was interesting: Best rate was ₹84.15, worst was ₹84.95. That’s ₹0.80 difference per dollar. On his $5,000 requirement, choosing the best rate saved him ₹4,000. That’s real money!

Rate Alert System That Actually Works

This feature is brilliant. I set a target rate—say ₹83.80 for USD—and MyForexer sends me an alert via SMS and email when that rate is available anywhere in their network. I don’t need to keep checking rates ten times a day.

Last year, I knew I’d need $4,000 in two months for my US trip. I set an alert for ₹83.50. One morning, I got the notification—a provider was offering ₹83.48. I booked immediately. By the next week, rates had climbed to ₹84.20. That alert saved me ₹2,880.

Total Cost Transparency

Here’s something I really appreciate: The platform shows total cost, not just the exchange rate. Some providers show a great rate but then add service charges, delivery fees, or other hidden costs.

MyForexer’s calculator shows everything—exchange rate, service charges, GST, delivery fees—so you know the exact final cost. No surprises. I hate surprises when it comes to money.

City-Specific Rates

Rates vary between Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other cities. MyForexer shows rates specific to your location, including nearby collection points if you want to pick up cash rather than get it delivered.

Verified Reviews from Real People

Before choosing a provider, I always read reviews. Are they punctual with delivery? Is customer service responsive? Any hidden issues? These honest reviews from actual customers have saved me from choosing providers with great rates but terrible service.

Step-by-Step: How I Get the Best USD Rate Every Time

Let me share my exact process. This has worked consistently for me over the past few years.

Step 1: Decide How Much and When (2-3 Weeks Before)

I never wait until the last minute anymore. I decide my dollar requirement at least 2-3 weeks before travel. This gives me time to track rates and book when they’re favorable.

For example, if I’m traveling on March 15th, I start tracking rates by February 25th. This window lets me avoid last-minute panic and airport counters.

Step 2: Check Historical Rates

I look at USD to INR rates over the past 30-60 days. MyForexer.com has charts showing historical trends. This tells me if today’s rate is relatively good or bad.

If the current rate is ₹84.50 and I see it’s been averaging ₹84.20-₹84.80 over the past month, I know I’m in the middle range. If it’s ₹83.90, that’s a good rate worth booking immediately.

Step 3: Set Rate Alerts

Based on historical averages, I set an alert for a favorable rate. If the average is ₹84.50, I might set an alert for ₹84.00 or ₹84.20. Not too aggressive (might never hit) but better than average.

Then I wait. Sometimes the alert triggers within a few days, sometimes it doesn’t. But having it set means I won’t miss opportunities.

Step 4: Compare All Options

When my target rate hits or when I’m 7-10 days from travel (my deadline to book), I compare all options on MyForexer.com:

• Which provider has the best rate?
• What are total charges?
• How’s their customer service rating?
• Can they deliver to my address or should I pick up?
• How quickly can they deliver?

This comparison takes maybe 10 minutes but saves hundreds or thousands of rupees.

Step 5: Book Online

I book through MyForexer.com. Upload KYC documents (passport, visa, PAN card, travel tickets), pay via net banking or UPI, and select delivery or pickup.

Most providers process within 2-4 working days. For emergency needs, some offer same-day or next-day delivery for an extra charge.

Step 6: Verify Delivery

When I receive dollars, I always:

• Count the cash thoroughly before the delivery person leaves
• Check for counterfeit notes using the basic security features (watermark, security thread)
• Get a proper invoice/receipt
• Keep all documents until my trip completes

Never had issues, but better safe than sorry.

Cash vs Forex Card: Which Gives Better USD Rates?

This is a question I get asked often. The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on how you’ll use the money.

When Cash Makes Sense

For short trips (5-10 days) where I’ll mostly use cash, I prefer exchanging physical dollars. Why? Because I get the rate I see when booking. There’s no card loading fee, no ATM withdrawal charges later, no cross-currency markup if I accidentally use it in the wrong country.

I usually carry about 60-70% of my budget in cash (split between wallet and hotel safe) and keep one credit card for emergencies.

When Forex Cards Are Better

For longer trips, study abroad, or when I’m uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash, forex cards make more sense. Yes, there’s a card issuance fee (₹200-500) and you pay a small markup when loading. But you get safety, convenience, and can reload if needed.

Also, some parents prefer forex cards for students abroad because they can monitor spending and reload from India easily.

The Hybrid Approach I Use

For trips longer than a week, I do both:

• Exchange about ₹1-1.5 lakhs into cash (covers first week and smaller expenses)
• Load remaining budget on a forex card (for larger purchases and ATM withdrawals)

This gives me flexibility. Cash for street food, taxis, tips, small shops. Card for hotels, restaurants, shopping, car rentals.

Timing Matters: Best Time to Buy USD in India

Exchange rates fluctuate daily based on global factors. While you can’t predict rates perfectly, some patterns can help you time purchases better.

Time of Day

Forex markets operate globally. I’ve noticed rates in India are often slightly better during Indian business hours (10 AM – 4 PM) than early morning or late evening. Not a huge difference, but sometimes ₹0.10-0.20 per dollar.

Why? That’s when dealers are actively trading, volumes are higher, and competition is maximum.

Day of Week

Avoid weekends and Monday mornings if possible. Forex markets close on weekends, so any global news over the weekend creates gaps in rates when markets reopen Monday. These gaps aren’t always in your favor.

Mid-week—Tuesday to Thursday—tends to be more stable for exchanges.

Monthly Patterns

I’ve observed that around month-ends, when companies settle import/export payments, there’s sometimes increased dollar demand which can temporarily weaken the rupee. Not a hard rule, but I try to avoid month-end exchanges if rates aren’t particularly favorable.

Festival Season Impact

During Diwali and major festival seasons, gold imports to India surge. Since gold is paid for in dollars, this creates dollar demand and can weaken the rupee slightly. If you’re planning to exchange during October-November, factor this in.

Economic Data Releases

When important economic data comes out—like US employment numbers, Indian GDP data, RBI policy decisions—rates can swing noticeably. If you’re not in a rush, avoid booking on days when major data releases are scheduled (you can check economic calendars online).

The Smart Strategy

Instead of trying to time the absolute best rate (nearly impossible), I use this approach:

• Check the 30-day average rate
• If current rate is 0.5-1% better than average, book it
• If it’s worse, set an alert and wait a few days
• Never wait for the “perfect” rate—that’s how you end up at airport counters paying premium rates

Common Mistakes That Cost People Money

I’ve made most of these mistakes myself or seen friends make them. Learn from our expensive lessons!

Mistake 1: Waiting for the “Perfect” Rate

My colleague once needed $8,000 for his MBA fees. Rate was ₹83.70. He thought, “Let me wait, maybe it’ll hit ₹83.00.” He waited two weeks. Rate climbed to ₹84.80. He eventually paid ₹84.40—₹0.70 more per dollar than he could have. That’s ₹5,600 lost by waiting for a perfect rate that never came.

Currency markets are unpredictable. If you get a rate that’s better than the recent average, take it. Don’t be greedy.

Mistake 2: Not Comparing Providers

Walking into the first bank or exchange you see is expensive. I once saved my friend ₹6,000 on her $5,000 exchange just by showing her how to compare rates on MyForexer.com. Took ten minutes. She was about to just use her bank without checking alternatives.

Always compare at least 3-4 providers before booking.

Mistake 3: Exchanging at Airports

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: Airport counters are the most expensive option. They charge 3-7% premium over market rates. That’s ₹3,000-7,000 extra on a ₹1 lakh exchange.

Plan ahead. Book online 7-10 days before travel. Get dollars delivered home or pick up from city office.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Total Costs

A provider might advertise ₹84.00 rate while another shows ₹84.20. Seems obvious to choose the first one, right? But if the first one charges ₹500 service fee, ₹300 delivery fee, and ₹200 processing fee while the second has zero fees, the second option is actually cheaper for amounts below a certain threshold.

Always calculate total cost. MyForexer.com’s calculator does this automatically.

Mistake 5: Exchanging Too Early or Too Late

Too early (like 2-3 months before travel): You’re locking in a rate too far ahead. If rupee strengthens, you lose out. Plus, your money is stuck.

Too late (like 2 days before travel): Limited options, might end up with suboptimal rates or airport counters.

Sweet spot: 2-3 weeks before travel for tourist trips, 3-4 weeks for student forex needs.

Mistake 6: Not Keeping Bills and Receipts

Always keep the invoice when exchanging forex. I needed mine once when customs asked about the foreign currency I was carrying. Also useful if you need to re-exchange leftover dollars—some places give better rates if you have the original purchase bill.

Mistake 7: Exchanging Round Numbers

Instead of exchanging exactly $5,000, consider your actual needs. If you calculate you’ll need $4,700, exchange $4,800 or $4,900. Avoid carrying back large amounts that you’ll need to re-exchange at poor rates.

I usually exchange 5-10% less than my total budget and keep an Indian credit card as backup for any overage.

How Much USD Should You Actually Exchange?

This depends on your trip type and spending style, but here’s a framework I use.

For Tourists (7-15 Day Trips)

I calculate: (Daily budget × number of days × 1.1) + 20% emergency buffer

Example: 10-day US trip with $150 daily budget: ($150 × 10 × 1.1) + 20% = $1,650 + $330 = $1,980

So I’d exchange about $2,000. The 1.1 multiplier accounts for occasional splurges, and 20% emergency buffer ensures I’m never caught short.

For Students (Semester/Year Abroad)

Students usually need larger amounts. For semester expenses:

• Tuition fees (if paying in cash/card—often this is wired directly)
• Living expenses: $1,000-2,000 per month depending on city and lifestyle
• Initial setup costs: $2,000-3,000 for first month (deposits, furniture, kitchen items)

I’ve seen students exchange $8,000-15,000 initially, then their parents reload forex cards monthly as needed. This approach avoids tying up too much money at once.

For Business Travelers

Business trips are usually shorter but expenses can be high. Conference fees, hotels in city centers, business dinners add up quickly.

I typically exchange 70% of expected expenses in cash/card and keep a corporate credit card for the rest. Business travel is often reimbursed, so keeping detailed receipts matters more than exact budgeting.

For NRIs Visiting India

Interestingly, NRIs visiting India sometimes need USD to carry back when returning to the US. Same principles apply—compare rates, book in advance, avoid airports.

Some NRIs I know actually buy dollars in India at better rates than they can get in the US, especially in smaller American towns where forex dealers charge high fees.

Documents You’ll Need for USD Exchange

Getting your paperwork right speeds up the process significantly. Here’s what you’ll need.

For Foreign Travel (Tourist)

The basics:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
• Confirmed flight tickets or travel itinerary
• Visa copy (if applicable—not needed for visa-on-arrival countries)
• PAN card (mandatory for amounts above ₹50,000)
• Two passport-size photographs
• Address proof (Aadhaar, driver’s license, or utility bill)

For amounts above $25,000, you’ll need to fill out Form A2. Your forex provider will help with this.

For Students

Everything above, plus:

• Admission letter from foreign university
• Fee payment receipts or fee structure document
• I-20 form (for US) or CAS letter (for UK) or equivalent
• Student visa

Students can exchange up to $250,000 per financial year under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS).

For Business Travel

Standard documents plus:

• Business visa
• Invitation letter from host company or conference organizers
• Sometimes: Company ID card or business card

For Medical Treatment Abroad

Passport, visa, plus:

• Medical documents showing appointment or treatment plan
• Hospital letters or doctor’s recommendations
• Medical visa

Special higher limits apply for medical forex—check current RBI guidelines.

Digital Copies Work for Online Applications

When applying through MyForexer.com or other online platforms, scanned copies or clear phone photos of documents work fine. Just ensure:

• Documents are clearly visible and readable
• All four corners are visible in the photo
• No shadows or glare
• File size isn’t too large (most platforms accept up to 5 MB per document)

The Reserve Bank of India has clear rules on how much foreign currency you can buy. Staying within limits ensures smooth processing.

Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) Limit

Indian residents can freely exchange up to $250,000 per financial year (April to March) for any permitted current or capital account transaction. This includes:

• Foreign travel
• Education abroad
• Medical treatment
• Gifts and donations to relatives abroad
• Investment in foreign assets
• Purchasing property abroad

That $250,000 is a combined limit across all purposes. So if you’ve already sent $150,000 for your child’s education, you can exchange only $100,000 more that financial year for travel or other purposes.

Cash Carrying Limits

You can carry up to $3,000 in cash (or equivalent in other currencies) when traveling abroad without special permissions. For amounts between $3,000-$10,000, you’ll need to carry documentation showing you bought that forex legitimately.

Above $10,000, you need to declare it to customs. Not illegal, just needs declaration.

Personally, I rarely carry more than $2,000-2,500 in cash anyway. The rest I load on forex cards or plan to use credit cards. Carrying large amounts of cash makes me nervous.

Tax Collected at Source (TCS)

For forex purchases above ₹7 lakhs in a financial year, banks collect TCS:

• 5% of amount above ₹7 lakhs for general travel
• 0.5% for education and medical purposes (up to loan amount, if applicable)
• 20% if you don’t have a PAN card

TCS isn’t an extra tax—it’s advance tax collection that gets adjusted when you file your income tax return. Still, factor it into your total cost when exchanging large amounts.

Special Tips for Different Situations

Different travelers have different needs. Here’s specific advice for various situations.

For First-Time International Travelers

Your first time abroad can be overwhelming. My advice:

• Don’t exchange all your money at once—start with $500-800 and see how much you actually spend daily
• Keep some dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10 bills) for tips and small purchases
• Inform your Indian bank and credit card company about your travel dates so they don’t block your cards thinking transactions are fraudulent
• Download your forex card’s mobile app and familiarize yourself with it before traveling

For Students on a Budget

Students need to be extra careful with money. Here’s what works:

• Exchange major lump sums when rupee is strong—don’t wait for the last minute
• Use forex cards for most purchases (gives you and your parents transaction visibility)
• Keep about $500 in cash for initial needs and emergencies
• Look for student discounts on forex cards (HDFC and ICICI often have them)
• Track every expense in first two months to understand your actual spending pattern

For Parents Sending Money for Children’s Education

Parents often need to send regular remittances. Smart approach:

• Compare both USD cash exchange and wire transfer rates—sometimes wires are cheaper for very large amounts
• Set up a forex card that you can reload monthly from India
• Don’t send 6-12 months of expenses at once—currency volatility can work against you
• Use MyForexer.com’s rate alert for monthly reloading—save money consistently

For Business Travelers Seeking Reimbursement

If your company reimburses travel expenses:

• Keep all bills, receipts, and invoices meticulously
• Get a tax invoice from your forex provider (required for company reimbursement)
• Click photos of receipts immediately (paper receipts fade)
• Use forex cards where possible (automatic digital trail)
• Clarify your company’s preferred exchange method—some have tie-ups with specific providers

For Medical Travel

Medical emergencies are stressful enough without forex worries:

• Medical forex has relaxed TCS rules and higher limits—inform your provider
• Keep all medical documents handy (hospitals sometimes ask for proof of forex source)
• Exchange slightly more than estimated costs—medical bills can surprise you
• Consider forex cards over cash for hospital payments (many international hospitals accept cards)

What to Do with Leftover USD After Your Trip

You’re back from your trip with some dollars left. What now?

Option 1: Keep It for Next Trip

If you travel internationally somewhat regularly, just keep the dollars safe. I have a small home safe where I keep leftover USD, EUR, and GBP from various trips.

Benefits: No re-exchange costs, ready for next trip, and if the rupee weakens by your next trip, you’ve actually gained value.

Drawbacks: Money lying idle, risk of theft (though small amounts aren’t too risky).

Option 2: Re-exchange to INR

Most forex dealers buy back foreign currency. However, their buy-back rates are typically 2-3% worse than the rates at which they sold to you.

For example, if you bought at ₹84, they might buy back at ₹81.50. On $500, that’s ₹1,250 lost just to the exchange spread.

That said, if you don’t travel often and have significant amounts, re-exchanging makes sense.

Option 3: Gift to Friends Traveling Soon

I’ve done this several times. Friend traveling to the US next month? Sell them your leftover $300 at a rate between the buy and sell rate—both of you get a better deal than going through dealers.

Just keep the transaction transparent and documented (simple written note works) to avoid any confusion later.

Option 4: Deposit in Foreign Currency Account

Some Indian banks offer Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) accounts or Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) accounts for specific situations. Generally, this makes sense only for very large amounts or if you have regular foreign currency inflows.

For typical tourist leftover amounts ($200-500), this is overkill.

My Recommendation

For amounts under $500: Keep it for future use or gift to traveling friends. For amounts above $500: Re-exchange if you don’t travel often, keep it if you do.

Red Flags: How to Avoid Forex Scams

Most forex dealers are legitimate, but scams exist. Here’s what to watch for.

Red Flag 1: Too-Good-to-Be-True Rates

If someone’s offering ₹82 when everyone else is quoting ₹84-₹84.50, something’s wrong. Either they’re using counterfeit currency, or it’s a bait-and-switch scam.

Stick with rates within ₹0.50-1 of the average market rate.

Red Flag 2: No Physical Office or Website

Legitimate forex dealers have proper offices, websites, and RBI authorization certificates displayed. Someone operating from a car or random location? That’s suspicious.

Always verify the dealer’s RBI authorization. MyForexer.com lists only RBI-authorized partners, which is why I trust it.

Red Flag 3: Asking for Full Payment Before Delivery

Reputable providers either do cash-on-delivery or take partial advance through official payment channels (bank transfer, UPI to company account). Someone asking for full payment to a personal account before delivering forex? Scam alert.

Red Flag 4: No Proper Invoice or Receipt

After exchange, you should get a proper invoice with:

• Dealer’s company name and address
• Amount exchanged
• Exchange rate
• Date and transaction number
• Dealer’s signature and stamp

No invoice? Don’t proceed.

Red Flag 5: Pressure Tactics

“This rate is only valid for the next 30 minutes, decide now!” Legitimate dealers give you time to think. Pressure tactics often indicate scams or very poor service providers.

How to Stay Safe

• Use established platforms like MyForexer.com that vet their partners
• Read reviews before choosing a provider
• Never exchange with unlicensed hawala operators (illegal and risky)
• Verify currency authenticity upon delivery (check watermarks, security threads)
• Keep all documentation

Quick Comparison: Best USD Rate Options Ranked

Based on my experience and research, here’s how different options rank for getting the best USD rate:

1. Online Forex Platforms (via MyForexer.com)

• Rate: ★★★★★ (Best rates, typically 1-2% better than banks)
• Convenience: ★★★★★ (Book from home, doorstep delivery)
• Trust: ★★★★★ (RBI-authorized, verified providers)
• Speed: ★★★★☆ (2-4 days standard, same-day available for premium)

2. Forex Market Dealers

• Rate: ★★★★☆ (Good rates, negotiable for large amounts)
• Convenience: ★★★☆☆ (Need to visit physically, compare multiple dealers)
• Trust: ★★★★☆ (Most are licensed, but verify)
• Speed: ★★★★★ (Instant if you visit in person)

3. Bank Branches

• Rate: ★★★☆☆ (Usually 1-1.5% worse than best rates)
• Convenience: ★★★★☆ (Familiar, trusted process)
• Trust: ★★★★★ (Banks are highly regulated)
• Speed: ★★★☆☆ (2-5 days typically)

4. Bank Forex Counters at Airports

• Rate: ★★☆☆☆ (3-7% worse than market rates)
• Convenience: ★★★★☆ (Available last minute)
• Trust: ★★★★★ (Legitimate, but expensive)
• Speed: ★★★★★ (Instant)

5. Hotel/Local Money Changers

• Rate: ★★☆☆☆ (3-5% premium usually)
• Convenience: ★★★☆☆ (Available in tourist areas)
• Trust: ★★★☆☆ (Some are fine, some aren’t—hard to verify)
• Speed: ★★★★★ (Instant)

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Best USD Rates