What to Expect When Exchanging Currency at Bangalore Airport
Kempegowda International Airport is one of India’s busiest airports, serving over 40 million passengers a year, and that high footfall is exactly why forex counters here can afford to charge a premium. Currency exchange at Bangalore Airport typically means markups of 6 to 10%, fixed rates with no live pricing, and a limited selection of currencies. If you’re travelling on a busy IT conference week or during peak season, expect long queues at the few counters available, with no way to lock in a better rate in advance.
Platforms like BookMyForex are built for Bengaluru’s busy travellers, offering same-day doorstep delivery across the city, live interbank-linked rates, and zero hidden charges. Whether you’re flying out of T1 or T2, booking your forex online in advance means you arrive at the airport relaxed, not scrambling at a counter.
Why Get Your Forex from BookMyForex Before Heading to Bangalore Airport
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Other Major Drawbacks of Currency Exchange at Bangalore Airport
Beyond the headline markups, the Bangalore Airport forex experience has some specific pain points worth knowing. With T1 handling domestic traffic and T2 handling international flights, located 5 km apart, there’s no single convenient forex hub. Centrum Money Exchange operates at T2 (international terminal), but options at T1 are more limited. Other drawbacks include:
- Most counters accept cash only; cards/UPI are often not accepted
- Long queues during peak hours; counters often understaffed
- Limited operating hours; not all counters open 24/7
- Unlike online platforms, airports don’t offer cashback/rewards
Where Are Currency Exchange Counters at Bangalore Airport?
If you don’t have any other option and exchanging at the Bangalore airport is your last resort, here’s what you should know. Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has a few currency exchange counters scattered across terminals (they’re limited and expensive).
- Terminal 2 (International Departures): Centrum Money Exchange operates on the ground and first floor of the international terminal, open 24 hours.
- Terminal 2 (International Arrivals): Currency exchange available on the ground level near baggage claim; limited forex options post-arrival.
- Terminal 1 (Domestic): Primarily ATMs only; no dedicated forex desk. Not ideal for currency exchange.
- All terminals: Operated by private vendors who charge 8 to 10% higher markups due to heavy airport concession fees.
