Ariyalur District does not have the array of dedicated exchange centers found in cities like Chennai or Trichy. The best and most reliable options are a mix of authorized dealers and using your international cards at banks/ATMs.
1. Primary and Recommended Exchange Options
Your most reliable source for exchanging foreign currency is an RBI-Authorized Dealer (AD Category-II), which has a presence directly in Ariyalur town.
1.1. RBI Authorized Money Changers (The Best Bet)
One of the most prominent and authorized money changers has a branch directly in Ariyalur:
| Provider | Location in Ariyalur | Services Offered |
| Unimoni Financial Services Ltd. | MIN Nagar (Near Vellalar Street / Above Meyy Montessori School) | Buy/Sell Foreign Currency, Multi-Currency Forex Travel Cards, Send Money Abroad, Money Transfer Services. |
| Tamizhan Air Travels | Ezhilagam, Vilangara Street | Exchange Services, Ticket Booking (often offer basic Forex services). |
- Tip: Always call the branch ahead of time (especially Unimoni) to confirm they have the specific foreign currency you require and to check the current exchange rate.
1.2. Major Banks (Limited Services)
While many national banks have branches in Ariyalur (e.g., State Bank of India (SBI), Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Federal Bank, Canara Bank), their small-town branches rarely keep a stock of foreign currency or offer immediate exchange services.
- Bank Role: Banks are primarily useful for using your International Debit/Credit Cards (see Section 3) and for major wire transfers, not for quick, over-the-counter cash exchange.
2. Cash Withdrawal (Using ATMs)
This is the most convenient way to get Indian Rupees (INR) at any time of day.
2.1. Recommended Banks with ATMs in Ariyalur
Look for ATMs of major national and private banks, which are more likely to accept international cards (Visa/Mastercard/Maestro/Plus/Cirrus networks):
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- Federal Bank (Branch in MIN Nagar is confirmed to be there)
- HDFC Bank
- Axis Bank
2.2. Best Practices for ATM Use
- Always Choose INR: When the ATM asks if you want to be charged in your home currency or INR, always select INR (Indian Rupees). This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Choosing INR usually gives you a fairer rate set by your home bank, whereas choosing your home currency uses the ATM provider’s higher conversion rate.
- Withdraw Larger Amounts: To avoid multiple transaction fees from both your home bank and the local bank, withdraw the maximum daily limit in one go.
- Check Limits: Confirm your home bank’s daily withdrawal limit and any per-transaction fees before traveling.
3. Digital Payments and Credit/Debit Cards
Ariyalur, like much of India, has rapidly adopted digital payments.
3.1. International Credit/Debit Cards
- Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at all major hotels, supermarkets, and larger shops in Ariyalur town. Smaller shops, street vendors, and auto-rickshaws will not accept cards.
- Forex Card: If you carry a multi-currency Forex Card (like those offered by Unimoni, Thomas Cook, etc.), it can be used just like a debit card at Point of Sale (POS) terminals and ATMs.
3.2. UPI (The Indian Digital Standard)
- What it is: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India’s standard for instant mobile payments (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe).
- Tourist Access: As a tourist, you may be able to use your international debit/credit cards through the ‘UPI for Foreign Nationals’ feature via certain mobile apps. Ask your local guide or hotel for assistance in setting this up, as it’s the most common payment method for small transactions.
4. ⚠️ Places to AVOID Exchanging Money
For the best rates and security, do not use the following methods:
- Hotels or Local Lodges: They offer the worst exchange rates and often charge high service fees.
- Unlicensed Local Agents or Individuals: This is risky, illegal, and puts you at risk of receiving counterfeit currency. Stick to RBI-authorized agents (like Unimoni) or ATMs.
- Ariyalur Bus Stand/Railway Station: These locations do not have official, reliable exchange counters.
5. Documents Required for Exchange
For any official exchange transaction at an authorized dealer, you will need the following Know Your Customer (KYC) documents:
- Valid Passport (Original and a photocopy)
- Valid Visa (If applicable)
- PAN Card (Photocopy – a mandatory tax document in India. If you do not have one, you will need to declare this on a form and the transaction limit may apply.)
- Boarding Pass/Ticket (For selling or buying currency for your departure/arrival).