That would be a great way to welcome AI into Star.

My BOM based relatives will be visiting the US soon and need to get some USD. What is the best/cheapest way to get it? I can only think of getting it at the airport. Need approx. 2K.

Why not just use your CC and have them reimburse you in rupee when you return to India?

Perhaps get a Blue Bird with their names on it ? 2 cards $ 1000 each. Get your funds back in India, mind you Rs. 204000 does not go far anymore ! :(

They want to have some physical cash while travelling and I don't need any INR. Plus not enough time to send them a card.

I have had ThomasCook offer me excellent rates in the past. They had a branch near the International Airport, near Marol. Recently, that branch seems to have been taken over by LKP Forex.

Banks usually charge higher rates as their rates are managed by Regional Manager / Head-Office and hence, not as dynamic as a MoneyExchange dealer. The desks at the airport are a complete Rip-off.

I usually compare rates on Google, while negotiating for the rates.
Google: "USD into INR" and add about 3%-5% to the rate.

FYI, they would need to submit copies of PP, Visa & PAN Card and also fill a couple of FERA / FEMA declaration forms.

They can withdraw cash using their Indian bank debit card from any ATM in the US for less than the commission and exchange rate charged by the forex crooks.

bookmyforex.com offers very good rates in india and usually higher then the local grey market. All legit and they just ask for a passport copy.

if you are not local to Delhi / NCR, they have tieups with banks (on a rate higher than bank's own)

I've used it few times and pointed few others. All Happy customers

Forex at the airport are complete rip off's.. better to get something from the City..

@WhizKid - are you in Austin currently..?? did you make it to the meet yesterday ..?? you and I should catch up man..

First CitiPM started with 'Double Miles' for all International Spends. Then, HDFC launched 1% FCY mark-up discount and now, Axis has started with 1% cash-back on all International Spends..!

Would appreciate any recommendation / suggestion for Hotels / Serviced Appartments in HYD (HiTech City / Madhapur area) & MAA (Chennai City Centre / Mylapore / Vadapalani area).

Majority of reviews I have gone through haven't been very helpful.

Thanks in-advance,
GuyFromBOM.

9W Award Availability
 

Called a couple of airlines like SQ etc. Looking for two J awards NRT BOM. She said every 9W flight she checked showed only one available on each flight over a week.

tried for two J BOM EWR. Same story.

Is that typical of 9W ? Do they "replenish" after one is booked ?

9W releases only 1J and 1F per flight. Not quite sure if they would change in the future though. Thats been unfortunately standard practice for sometime now.

del/bom - lhr are the only routes where jet (sometimes) releases 2 business or first seats....on every other route its only 1 business seat....its been this way for the last 4-5 years....