Himachal Hotels to Offer Currency Exchange, Making Travel Easier for Foreign Tourists
Foreign visitors to Himachal Pradesh may soon find their journeys a lot smoother. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is gearing up to introduce foreign currency exchange counters in its hotels, restaurants, and cafes across the state.
The move, awaiting approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is designed to save tourists the hassle of traveling to airports or banks just to exchange money. HPTDC Chairman RS Bali explained, “We hope to launch this facility in our hotels in the new year. It will reduce the inconvenience faced by international guests and make their stay more comfortable.”
Why it matters:
- Tourists often struggle with limited access to currency exchange facilities in remote destinations.
- With this initiative, visitors can exchange money right where they stay, dine, or relax.
- It’s a step toward putting Himachal on the global tourism map with international-standard services.
Where it starts:
The rollout will begin in popular tourist hubs like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Dalhousie, and Chamba, before expanding to other HPTDC units statewide.
Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director of HPTDC, confirmed that formalities are being completed to kickstart the service.
The bigger picture:
This initiative isn’t just about convenience—it’s about boosting Himachal’s tourism economy. By offering world-class facilities, the state hopes to attract more international travelers and make government-run hospitality units more tourist-friendly.
