Highlights

• Thomas Cook India has opened its first foreign exchange outlet in Varanasi, increasing its footprint in Uttar Pradesh to five locations.
• The new centre will offer comprehensive forex, remittance, and prepaid travel card services for residents, students, and inbound travellers.
• The launch supports growing regional demand and enhances access for customers in Varanasi and neighbouring cities.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited (NSE:THOMASCOOK) has expanded its foreign exchange distribution network by opening a new outlet in Varanasi, marking a significant addition to its presence in Uttar Pradesh. With this launch, the company now operates five forex outlets across the state, aimed at meeting the rising demand from local residents, students, and international travellers.

Growing Presence in Uttar Pradesh

Thomas Cook India has inaugurated its first foreign exchange outlet in Varanasi as part of its broader strategy to expand into high-potential markets. The addition of this centre brings the company’s total forex outlets in Uttar Pradesh to five, enhancing customer access and widening its regional distribution network.

Located in Nadesar, the new outlet offers convenient access for city residents as well as the increasing number of inbound and NRI visitors that Varanasi receives throughout the year. The city continues to attract a steady stream of international travellers, particularly during the winter season, and the new centre aims to serve their currency needs with a launch offer of zero transaction fees.

Focus on Regional Demand and Key Customer Segments

The new Varanasi outlet is positioned to cater not only to local residents but also to surrounding areas including Bhadohi and Jaunpur. These regions form a sizable catchment for the company’s foreign exchange services, given their growing demand for international travel, overseas education, and inbound tourist activity.

A large student population forms one of the city’s most important customer groups, with many pursuing higher education abroad. The outlet will support these students with services such as university fee transfers, living expense remittances, and specialised travel products. Additional customer segments include holiday travellers and foreign nationals seeking currency exchange during their visit.

Comprehensive Forex and Digital Services

The Varanasi centre offers a wide portfolio of forex solutions, including 26 global destination currencies, remittance services to over 120 countries, and a range of prepaid travel cards in partnership with Mastercard and Visa. These include multi-currency cards for leisure travellers, dedicated cards for business and student use, and the One Currency Card designed with zero cross-currency conversion fees.

Digital convenience forms a central part of the offering, with services such as online forex booking, the TC Pay app, WhatsApp-based transactions, and video KYC. The centre also provides support for overseas education requirements including discounted airfares, insurance, excess baggage solutions and the Study Buddy Card.

Boosts Distribution Through Omnichannel Access

Thomas Cook India continues to position itself as a leading forex services provider through its omnichannel approach. The company serves over one million customers annually through its website, FX Now app, call centre, and a network of over 125 forex stores across 69 cities. Its doorstep delivery service, Ghar pe Forex, promises delivery within two hours, enhancing accessibility for customers across urban and regional locations.

With the launch of the Varanasi outlet, Thomas Cook India aims to deepen its presence in a key cultural and commercial hub while supporting growing regional demand for reliable and accessible foreign exchange services.