Thomas Cook Strengthens Its Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Forex Outlet, Meeting the Surging Demand from Local Customers and Foreign Visitors

Published on December 5, 2025

Thomas Cook has just made a significant move to bolster its footprint in India by launching a new forex outlet in Varanasi. Strategically located in the heart of the city, this outlet is set to serve the growing number of both local residents and international visitors who frequent this spiritual and cultural hub. Varanasi, renowned for its religious importance, has seen a surge in inbound tourism, especially during the winter season. The new outlet aims to cater to the increasing demand for seamless currency exchange services, further enhancing the travel experience for tourists and NRIs. This expansion marks a key milestone in Thomas Cook’s effort to provide more accessible and convenient forex solutions in Uttar Pradesh.

Thomas Cook Expands Footprint in Varanasi with New Forex Outlet to Serve Growing Market of Local and Inbound Travelers

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, a pioneer in omnichannel foreign exchange (forex) services, has made a significant stride in expanding its footprint in India by launching its first forex outlet in Varanasi. This new outlet, strategically located in the Nadesar area, marks a crucial step in the company’s broader plan to strengthen its presence in Uttar Pradesh, as part of its initiative to tap into the growing emerging markets. With five operational outlets across the state, Thomas Cook India continues to provide seamless forex services to local customers and an increasing number of inbound travelers.

Varanasi’s Significance and the Need for Convenient Forex Services

Varanasi, widely regarded as one of the holiest cities in India, attracts millions of domestic and international tourists each year. The city’s appeal lies not only in its spiritual and cultural significance but also in its increasing importance as a hub for inbound and non-resident Indian (NRI) travelers. As one of India’s most visited cities, especially during the winter season, Varanasi has witnessed a steady increase in demand for currency exchange services.

Recognizing this need, Thomas Cook has opened the new outlet to cater to the growing demand from both local customers and travelers who require forex services during their stay. The city has a high influx of foreign tourists, and with the opening of this outlet, Thomas Cook India aims to provide more accessible and comprehensive forex services, offering travelers convenient solutions to exchange money, manage their travel-related expenses, and meet their financial needs during their time in the city.

Strategic Location and Target Market Segments

The new outlet’s location in the Nadesar area of Varanasi is strategically chosen to serve both the local population and the significant number of inbound and NRI visitors. The nearby area is a popular destination for tourists seeking spiritual enrichment, making it the ideal place for a forex outlet. In addition to the immediate Varanasi market, the new outlet is well-positioned to cater to residents of nearby cities like Bhadohi and Jaunpur, further expanding the reach of Thomas Cook India’s services.

The key market segments targeted by this outlet include Varanasi’s large student population preparing to study abroad, holiday travelers, and foreign nationals who require currency exchange services. Varanasi is home to many students pursuing higher education overseas, and Thomas Cook India’s focus on this demographic is critical in helping them manage their financial needs while studying abroad.

Comprehensive Forex Services to Meet Diverse Needs

The Varanasi outlet offers an extensive range of forex products and services designed to meet the needs of all types of travelers. Among the key services provided are:

• Currency Exchange: The outlet offers exchange services for 26 global currencies, making it easy for customers to get the money they need for international travel.
• Overseas Remittances: With Thomas Cook Forex’s Send Money Abroad service, customers can send money to over 120 countries, facilitating cross-border financial transactions for both personal and business needs.
• Prepaid Travel Cards: In partnership with Mastercard and Visa, the outlet provides a variety of prepaid travel cards, which offer a secure and convenient alternative to carrying cash while traveling abroad.
• Borderless Travel: A multi-currency prepaid card offering 12 global currencies, ideal for frequent travelers who visit multiple destinations around the world.
• Business Travel Solutions: The FX Enterprise card is India’s first eco-friendly forex prepaid card, designed for business travelers to manage expenses while abroad.
• Overseas Education Solutions: The Study Buddy card, specially designed for students traveling abroad, offers a convenient solution for managing tuition fees, living expenses, and more.
• Thomas Cook One Currency Card: India’s first prepaid card with no cross-currency conversion fees, making it easier for travelers to manage expenses in foreign countries.

Digital Services and Easy Accessibility for Tech-Savvy Travelers

In keeping with the demands of today’s tech-savvy travelers, the Varanasi outlet also offers a range of digital services. These services include the TC Pay Forex App, which allows customers to access live forex rates and manage their transactions online, and Forex on WhatsApp, a 24/7 service for real-time forex rates and transaction processing. Additionally, customers can utilize V-KYC for quick and secure identity verification, ensuring a seamless experience.

Serving the Student Community with Comprehensive Forex Solutions

One of the primary target groups for Thomas Cook India’s Varanasi outlet is the large student community in the city. With Varanasi being a major education hub, a significant number of students travel abroad for higher studies each year. Thomas Cook India is committed to providing a range of services tailored to meet the needs of these students, including the Study Buddy Card for managing tuition fees and living expenses abroad. The outlet also offers services for university/tuition fee transfers, discounted airfares, excess baggage, travel insurance, and more.

By providing these comprehensive solutions, Thomas Cook India helps ensure that students have access to the financial tools they need to study abroad without hassle. The outlet also supports students by offering guidance on how to effectively manage their finances while living overseas.

Conclusion: Strengthening India’s Forex Service Network

With its new outlet in Varanasi, Thomas Cook India further solidifies its position as the country’s leading forex services provider. The expansion not only strengthens the company’s presence in Uttar Pradesh but also supports the growing demand for foreign exchange solutions in emerging markets. By offering a comprehensive range of forex products and services, both online and offline, Thomas Cook India continues to cater to the diverse needs of its customers, from students and holiday travelers to businesses and foreign nationals.

As one of India’s leading forex specialists, Thomas Cook India serves over 1 million customers annually, offering seamless access to forex products through its website, FX Now app, call centers, and over 125 outlets across the country. The company’s omnichannel approach ensures that customers can access the services they need, whether they are at home, on the go, or abroad.

Thomas Cook has expanded its presence in Varanasi with the launch of a new forex outlet, addressing the rising demand from both local residents and foreign visitors. Positioned in a strategic location, the outlet aims to provide seamless currency exchange services, supporting the city’s growing influx of tourists and NRIs, especially during the winter season. This move marks a key step in Thomas Cook’s plan to enhance its services across Uttar Pradesh.

Key Features of the Varanasi Outlet:

• Strategic location in Nadesar, Varanasi
• Comprehensive forex services for tourists, students, and NRIs
• Special focus on overseas education and student needs
• Digital services including TC Pay Forex App and Forex on WhatsApp
• Partnership with Mastercard and Visa for prepaid travel cards

By expanding its services in Varanasi, Thomas Cook India is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for forex services in this rapidly developing region. This move is an essential part of the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen its omnichannel service model and support the financial needs of travelers across the country.