Dreaming of beaches, skylines, deserts, and heritage sites in 2026? If you’re an Indian traveller, choosing destinations that are easy to enter, exciting to explore, and smart on the wallet makes all the difference. Here are the top 5 countries Indians love to visit, along with visa details, top attractions, and tips for purchasing foreign currency to save while travelling abroad this year.
1. Thailand
Not only for Indians, but Thailand is the most favourite holiday destination of the whole Southeast Asia, for its beaches, cities, and culture. The country is ideal for solo, honeymoon, family, and budget travels. Thailand offers visa-free entry for Indians for up to 60 days, and the best time to visit is between November and April.
The attractions of Thailand include Bangkok for its Grand Palace and food street, Chiang Mai temples and jungles, UNESCO World Heritage Ayutthaya Historical Park, and Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui beaches.
Forex Tips
- Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand.
- It is best for Indian travellers to purchase Thai Baht from India before their travel.
- Developed country in terms of digital payments.
- Carry a combination of cash and a forex card in a 30:70 ratio.
Learn More: Best Currency for Indian Travellers to Thailand: How to Buy it?
2. Maldives
The Maldives is the closest and most luxurious island escape that anyone could ever dream of. With its world-famous beaches and crystal-clear waters, the Maldives is great for honeymoons and fancy vacations. You can catch the Maldives at its best weather from November to April. Additionally, Indians are eligible for a free visa-on-arrival to the island.
The must-visit destinations of the Maldives are Malé City, Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Addu Atoll, and Dhigurah Island.
Forex Tips
- The Maldivian Rufiya is the official currency of the Maldives. However, it is not the best currency to take to the Maldives when travelling from India. Maldives currency is rarely available in India, making it exotic and expensive.
- The best currency to buy is US Dollars as it is widely available in India at cheaper rates.
- US Dollars are accepted in popular Maldivian tourist areas, but hotels and restaurants often offer poor exchange rates and local vendors prefer Maldivian currency. The smart approach is to convert your USD to Maldivian currency once you arrive in the Maldives, for smoother transactions.
- The Maldives is primarily a cash-based economy, so carry US Dollars as both cash and a forex card in a 30:70 ratio.
Know More: Best Currency for Indian Travellers to Maldives – Why Choose US Dollars?
3. Malaysia
The multicultural cities, beaches, mountains, and cuisine of Malaysia make it a mandatory country to be in your travel plan for 2026. Moreover, it is easier to reach and cheaper than other long-haul spots. Indians can enter Malaysia visa-free with an MDAC arrival card.
The top attractions of Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi beaches, Cameron Highlands tea estates, and Georgetown, Penang heritage.
Forex Tips
- Purchase Malaysian Ringgit, the official currency of Malaysia, prior to your trip as it is the best currency for Indian travellers to Malaysia.
- Carry 70% of your travel budget in a forex card and buy the rest as cash.
Also Read: Best Currency for Indian Travellers to Malaysia: How to Buy it?
4. UAE
The UAE offers a unique blend of modern architecture, luxury shopping, desert adventures, and rich Arabian culture. With its iconic landmarks, world-class resorts, and a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, it is an exciting destination. Indians can travel to the UAE by securing an e-visa well in advance.
The most popular spots in the UAE include the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Desert Safari.
Forex Tips
- The UAE Dirham is the UAE’s official currency and the best currency to take while travelling from India.
- It is advisable to exchange money and buy the necessary amount of UAE Dirhams in India before your flight to Dubai.
- Buy UAE Dirhams in cash and a forex card in a 20:80 ratio to make your payments convenient and keep your pockets lightweight.
Read More: Best Currency to Take to Dubai for Indian Travellers and How to Buy It
5. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a gem in South Asia, offering a mix of ancient culture, breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and diverse wildlife. From UNESCO heritage sites to tranquil shores, it’s an ideal destination for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. An e-Visa is available for Indians planning to visit Sri Lanka.
The best locations to visit while in Sri Lanka are Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Mirissa & Unawatuna Beaches, Ella & Nine Arches Bridge, Yala National Park, and Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Forex Tips
- Sri Lankan Rupees is the national currency of Sri Lanka. However, being an exotic currency in India, the better option is the US dollar.
- After landing in Sri Lanka, convert the US Dollars in hand to Sri Lankan Rupees. You’ll get far better exchange rate in Sri Lanka than if you had purchased Sri Lankan Rupees directly in India.
- Load 70% of your travel budget into your Forex card and buy the remaining 30% as cash.
Learn More: Which Currency to Take to Sri Lanka from India?
From choosing visa-friendly countries to carrying the right currency and forex card, small decisions can save you big money. Book your visa and forex online with ExTravelMoney, get them home-delivered and save big this year.
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Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.