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olivia

Opening a bank account in Chennai as a foreigner 2026

fmd_goodMadras Coffee House · #coffee
I'll be in Chennai for about six months starting in March and I'm trying to sort out money before I land. Can a foreigner open a local bank account without a ton of paperwork, and would I be better of… I'll be in Chennai for about six months starting in March and I'm trying to sort out money before I land. Can a foreigner open a local bank account without a ton of paperwork, and would I be better off just using a card that doesn't hammer me on forex fees? I'll be around the Madras Coffee House area a fair bit, so any branch suggestions near there would help too.
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Image merlinde ·

Bring a couple passport photos and your rental agreement as address proof, and try the SBI branch on Radhakrishnan Salai.

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Image kristiane ·

passport photos yes, but get them stamped by a notary first

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Image regine ·

Notary attestation only for address proof, not photos.

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Image antoniebir… ·

Ask about their minimum balance, it tripped me up.

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Image antoniebir… ·

The rental agreement needs to cover your full six months or the bank may push back. Also worth calling ahead, since some branches only take foreigner accounts on certain days.

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Image norabethke ·

sbi on that road is fine but foreigner accounts only mornings tues to thurs, so call before u go

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Image fraukekettler ·

honestly the paperwork isn't terrible if you go to a bigger branch, just bring your passport and visa and proof of address. Axis and HDFC near Anna Salai handle foreigners regularly. a no-fee card is way less hassle for six months tho.

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Image lilliweige… ·

yeah but check min balance, that's the real gotcha

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Image zayayilmaz ·

Getting a PAN card first speeds up the account process, and ICICI tends to be quicker with foreigner accounts than most.

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Image steffie ·

PAN usually takes a week or two, so start it early.

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effi

Best filter coffee near Madras Coffee House 2026?

fmd_goodMadras Coffee House · #coffee
I'm visiting Chennai for a week in 2026 and staying fairly close to Madras Coffee House. Is it worth a stop for proper filter coffee, or should I be looking at other spots nearby? Also curious what th… I'm visiting Chennai for a week in 2026 and staying fairly close to Madras Coffee House. Is it worth a stop for proper filter coffee, or should I be looking at other spots nearby? Also curious what the prices are like these days.
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Image lilo ·

Sangeetha Veg, Mylapore side, mornings.

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Image annelies ·

Agree, though I'd go before 8am to beat the rush.

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Image reginesteg… ·

Yea their degree coffee's solid but ask for it strong or it comes out kinda milky.

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Image birgamerke… ·

I've only been there on trips, but Luz Corner is another good bet if you're in that area. Their filter coffee runs around 30 to 40 rupees now. Go before the office crowd hits or you'll be standing.

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Image yasminmund ·

Ask for the davara set if you want it served the old way, and their mysore pak is worth adding for 20 rupees or so.

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Image steffiehak… ·

The davara set is the move, though I'd skip the sugar and let the meter coffee do the talking.

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Image ines ·

Their Mylapore branch beats the Kutchery Road one for consistency, and the morning tiffin crowd clears out by 9:30.

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