Guwahati Airport (GAU) Currency Exchange: Complete Guide
Most airport guides are written once and left alone. That's a problem for GAU right now, because the airport is genuinely mid-transition — a brand-new terminal opened in 2026, and not every airline has moved into it yet. Here's what's actually confirmed, and what's still catching up.
Thomas Cook — confirmed, in the older terminal (T1)
Thomas Cook runs two confirmed counters in Terminal 1:
- Departure: opposite the airline ticketing counters
- Arrival: opposite Baggage Belt 2
This is well-confirmed — a real Google Maps business pin for Thomas Cook at the airport has a phone number that exactly matches the contact number listed on the airport operator's own official facility page for this same location. That kind of independent match is strong evidence.
The new terminal, and why this guide can't fully vouch for it yet
GAU opened a genuinely new terminal — nicknamed "The Bamboo Orchids," roughly 140,000 square meters, inaugurated in December 2025 and commercially operational from February 2026. Airlines have been moving into it in stages, not all at once: some carriers shifted over in March 2026, but others — including IndiGo, based on multiple independent traveler reports spanning several months after the new terminal opened — were still flying out of the old Terminal 1.
The new terminal does have forex facilities: locations are listed next to Departure Gate 2 and near the Guardian Pharmacy in Arrivals. But the operator running those two counters hasn't been independently confirmed — worth noting, two of the most detailed walkthrough videos of the new terminal we've reviewed don't mention a forex counter at all, despite covering nearly everything else in detail. That doesn't mean it isn't there, just that it's easy to miss.
The practical upshot: if you know which terminal your airline currently uses at GAU, use that to plan — Thomas Cook in the old T1 is your reliable bet. If you're flying an airline that's already moved to the new terminal, forex facilities exist there too, but confirm the operator on-site rather than assuming it's also Thomas Cook.
ATMs — 3 confirmed, all in the older terminal setup
- SBI — Departure, outside
- Canara Bank — Departure, inside
- South Indian Bank — Arrival exit area, 24/7
The takeaway
- Thomas Cook is solidly confirmed at Terminal 1 — Departure (opposite ticketing) and Arrival (opposite Belt 2)
- A new terminal opened in 2026 and airlines are still migrating — check which one your airline actually uses
- The new terminal's forex operator isn't independently confirmed yet, even though the counter locations are known
- 3 ATMs (SBI, Canara Bank, South Indian Bank) are confirmed, all tied to the older terminal layout
We'll update this guide as the terminal migration settles and the new terminal's forex operator gets confirmed — for now, this is the honest state of things rather than a guess dressed up as certainty.
Need mobile data too?
Sorting out currency is only half the "landing prepared" checklist — most travelers also need mobile data the moment they touch down, for maps, ride-hailing apps, and checking in with home. Rather than pushing one option, here are two eSIM providers worth comparing before your trip:
- Roamable — travel eSIM plans covering most major destinations
- Strong eSIM — global digital SIM, 190+ countries
As with currency exchange, rates and coverage vary — worth a quick compare based on your destination and how much data you'll actually need.
Affiliate disclosure: JesTiny Guide may earn a commission if you use a pre-booking link through one of our partner counters, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site free and independently run. Rates shown are indicative and sourced from live currency APIs — always confirm the final rate at the counter before exchanging.
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