Please Note

Both Balasai Global Care, our Austrian fundraising association, and the Balasai Baba Trust in India prefer donations by bank transfer.

At the request of some long-standing supporters, we have also arranged the option of making a cash donation in person in India. Please be aware that this involves additional steps for the donor.

The following donation guide, dated 19 March 2025, is intended for those who prefer to make an official donation directly to the charitable organisation in India. Cash donations made in person are recorded solely in the accounts of the Balasai Baba Trust. They cannot be recorded as donations through our Austrian association or claimed as tax-deductible donations in Austria or elsewhere in Europe.

We therefore strongly recommend making all donations by bank transfer to our Austrian donation account.

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If you are visiting the ashram in Kurnool from Europe or another country and would like to make a cash donation, authorised representatives are available on site (see their contact details further down this page). They are authorised to accept cash donations in Indian rupees (INR) or foreign currency and issue an official donation receipt.

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Which Donations Are Accepted?

• Donations in Indian rupees (INR) are accepted without restriction.

• Donations in foreign currencies, such as euros or US dollars, are also accepted without restriction.

• The ashram takes responsibility for converting foreign currency into rupees.

• The maximum cash donation is INR 200,000 per person per day (approximately €2,200).

• If you wish to donate more than €2,200, we recommend a bank transfer through the Austrian fundraising association “Balasai Baba – Verein für Entwicklungsförderung in Indien”.

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Important Information on Foreign Currency and Currency Exchange in India:

• There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into India.

• If you bring more than USD 5,000 in cash (approximately €4,600–€4,700), you must declare it on arrival.

• If you wish to exchange foreign currency for Indian rupees:

  • The maximum exchange amount is INR 50,000 per person per day (approximately €550–€570, depending on the exchange rate).

  • This limit applies only to individuals exchanging currency themselves.

  • The ashram can accept foreign currency donations without limit and arrange the conversion into rupees.

  • Donors are therefore not subject to the INR 50,000 exchange limit and may donate any amount in foreign currency.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Declaring Currency at the Airport

1. Arrival in India

   1. After landing, follow the signs to Immigration (passport control).

   2. Then proceed to Customs.

2. Choose the Appropriate Customs Channel

   1. If you are carrying less than USD 5,000 in cash, you can use the green channel (“Nothing to Declare”).

   2. If you are carrying more than USD 5,000 in cash, you must use the red channel (“Items to Declare”).

3. Complete the Currency Declaration Form

   1. A form for declaring foreign currency is available at the red channel.

   2. Ask a customs officer for a “Currency Declaration Form” and complete it.

4. Present Your Documents

   1. Present the completed form, your passport and the cash to the customs officer.

   2. If you have a currency exchange receipt or bank statement, bring it with you.

5. Keep Your Confirmation

   1. The customs officer will check your details and issue official confirmation of your declaration.

   2. Keep this document, as you may need it when taking the money to a bank or currency exchange office.

 

 

How Can I Donate in Person at the Ashram or Balasai Baba Trust?

1. If You Already Have Indian Rupees:

• You can donate up to INR 200,000 per person per day.

• Please contact the authorised representatives at the ashram or Balasai Baba Trust (see their contact details further down this page).

• You will receive an official donation receipt.

2. If You Wish to Donate in Euros or Another Foreign Currency:

• You can donate any amount in foreign currency.

• The Balasai Baba Trust takes responsibility for converting the foreign currency into Indian rupees.

• The daily exchange limit of INR 50,000 applies only to private individuals exchanging currency themselves.

• You will receive an official receipt for your foreign currency donation.

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Alternatively: Donate by Bank Transfer

If you would like to make a larger donation or prefer not to donate in cash, you can securely transfer your donation through our Austrian fundraising association, “Balasai Baba – Verein für Entwicklungsförderung in Indien”.

Click the button below for our donation account details:​​​​

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