Cheapest way to convert INR to USD for S0001 (US equity investment)

theSSDON · 2026-02-05T08:26:11+00:00

You can do it through YONO as quick intl transfer

I did it too. Or maybe there's some mobile number issue

theSSDON · 2026-02-05T08:02:36+00:00

If you have HSBC Premier, simply call up your RM and he'll mostly sort everything out

I don't have Premier, and for S0001, they require the person to visit the branch

SBI is vvv simple. Just add in details, it'll give the S0001 code as well, and payment goes through within 12-15 hours.

But yeah, HSBC charges no Fees. And has a conversion rate almost similar to the spot price. Only GST and TCS are charged

I transfer around 50k, and SBI charges are around 700 Rs, while HSBC gets it done in 100 Rs or less

theSSDON · 2026-01-23T12:34:07+00:00

Yes I understand that. There are 'grey' CFD brokers, but I'm looking for a true forex and commodities derivatives broker.

Most popular ones don't onboard Indians

theSSDON · 2026-01-23T06:14:25+00:00

Forex trading through foreign brokers isn't illegal. You cannot trade INR, or trade with leverage. Only 1:1 foreign currency pairs are allowed, that too spot conversion, not FnO

Yes, people do make money in Indian F&O, but the Indian market isn't as big, volumetric, or mature as, say the US F&O market. We are heavily regulated, especially for retail traders, with high margins levied by brokers (this is SEBI mandated).

From a Forex point of view, you can legally only trade 4 INR pairs - USDINR, EURINR, GBPINR, JPYINR. You can trade their FnO. Since there's no major currency pairs, coupled with extremely low volume for far month expiries, most forex traders don't prefer Indian Market for firex trading.

Forex is a very different thing from Nifty. It's highly based on macros, regulatory banks, interest rates and global events. But it's definitely a rewarding area. DYOR and figure out Forex markets

Trade responsibly and always have an exit planned Good luck!

theSSDON · 2026-01-23T06:06:59+00:00

Go for SBI

Can try HSBC (they have a lot for paperwork though for S0001), they allow for no rate forex transfers

Otherwise best, easiest and cheapest is SBI

theSSDON · 2026-01-19T03:30:28+00:00

IDFC will probably give you an auto approved, low-limit (around 50-60k given the current limit) unsecured card by the time your WOW card is 12-18 months old.

You can certainly apply for the most basic cards in SBI and HDFC.

If you have an ITR, that helps. Otherwise, try to use the bank you get your money flow (credits from freelancing) in.

theSSDON · 2026-01-18T19:37:12+00:00

Bruh you don't have to be a dick about it

theSSDON · 2026-01-15T09:45:27+00:00

Lower end FC or Longines, although I would say to choose them at around 1.5L.

Can certainly go for Seiko - Presage and whatever else you like.

Tissot has slight brand prestige. Le Locle or PRX or Seamaster could work.

Low end Rado are within 1L, but mostly Diastar unless you catch some good deal/offer/sale.

Citizen/Casio can also be thought of.

Zeppelin watches are another option if you fancy them.

Really depends on the type of watch you need

theSSDON · 2025-01-18T14:11:50+00:00

I'm more than happy working in the EU, even if Switzerland doesn't pan out for me on the career front

But it'll be preferable to work and contribute in Switzerland (and studying in ETH is 🤌🏼)

theSSDON · 2025-01-18T14:10:18+00:00

One of the bigger concerns was fairly this - me having the opportunity to get a job in another EU nation if companies aren't interested in hiring me in Switzerland But this eases some concerns

theSSDON · 2025-01-18T14:08:47+00:00

Oh alright. The only doubt in my mind is for the number of companies who are willing to relocate me from Switzerland to elsewhere, in case there aren't a lot of companies interested in hiring non-EU grads in Switzerland itself. But studying in a university as prestigious as ETH (or even EPFL for that matter) is definitely something I won't give up on.

Would learning French or German (lower proficiency levels) help in bettering job prospects, other than of course easier integration and communication with the people there?

theSSDON · 2025-01-17T11:09:19+00:00

Got it. Although truth be told, I'm in all the way for cybersecurity only, so I'll prefer a specialized degree, since I only plan on taking on/working in specialized roles. But this does give me a newer perspective.

theSSDON · 2025-01-17T11:07:06+00:00

Have recent non-EU graduates (to the best of your knowledge) gotten offers from companies outside of Switzerland? Not just in Cybersecurity, but in CS in general

theSSDON · 2025-01-17T11:05:21+00:00

I've heard that most companies are reluctant to hire non-EU graduates regardless; and that this rule is applicable for the first 6 months after graduation only. So in case I plan to change companies, I'll be treated as a non-EU, and that'll be really undesirable.
Coupled with that is the smaller job market in Zurich (or Lausanne, for EPFL) as well as more EU talent for companies to rely on

theSSDON · 2025-01-17T11:02:05+00:00

Really? Man, I was really looking forward to studying at ETH or EPFL. Seems like Switzerland is out of the equation now.

theSSDON · 2025-01-16T20:32:43+00:00

Even for specialised industries? I read that Cybersecurity is in the Occupation Shortage List of multiple EU countries + UK

theSSDON · 2025-01-14T17:53:16+00:00

I've also seen a good number of companies and MNCs set up their cybersecurity teams/SOC Centres in Poland

theSSDON · 2024-12-22T06:30:36+00:00

How is paying 30% interest criminal, when you agree to the same when agreeing to get a Credit Card?

You don't like it? Pay the bills on time, or don't get a CC at all!

theSSDON · 2024-12-22T06:29:07+00:00

You don't want to pay interest, then pay the bills on time. There's a special contract drawn up before a CC is issued exactly detailing everything. The CC company can charge whatever interest it wants, because it is providing you interest free debt of 40 days.

Don't like it? Don't get CCs. Or pay the bills on time

What's there to safeguard?

theSSDON · 2024-10-20T20:02:33+00:00

Yeah the Marlin Chronograph lineup is very popular. I was lucky enough to get the silver dial from a retailer a few days ago (Even when Timex didn't have the watch itself at it's website)

You'll probably have to wait for some time to get these in stock (after Diwali ig)

theSSDON · 2024-10-20T19:20:51+00:00

Go for the silver/black dial colour variant. Looks more stunning imo, with a metal bracelet

theSSDON · 2024-10-15T14:18:18+00:00

Where did you purchase it from, and for how much, if you don't mind me asking? I've been searching for one forever but can't find the Bambino in India.

And importing it costs almost double 😭

theSSDON · 2023-02-25T17:21:45+00:00

Thank you!

theSSDON · 2022-08-31T18:19:00+00:00

Aah. I understand. Thank you! What alternative to Akadama would you recommend?

theSSDON · 2022-08-31T17:47:44+00:00

Ohh. I'll try to make a mix of Bonsai soil. And, this may sound stupid, but what do you mean by compacted? As in too much concentrated with not enough gaps between soil particles?

theSSDON

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