🇮🇳 India · INR
India uses the rupee (INR, shown as Rs), and it's best to exchange money after you arrive rather than beforehand. The rupee has long been treated as a closed currency with import restrictions, so foreign visitors should plan to change cash or withdraw from ATMs on the ground.
The Indian rupee (INR) is divided into 100 paise, though coins are now mostly 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 rupees. Notes commonly include 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2,000 (the 2,000 is being withdrawn and is rarely seen). Keep plenty of small notes, as vendors, autos and small shops frequently lack change for large bills.
India has embraced digital payments (UPI) widely, and cards work in hotels, malls and city restaurants, but cash is still essential for autos, small vendors, markets and rural areas. Foreign visitors usually can't easily use local UPI, so carry cash for day-to-day needs. Keep small denominations for transport, tips and street purchases.
Authorised money changers (look for 'Authorised Dealer'/RBI-licensed) and banks give fair, transparent rates; avoid unlicensed street offers. US dollars, euros and pounds are easy to exchange, and you may need to show your passport. Keep the exchange receipt, which can be useful if you want to convert leftover rupees back when leaving.
Because importing rupees is restricted, you'll often exchange on arrival, but airport counters offer poor rates and sometimes high fees. Change only a small amount at the airport for transport, then use a city money changer or ATM for the rest. A prepaid airport taxi counter is a safe way to spend that initial cash.
ATMs are widespread in cities and accept international cards, but per-transaction limits are often low (frequently around 10,000 rupees) and many banks add a fee. Withdraw the maximum allowed to reduce flat fees, use ATMs at bank branches for safety, and choose to be billed in rupees. Carry backup cash for rural areas where ATMs may be empty or offline.
Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into Indian service culture and widely appreciated. Restaurants may add a service charge, which is optional, so check the bill; otherwise around 10% is normal in sit-down places. Small tips for porters, drivers, guides and hotel staff are expected, and keeping small notes for this is wise.
Use only authorised changers and count your rupees carefully, as short-changing and 'no change' excuses are common. Watch for torn or very old notes being passed to you, which some vendors later refuse; reject damaged notes politely. Insist on the meter or a prepaid/app-based fare for autos and taxis, and decline dynamic currency conversion on cards.
Plan to exchange or withdraw after arrival rather than bringing rupees from home. Carry enough cash for a couple of days of transport, food and tips, refilling from ATMs in towns, and always keep a stock of small notes. Bring extra cash before heading to rural or remote areas where ATMs can be unreliable.
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