Currencies can be confusing. Extremely, confusing. It’s one of those things that – in my opinion – doesn’t necessarily get easier the more you travel. But I can reassure you that it does now feel less daunting. And we have got a whole lot of tried-and-tested tips to help you manage your money in India.
We know what it’s like to be arriving in a new country. And especially after a long day of travel and jet-lag only to find the first challenges greet you immediately on arrival. You need money, you need a SIM card and you more than likely need a bathroom and food. And all of these challenges require navigating a new currency.
It’s a lot to manage on arrival(!).
So, let’s do this.
Here is everything you need to know to make your arrival in India as smooth as possible. And to reassure you that it won’t be scary to carry, withdraw or manage your money in India.
Money in India – Indian currency
The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. Each rupee is divided into 100 paisa.
When you are looking up exchange rates for Indian rupee, look out for the currency code ‘INR’. And when you are in India you will see the symbol for rupee used to show prices.
Indian banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000.
Indian coins come in 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.
Managing money in India even before you leave home.
One thing that is tricky arriving somewhere new is that each country has a different currency and exchange rate.
You may be a mathematics professor and natural at this; but I am honest in admitting I am not(!).
- Tip: Before you leave home, screenshot or write down on a piece of paper how much a few basic amounts are in your home currency.
For example;
- $1 NZD = 50 INR
- $10 NZD = 500 INR
- $20 NZD = 1000 INR
- $50 NZD = 2500 INR
- $100 NZD = 5000 INR
This will give you a starting place to work from when you arrive. (And for example, if you know how much $20 NZD is in rupees it will make more sense when you are quoted for an airport taxi, and you’ll know you aren’t being ripped off).
You can do the same for AUD or GBP:
- 1$ AUD = 55 INR
- $50 AUD = 2720 INR
- $100 AUD = 5435 INR
Now, I do know that exchange rates change daily and go up and down. But in reality, that’s all you should need to know to start with. So don’t panic about knowing the exact exchange rate on the day.
With these figures written down you will have an idea how much your 1000-rupee SIM card at the airport is costing. Or how much a taxi to your hotel is roughly if they quote you 2000 INR.
So go on and add this piece of paper and a few figures to your packing list and keep it with your wallet or passport for your smooth arrival in India.
Bringing money into India
There are some currencies you can exchange at home or on transit at an airport. In this way you will arrive at your destination with pre-organized local currency.
But in India you cannot import or bring Indian currency into the country as a foreigner.
This means you cannot buy Indian rupees before you come.
Instead, you need to get your rupees once you arrive in India.
So, where can I get rupees in India?
You will find it easy to exchange major currencies in India (Euro, GBP, and USD) and to withdraw rupees using at ATM. (Welcome to India, by the way!).
- ATMs: This is a straightforward and recommended option. More all about ATMs in India below.
- Airports: You can easily get rupees at currency exchange booths at the airport on arrival. However, often the exchange rate can be unfavorable at airports. I suggest exchange a smaller amount and look for a better exchange rate downtown.
- Hotels: Many larger hotels offer money exchange services for major currencies. Again this is likely not at a favorable rate.
The simplest way to get rupees for your India travels is to withdraw directly from an ATM. (Likely at the airport on arrival).
And we are going to tell you more about that below…
Using ATMs in India
ATMs are widely available in India. At the airport on arrival and in any major town (like the ones we are visiting), you will have no trouble finding one.
Withdrawing money from an ATM in India is easy. There is always the option to put the ATM instructions in English (it is an official language of India by the way). And after that, an ATM in India works just the same as an ATM at home.
But you do need to know how much the options for amounts are that you are being offered to withdraw.
Usually, 10,000 rupees is a standard amount to withdraw ($205 NZD).
And hopefully using the screenshot or notes written down as above you can see home much 10,000 INR is in NZD (or whatever your home currency) and work it out from there.
- Tip: On arrival in a new country, we tend to withdraw the equivalent of about $200 NZD. That should see you through until you get your head around the new currency and there is no need to carry more cash than that on arrival.
More below about how much money you need to carry in India for your trip.
Using a foreign credit or debit card in India
Will my bank card work in India?
Arriving in India from overseas (from anywhere) you want to know (with confidence) that your bank card is going to work in India.
Debit cards and credit cards are very commonly used in India. In many places you will be able to make payments on your debit or credit card. And you can use ATMs in India with your bank card to withdraw rupees. (BUT you will need cash as most of day-to-day India does still operate as a cash-based society).
Types of ATMs to use in India.
Not all ATMs in India accept international bank cards.
To know if an ATM will accept your card you can look out for the Visa or Mastercard logo on the ATM.
Which ATMs in India accept international bank cards?
There are many banks in India, but these are the banks and ATMs we have used that accept international bank cards.
- Axis Bank
- Bank of India
- Bank of Baroda
- HDFC Bank
- HSBC Bank
- Citibank India
- ICICI Bank
- Tip: The first ATM you will spot at Delhi International Airport is in Arrivals Terminal 3. I recommend you start here and withdraw some rupees. (At least enough to get a taxi and a SIM card and some dinner before you have to think about money again).
Foreign transaction fees
Fees to withdraw money in India vary but can be anywhere between 150 INR and 300 INR per transaction from an ATM. ATMs that charge a fee should warn you and give you the option of ending the transaction before you are charged.
Choose to be charged in India currency when withdrawing from ATMs.
This is an important money-saving tip to share about withdrawing money from an ATM overseas. And it isn’t on all cash machines. But when the ATM asks if you would like to withdraw money in the local currency or using the exchange rate from your home bank; always opt to use the local currency.
Never choose to perform the transaction in your home currency. If you do, this is often a bad deal. Whereas withdrawals in rupees will be calculated at the mid-market rate which is the best exchange rate possible.
- Tip: It always pays (pun intended) to select to use the local exchange rate. This saves you money as you are charged at the best exchange rate possible. (And note; this is a super-tip that I admit took us a long time to fully understand! Now passing it on so you don’t make the same mistakes).
A little bit more about Indian ATMs
Indian ATMs do work pretty much the same as at home. But with some banks there are a couple of unique characteristics…
Some ATMs give your card back at the beginning of the transaction. This is normal (it hasn’t rejected your card). Just take your card and key in your PIN and carry on as usual.
It is not uncommon for ATMs in India to have low per-transaction withdrawal limit. You may only be able to withdraw 10,000 INR at once. If you need more cash, you’ll have to find another ATM to make a second withdrawal.
- Tip: Some ATMs in India are slow to process your request. Don’t panic; it is likely working but just takes a minute longer to process.
Paying with cash in India
Despite all its modernity’s, India is still much a cash society. (And especially as a traveler). You will need to always carry some cash on you and ideally keep some spending money in lower denominations in your coin purse.
- Tip: Indian rupee notes can get pretty dirty, scruffy and ripped. Overly creased and damaged notes may not be accepted so keep an eye out if you are given some. (This is a common thing as traders try to get rid of old notes to unsuspecting tourists!).
Although your accommodation will accept payment by card, things like rickshaw rides and buying trinkets or a bottle of water will need to be paid for in cash.
- Tip: It is also worth noting that using a public toilet in India (in a train station or even some restaurants) is not free. Toilets are manned by an attendant and cost a few rupees.
Keeping your money in India safe
It’s wise anywhere in the world to be proactive about keeping your money safe while travelling.
We always travel using a small coin purse to prevent pulling out a large wallet in public spaces. (You only need cash and one EFTPOS card anyway). And it’s a good idea to keep this stored right inside your backpack (as opposed to in your pocket).
How much cash do you need? An example of costs.
After figuring out how to get money in India the next big question is of how much you need…
- Lassi (drink): 100 INR
- Cup of chai: 25 INR
- Bottle of water: 40 INR
- Roti (roadside vendor): 20 INR
- Basic restaurant meal: 200 INR
- McDonalds combo meal: 450 INR
- Beer: 200 INR
- Boat ride in Varanasi: 700 INR
- Autorickshaw (2km): 100 INR
- Entry to Taj Mahal: 2000 INR
How much cash is safe to carry?
We usually withdraw $300 NZD worth of local currency at a time and don’t carry more than that on a daily basis. On arrival we get out a bit less ($200 NZD) just until we are familiar with a currency. But otherwise, if you are charged a withdrawal fee using an ATM in India you don’t want to be withdrawing small amounts every day and being charged each time.
It is also a good idea to store your rupees in a couple of different places. For example, put some cash in your coin purse for the day and put the rest safely with your passport. (Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!).
We hope this guide makes it easier for you to manage your travel money in India.
More about travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about India
- Train travel in India: A complete guide.
- Five days in Kerala: The best introduction to India.
- The Sacred River Ganges: Two days in Varanasi with kids.
- A desert camel safari in Jaisalmer: Not once (but twice).
- Celebrating Holi in India with kids.
- A bread bucket-list: 12 Indian breads you need to try.
- Our complete packing list for India: Everything you need.