Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency?

Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency? - From above of crop anonymous economist calculating total amount of income using calculator app on cellphone near piles of greenbacks and notebook with pen

I am planning to travel to India, for about two weeks. I will mostly stay near or in Delhi, not in the countryside. I plan to pay whatever I can with (US) credit cards, and I don't expect any issues for larger hotel chains.

However, for dinner, taxi, street vendors, tips, etc. I expect to need cash.

The question is: should I take US Dollar or Indian Rupees? And how much will I need estimated per day? In other words, what's the chance to pay dinner or taxis with credit card?



Best Answer

You probably won't be able to take rupees - currency controls, at least on paper, prohibit non-residents bringing rupees into India, which means it's also difficult to change local currency into rupees outside of India. (See also this question.)

I would strongly recommend converting to rupees rather than trying to use dollars. You are unlikely to have any trouble exchanging US dollar bills - your hotel will probably do it, if you want a simple life, but there are plenty of options. This question is quite helpful. Taking money out from the (airport?) ATMs rather than bringing in notes may also be a good way to convert cash, though there may be all sorts of interesting charges from your bank.

(I didn't pay for anything on a credit card while in India so I can't speak as to how widely accepted they are.)




Pictures about "Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency?"

Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency? - Paper Money in Brazilian Reals Currency
Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency? - Violet Colored Indian Rupees
Visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency? - Man in Blue and White Stripe Polo Shirt Holding Banknote



How much cash can I carry while Travelling in India?

Residents of India are allowed to carry up to Rs. 25,000 though. There's no limit, however, to how much foreign currency you can bring into India. Although, you will have to declare it if the amount exceeds US$5,000 in notes and coins, or US$10,000 in notes, coins, and traveller's cheques\xb2.

What is the best currency to take to India?

It is suggested you bring the currency of your home country and then exchange it into the Indian rupee. This is because, unless your local currency is US dollar, changing your local currency into the US dollar first and then into the Indian currency may cost you twice in banking charges.

How much cash can I take to India from UK?

The United Kingdom's official currency is the pound Sterling (\xa3). While traveling from India to the UK, travelers often wonder about the amount of cash to carry along. Residents of India can carry along Indian currency notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs 25,000 per person while traveling overseas.

How much cash can I take outside India?

A person going abroad from India can carry foreign exchange in cash up to the US $3000 equivalent as per the limit set by RBI. The overall permitted limit for the year is US $ 2,50,000 equivalent.



How to Exchange Money\\Currency In India | Best Rates | Full info | Lets travel




More answers regarding visiting India - what amount of cash is recommended, and in which currency?

Answer 2

The regulations were changed in January 2015 to allow any persons other than from Pakistan and Bangladesh to bring in or take out upto 25,000 Rs, even if not resident of india. See: http://www.cbec.gov.in/resources//htdocs-cbec/customs/cs-circulars/cs-circulars-2015/circ03-2015cs.pdf

Answer 3

I would advice carrying some small of indian money say upto 7000 Rupees which is not a problem, just in case you need some urgency before finding an exchange, but there should be exchanges in the airport.

And generally if you are living in and around Delhi,its shouldn't be problem to pay with your creditcards for dinners i mean in good hotels,but not Taxis i hope.But i would recommend you to convert some dollars and have around 10k always with you,so bring on some dollars and get converted here.

Always try to pay money in indian currency whenever possible.

Daily expenses would differ based on what your choices may be around 10k+ for a normal living

Answer 4

Most taxis and almost all big restaurants take credit-cards, and all ATMs take foreign debit-cards.

I spend less than 10,000 INR a week in cash when I go to India.

Answer 5

You can bring dollars with you (as it is very difficult to bring Indian currency from outside). Then, you can go to banks for exchanging foreign currency.

"should I take US Dollar or Indian Rupees?"

Make sure you obtain notes of 100 and 500 as after the demonetization, it is very difficult to get change for ? 2000 note


And how much will I need estimated per day?

It totally depends on where you will be going and how exactly you will spend your day. On a normal day with average shopping, and eating food outside, you could spend between INR 2000 to 5000. On a busy day, with lots of travel in Delhi, and visiting shopping malls, you might end up spending between 10,000-20,000.


In other words, what's the chance to pay dinner or taxis with credit card?

If you are in Delhi, you can pay with credit cards at food outlets (Domino's,Subway, KFC, etc.). But to buy anything from local vendors, thrift shops, and for travel, always keep change in small denominations.


Hope, this helps :)

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Karolina Grabowska, Daniel Dan, DEV ROY, cottonbro