Wise Multi-currency
- 4.33% APY on USD balances
- $0 signup or subscription fees
- Withdraw $100 per month for free from ATMs worldwide
- Send, spend and withdraw 50+ currencies at the live rate
- Freeze and unfreeze your card instantly
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Advertiser disclosure
Travel money guide: India
Discover how to turn your dollars into rupees and pay your way through India.
Banks and ATMs are widely available in India — even in smaller villages. Though it’s still important to have access to cash on your trip, as India is still very much a cash economy.
Bringing a credit card along that doesn’t incur foreign transaction fees can help you save on extraneous fees as well. A combination of card and cash will offer you the most flexibility during your travels.
Our picks for traveling to India
Revolut
- $0 to $16.99 per month
- Spend in 140+ currencies
- Premium and Metal plan:
- Up to $600 in baggage expense coverage
- Up to $5,000 in trip cancellation protection
SoFi Checking and Savings
- 0.50% APY on checking balance
- Up to 4.60% APY on savings
- $0 account or overdraft fees
- Get a $250 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more
Travel card, debit card or credit card?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any travel cards that allow you to load INR, meaning you’ll be charged a currency conversion fee if you use one in India. Instead, look for debit cards and credit cards that don’t charge for currency conversion. Reduced fees for ATM withdrawals should always be a factor in your comparison.
Things can go missing, wallets picked from your pocket and cards can get swallowed up by ATMs, so make sure you have different spending options. A debit card and credit card combination will give you the best results, you may also want to bring some extra cash as backup — you can change it out easily enough for a competitive price.
These are your options for spending money in India
Have a look at the different travel money products you can use in India and learn how each product works.
Using a credit card
Credit cards are a good option because they are accepted almost everywhere, have excellent security measures and some come with travel insurance. A card without foreign transaction fees, like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, will keep you from racking up unexpected charges during your stay.
Travel credit cards often also come with other useful benefits like travel insurance and the ability to earn rewards. You’ll want to compare travel credit cards and examine your own travel preferences to find one that best fits your needs.
Pros
- Accepted everywhere
- Built-in security and anti-fraud measures
- Some cards have features such as complimentary insurance or reward points earning
Cons
- ATM cash withdrawals may attract cash advances and higher fees
Which credit card issuers are accepted in India?
You’ll find that most vendors accept Visa and Mastercard, while some large establishments may accept American Express and Discover cards as well.
| Merchant acceptance | ATM acceptance | |
|---|---|---|
Visa |  High | High |
Mastercard | High | High |
American Express |  Medium | High |
Discover | High | Medium |
Potential credit card fees in India
When you use your credit card in India, there’s a good chance you’ll pay foreign transaction and currency conversion fees.
Foreign transaction fees
Credit cards that come with foreign transaction fees tend to charge 2% to 3% per transaction. Before you use your card outside of the US, find out how much your card will charge you. Most travel credit cards eliminate foreign transaction fees altogether.
Currency conversion fees
The Indian Finance Act allows merchants to levy a service tax on the purchase and sale of foreign currencies, which includes transactions. Banks can fix currency conversion charges depending on their internal cost structures. As a result, if a merchant offers to convert your bill into US dollars, you may want to pass and make your payment in rupees instead.
Compare travel credit cards
Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.
1 - 5 of 12
1 - 5 of 36
Using a debit card
A debit card could be a good travel money choice to take to India. You’ll have access to cash each time you come across an ATM, without carrying lots of cash on you all at once. To avoid additional expenses, find a card that waives the fee for international ATM withdrawals like the one from Betterment Checking.
- Tip: Citibank has a large presence in India. Make cheap ATM withdrawals using a Citibank debit or credit card.
Pros
- Access to your own money
- Widely accepted
- PIN security
- Can be cancelled if card is lost or stolen
Cons
- No back-up option for lost or stolen cards
- May charge ATM transaction fees
- May charge currency conversion fees
Using a prepaid travel card
Since there are currently no travel cards that allow you to preload Indian rupees, you should look for a card with no foreign currency conversion fees to avoid any extra costs. Even though travel cards can be a convenient way to withdraw funds and spend over the counter, it may not seem to be the cheapest option when you factor in the extra fees.
Pros
- Comes with a back-up if the card is compromised
- Not linked to your bank account
- Can reload money online easily
- Pay directly or withdraw from ATM
Cons
- Rupees cannot be preloaded
- Some cards charge a reload fee
- Can take up to six days for a transfer
Paying with cash in India
You should always have some cash on you, ideally have some spending money in lower denominations and then keep a large amount in a hidden place. Whether you’re staying in small villages or big cities, you will find that many services, attractions and simply getting around will require you to use cash.
Banks and exchange offices will happily exchange foreign currency at a reasonable rate and with a small commission, if any commission at all. It helps if you can access online rates before you exchange so you can give yourself a rough idea of how much you should get and don’t get ripped off.
- Tip: Indian rupee notes can get pretty scruffy and ripped, and overly creased or otherwise damaged notes will not be accepted. People love to try and give them to tourists.
Pros
- Payment flexibility
- Convenience
Cons
- Difficult to manage expenses
- Higher risk of theft
Using traveler’s checks
Security is the main advantage of using traveler’s checks. Each check has a unique serial number and can only be cashed with photo identification.
Fees are the main disadvantage. Banks charge you to get checks and to cash them. You’re better off using a debit or travel card which lets you make cheap or free ATM withdrawals to get Indian rupees.
- Tip: Traveler’s checks are good for locking in a good exchange rate. So if you watch the forex market, get them while the getting’s good.
Pros
- Acceptance
- Security
Cons
- Can be costly with initial purchase charges
- Not all merchants accept traveler’s checks
Indian currency
The money used in India is called the Indian rupee (INR). It comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 notes — the 500 and 1000 note were demonetized in 2016.
 |  |  |
 |  |
The main banks in India are:
- Axis Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Bank of India
- Canara Bank
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- State Bank of India
- Yes Bank
Buying currency in the US
If you’re a foreigner, you can bring up to 25,000 rupees into India, whereas returning residents can only bring 5,000 to 7,500 rupees into the country. There’s no restriction to the amount of foreign currency you can bring with you, though you’ll have to claim more than $5,000 cash at customs.
Live Rate
Refreshing in: 60s | Sun, Dec 03, 10:05PM GMT
ATMs in India
ATMs are widely available in India and you should have no trouble finding one. Limits vary depending on the machine, but you should be able to withdraw up to your local bank’s ATM withdrawal limit. If not, 10,000 rupees ($150) is a standard amount to withdraw.
If possible, use a debit card that doesn’t charge international ATM fees, like the one from Betterment Checking.
- Tip: If the ATM is slow to respond, don’t worry, sometimes it takes a good half minute for an ATM to process the transaction.
Find ATMs in India
Keep your travel money safe in India
Specific areas in India are out of bounds for US travelers. In more US-friendly spots it’s wise to use an elevated level of caution and avoid traveling alone.
Never wear flashy or luxury items out in public and keep your valuables at home. Conceal your wallet in your pocket or consider using a money belt to tuck your funds away out of arm’s reach. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
How much should I budget to travel in India?
If you’re wondering how much money you’ll be spending on your trip to India, that’ll depend on your tastes and budgets. You can get by on as little as $10 a day or spend thousands just sleeping in a 5-star hotel. All prices are in US dollars.
| On a budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meals | Street food or a thali (platter of various dishes) $0.20–$2 | A meal in a restaurant. $10–$20 | A meal at a Delhi or Mumbai famed culinary establishment. $250 for a meal and a glass of wine |
| Activities | Even in big cities, most museums, parks, temples and attractions are free. | Ticket to an exhibition or a show. $5–$10 | All inclusive tour with a driver, luxury hotel, meals and day trips to major tourist destinations. $2,500 and up |
| Accommodation | A basic guesthouse in the mountains, forest, small village or an ashram. $2–$4 per night | Mid-range hotel. $20–$50 | India has a selection of the most luxurious hotels in the world. $10,000 for one night |
Prices are approximate and are subject to change.
Case study: Jane's experience
Jane
Case study: Jane’s Indian sabbatical
Jane spent just under two months traveling in India. She started in the north making her way from New Delhi to Uttar Pradesh so she could visit the Taj Mahal and the city of Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. She finished her trip relaxing on the beaches of Goa. Her trip took her off the beaten track, through tourist spots and India’s bustling cities.
What travel money tips do you have for India?
- Tricks and scams. Be aware of scams that can be anything from a detour in a taxi, thieves trying to pick pockets or fake tourist bureaus at New Delhi train station and around Connaught Place. Jump on blogs and official websites to read up on the latest tourist scams.
- Bargaining. Tourists are frequently charged higher prices for goods in India. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Sellers don’t expect you to pay the asking price. Bargaining is a part of the culture in India so don’t be shy, but don’t take it too seriously, either. If you agree to a price make sure you are happy with it because once you agree, you’re obliged to pay it.
Travel insurance for India
India has a unique set of risks which is why you should give travel insurance a look. Travel insurance can protect against situations such as:
- Flight delays
- Stolen cash
- Rental vehicle excess
- Overseas medical emergencies
- Lost luggage
Bottom line
It is a country so dense, so stimulating to the senses and impulses that the first visit to India can be a shock to even the most road-hardened traveler. Find the right travel money to take to India so you can access your money cheaply and conveniently and fully experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
Back to topMore guides on Finder
-
How to buy Honor stock when it goes public
Everything we know about the Honor IPO, plus information on how to buy in.
-
7 ways to save money on your next car
Is leasing or buying the best option for your next vehicle purchase?
-
Should I prioritize saving or paying off debt?
There are times when paying off debt makes sense, but you’ll need a decent savings all the time.
-
Here’s the good news if we don’t get a spot bitcoin ETF soon
With all this speculation surrounding the bitcoin ETF here’s the good news if we don’t get a spot bitcoin ETF soon.
-
Step vs. Current: Which kids’ card is worth it?
Two top teen accounts go head to head, each suited for different families.
-
BusyKid vs. Greenlight: Which kids’ card is worth it?
See how two of the best kids’ debit cards match up in cost, features and more.
-
Best no-doc business loans of November 2023
Compare the best nine lenders that offer no-document or low-doc loans.
-
LightStream vs. SoFi: Which is better?
Compare LightStream vs. SoFi: Find which lenders offer the right personal loans for you.
-
Best Egg vs. Upstart: Which is better?
Best Egg vs. Upstart: Compare personal loan options to find out which lender meets your financial needs best.
-
Upstart vs. SoFi: Which is better?
Compare rates, fees, amounts, and funding speeds of two top online lenders to find the best personal loan for you.
