Purpose of Cash in India
All medical and hotel payments are handled online (bank transfer or card). You will still need a reasonable amount of Indian Rupees (INR) for daily, personal expenses such as local transport, small cafés, groceries/pharmacy items, and tips.
What to Bring
- Your home currency (GBP, USD, CAD, EUR, AUD, etc.) or US Dollars—both are easy to exchange for INR.
- At least one international credit/debit card (Visa / MasterCard / Amex) for larger payments and backup.
- A small mix of lower-denomination notes (after exchange) for day-to-day use.
Tip: Inform your bank of international travel to avoid card security blocks.
Where to Exchange
- Airport exchange counters upon arrival (fastest for immediate INR needs).
- Authorized money changers near your hotel or in the city.
- Hotel reception (select hotels offer this service for guests).
Always request and keep the exchange receipt if you plan to convert leftover INR back to your home currency when departing India.
Where INR Cash Is Handy
Cards & ATMs
- Cards widely accepted: Hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and malls usually accept international cards.
- ATMs available: You can withdraw INR using international cards; English instructions are standard.
- Security: Use bank-attached ATMs; avoid assistance from strangers; shield your PIN.
Safety & Good Practices
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while moving around the city.
- Store extra currency and valuables in your hotel room safe.
- Keep a mix of smaller INR notes (e.g., ₹100–₹500) for quicker transactions.
- Exchange only at authorized counters to minimize counterfeit risk.
Quick Summary
| Topic | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Medical & hotel bills | Paid online via bank transfer or card (no cash for bills). |
| What to bring | Your home currency (or USD) + international card. |
| Exchange into INR | At airport on arrival or authorized money changers; keep the receipt. |
| Use of INR cash | Local transport, cafés, groceries/pharmacy, tips, small purchases. |
| Cards & ATMs | Cards widely accepted; ATMs readily available—inform your bank before travel. |
| Safety | Carry only what you need; use hotel safe; exchange at official counters. |
This guidance avoids prescribing fixed cash amounts. Adjust to your comfort and trip length.
FAQs
Should I bring my home currency or USD?
Either is fine. Bring the currency that is simplest for you; both your home currency and USD are easy to exchange for INR.
Is it better to exchange at the airport or in the city?
Exchange a reasonable amount at the airport for immediate needs, then use authorized counters or banks in the city if you require more.
Can I rely only on cards?
Cards work for most large transactions, but keep some INR cash for smaller, local expenses and any places that prefer cash.
What if my card does not work?
Try another card, use an ATM attached to a major bank, or contact your bank’s international support line. Notifying your bank before travel helps prevent blocks.
Do I need to keep exchange receipts?
Yes—retain receipts if you plan to convert leftover INR back to your home currency on departure.