The Indian Rupee — Basics
India's currency is the Indian Rupee (INR, ₹). As of May 2026 approximate exchange rates:
- 1 USD = ₹83
- 1 GBP = ₹107
- 1 EUR = ₹90
- 1 AUD = ₹54
- 1 CAD = ₹62
- 1 SGD = ₹62
Notes come in: ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500, ₹2,000. Coins: ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10. The ₹2,000 note is large — exchange it at hotels or supermarkets, as many small vendors struggle to give change.
Where to Exchange Currency
- Banks (best rates): State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank at airports and city branches. Commission varies — ask before transacting.
- Authorised Forex Dealers: Thomas Cook, BookMyForex, Wall Street Finance — reliable, good rates in major cities.
- Your hotel: Convenient but rates are typically 2–3% worse than banks.
- Airport counters: Worst rates — use only for emergency small amounts on arrival.
- Avoid: Unlicensed street money changers. Illegal and often use counterfeit notes or manipulate calculations.
ATMs in India
- Most major ATMs (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Citi, HSBC) accept international Visa and Mastercard.
- ATM fees: Indian banks charge ₹150–300 per international transaction. Your home bank may charge an additional 1.5–3% foreign transaction fee.
- Daily withdrawal limits: ₹10,000–25,000 per transaction, ₹25,000–50,000 per day depending on the bank.
- In mountain areas (Kedarnath route, Joshimath, Sankri): ATMs are scarce and often empty during pilgrimage season. Withdraw sufficient cash in Haridwar or Rishikesh before heading into the mountains.
- Best practice: Withdraw from bank ATMs inside bank branches (more secure). Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist markets.
Cards vs Cash — What Works Where
| Location | Cards Accepted? | Cash Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| 5-star hotels, premium restaurants | Yes (Visa, MC, Amex) | No |
| 3–4 star hotels, mid-range restaurants | Usually (Visa, MC) | Some |
| Local dhabas, street food, temples | No | Yes |
| Mountain areas above Rishikesh | Rarely | Yes — essential |
| Tourist shops in major cities | Usually | Better for bargaining |
Tipping Culture in India
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (unlike the USA). General guidelines:
- Tour guide: ₹300–500/day for a good guide (approximately USD 4–6). Given at the end of the tour.
- Driver: ₹200–300/day. Give separately from guide tip.
- Hotel porter: ₹50–100 per bag.
- Restaurants: 10% if not included in the bill. Check the bill — many restaurants include a service charge.
- Trek support staff (cook, helper): ₹200–300/day total among the whole support team.
UPI and Digital Payments
India has one of the world's most advanced digital payment systems — UPI (Unified Payments Interface) via apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. International visitors can set up UPI by purchasing an Indian SIM and linking it to an Indian bank account (available at some banks for long-stay visitors). For short trips, cards and cash remain the most practical combination.