Currency India: What You Need to Know Before Traveling

When you travel to India, the Indian rupee, the official currency used across the country for all transactions, from street food to luxury hotels. Also known as INR, it’s the only legal tender you’ll need to get around—credit cards don’t work everywhere, and even big hotels often prefer cash. Whether you’re exploring the temples of Varanasi or the beaches of Goa, you’ll be handling rupees daily, and knowing how to manage them makes your trip smoother, safer, and cheaper.

The exchange rate India, the value of your home currency compared to the rupee, changes daily and affects how far your money goes. Right now, one US dollar buys about 83 rupees, but that number shifts. Don’t rely on airport kiosks—they give terrible rates. Instead, withdraw cash from ATMs in cities like Delhi or Mumbai using your debit card. Most ATMs accept international cards, and the rate is usually better than any exchange booth. Keep small bills handy—vendors, rickshaw drivers, and temple donations often can’t break a 500-rupee note. And never carry large amounts of cash in tourist areas; use hotel safes when you can.

There’s a big difference between cash in India, the physical money you use on the ground, and digital payments. While UPI apps like PhonePe and Google Pay dominate local transactions, tourists rarely have access to them. So stick to cash. You’ll see people counting rupees in stacks, bargaining over 20-rupee differences, and paying for chai with folded notes. It’s normal. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for change or check your bill. Also, avoid exchanging money on the street—scams are common. Stick to banks or authorized exchange counters with clear signs and receipts.

When you’re done with your trip, you can’t take rupees out of India legally. So spend what you can—on souvenirs, spices, or a final meal. Some hotels will let you exchange leftover rupees back to your currency, but the rate will be low. It’s better to use it up than lose half its value at the airport.

What you’ll find below are real traveler experiences about handling money in India—from how to spot fake notes in Jaipur, to why carrying 10-rupee coins saves you time at temples, to the one ATM in Rishikesh that never eats your card. These aren’t generic tips. They’re the kind of things people learn the hard way. And now, you don’t have to.