The currency
The Indian rupee (₹, INR). Notes come in ₹10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Small notes are very useful for autos, tips and markets.
Cash and ATMs
- ATMs are everywhere in cities; fewer in remote areas (Ladakh, the Northeast, small islands). Carry enough cash before heading off the beaten track.
- Your bank may charge foreign withdrawal fees, and the ATM may too. Withdraw larger amounts less often.
- You can exchange money at airports, banks and licensed money changers. Keep exchange receipts.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in cities. Amex is accepted less often. Tell your bank you’re travelling, and carry a backup card.
UPI for foreign visitors: UPI One World
UPI One World is a prepaid wallet for foreign visitors that lets you scan and pay UPI QR codes. It’s offered through approved providers (for example, the CheQ app with IDFC First Bank). You complete KYC with your passport and visa, then load it with an international card. Unused balance can be refunded when you leave, subject to the provider’s rules.
UPI for NRIs with foreign mobile numbers
NRIs with NRE/NRO accounts can use UPI with an international mobile number from supported countries: the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Hong Kong, France and Malaysia. Check whether your bank and UPI app support it.
Limits: standard UPI transfers are capped at ₹1 lakh a day for most payments (up to 20 transactions). New UPI users are often limited to about ₹5,000 in the first 24 hours.
Tipping
- Restaurants: 5-10% if service isn’t included.
- Drivers and guides: tipping is customary at the end of a tour or day.
- Hotel porters: a small tip per bag.
Avoid common money scams
- Count change carefully and watch for ₹500 notes being swapped with ₹50s.
- Use prepaid taxi counters or app cabs at airports.
- Never share a UPI PIN: you only enter a PIN to pay, never to receive money.
