Currency information
Rupee (INR; symbol Rs) = 100 Paise is official currency of India. Notes are in denominations of Rs2,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 Paise.
Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Sometimes smaller vendors will not take bills larger than Rs 500. It is best to carry a range of rupee notes if you are shopping at bazaars and local markets.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency (cash and traveller’s cheques) must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Credit cards
In major cities, banks cards are generally accepted including debit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. However, in smaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard and Visa.
ATM
24-hour ATM can be found in all the major cities and most large towns, however, the number of ATMs is declining. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus are amongst the most commonly accepted cards.
Travelers cheques
Travelers cheques are increasingly hard to cash in India and are no longer recommended.
Currency exchange
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorized money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorized money changers.
