Money in India

Markfd

We're off to India soon and I've just read that you can't take Rupees in or out of the country , so we will arrive with no local cash to spend on taxis, tips etc.
I was thinking we would take an ATM card (Nationwide after reading Martin's tips!) and some US dollars.

Does anyone have any advice?

sale_2

that shouldn't be a problem. you are allowed to take certain amount. if not take some £ and get it converted at the airport.

littledevil_2

Hi I travelled to India about 2 years ago and i took some English £ and American $ in travellers cheques. Most hotels will be able to cash your travellers cheques. And they love the English £ its worth loads to them so if you want to tip anyone then they will certanily take £ .

Hope you have a fantastic time

Nic

alison74

Don't know where you are going in India, but this is still the case.

This is what I posted on the thread

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=153515

Having just returned from a trip round India and ending up in Goa, I would say that you get better rates for £££££££ over dollars.

Change enough at the airport to get you to your hotel, as the rate there is ok, but you will be able to haggle a little to get a good rate when you settle in Goa.

I got 76 at the airport, but changed £100 at rate of 80, at a money exchange, which is a difference of £5 for every £100 changed.

Nationwide card was giving me a rate of 77 with the things I bought on visa.

When changing trav cheques, allow 20 - 30 mins. It's the done thing to accept the cup of tea that the bank offer, tell them about your family whilst they shuffle your paperwork around for ages then eventually count out your dosh.

Money changing places like Thomas Cook do it a little faster as they are more used to trav cheques, but I like the bank experience and that an armed guard will be feet away from you for 'your protection'.

Just break all your 500 rupee notes when paying for lunch etc and keep the small change 10 and 20 rupee notes for ALL the tips you will pay out for everything you do.

Any other Indian questions, please ask. Have a good time.

alison74

And in addition, as long as you will be in main tourist areas, just take £100 cash and the rest you can take out with your Nationwide as you go.

Don't lose out money by changing it into dollars.

Most ATM's have an armed guard in the booth, so it's not a problem to take money out.

Markfd

Thanks for the advice you lot, especially alison - thanks for the link.
From here India looks overwhelming, I think when we get there it's the sort of place where we'll just go with the flow.
We are touring Rajastan by the way, Taj, Jaipur etc. should be a gentle introduction to India.

MSX

India is a nice place. Wish you all the best. :A

Dr.Lou

Hi - Went to India last year for work, to a place in the North West called Ranchi. Took some travellers cheques with me (and thankfully my Nationwide card in my wallet). The hotel I was staying in had never seen travellers cheques before, so was unable to use them. Luckily they were familiar with cards - so managed to pay my hotel bill!
Also be careful with ripped or battered rupee notes. People will refuse to take them, so check your notes as you are being handed your change.
Good Luck - hope you enjoy!

odowdchr

Markfd wrote:

We're off to India soon and I've just read that you can't take Rupees in or out of the country , so we will arrive with no local cash to spend on taxis, tips etc.
I was thinking we would take an ATM card (Nationwide after reading Martin's tips!) and some US dollars.

Does anyone have any advice?

I've always paid in English money until i can get some changed. Taxi drivers aren't bothered, and they always know the best place to get it changed.

Plus, I'm sure you can get small amounts of rupees over here to take in. The rule is to stop larger scale currency movements, not to make it difficult for holiday makers.

star1_2

Also - if you need to change your rupees back to GBP or USD you "may"* be asked to present the receipt that was given when you origionally changed the originating currency to rupees.

* Law in India gives the agent changing the money the right to see your origional receipt, although in numerous business trips I was only asked for this once !

pin

Take some spare £ with you and the rest of the time use your Nationwide debit card. In the main cities you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding ATMs to get those rupees.