Travel in India

hannahunplanned

I am going to India for 5 months, and leave in mid September.

I would appreciate any advice on what card to take. I have quite a low credit rating so credit cards will probably not be an option.

Does anyone know if it is best to take a prepaid card or a debit? or a mixture of both?

I don't want to take a large amount of cash with me as I will begin my travels in Delhi and wouldn't want to risk being pickpocketed!

M.E.

I stay with an Indian family every year. The arrangement is that I send money via Moneygram (£200) to my friend in advance to cover incidental costs.
Then when I am there I use my debit card in a recognized ATM and get out cash. There is a daily limit which is sufficient to pay cash for everything rather than using a debit or credit card in a shop.

Although your situation will be different as you sound as though you will be on your own, I had two purses. One was with small notes and coins which is the one I used for small purchases and travel. The other purse had larger notes and was hidden. I rarely carried more than £30 anyway. £30 will get you a lot of things in India. Enjoy your trip.
PS try indiamike.forums, very useful

Bob_the_Saver

hannahunplanned wrote: »

I am going to India for 5 months, and leave in mid September.

I would appreciate any advice on what card to take. I have quite a low credit rating so credit cards will probably not be an option.

Does anyone know if it is best to take a prepaid card or a debit? or a mixture of both?

I don't want to take a large amount of cash with me as I will begin my travels in Delhi and wouldn't want to risk being pickpocketed!

A mixture, cash, T cheques and a pre-paid card, I'm off to India in October and I'll be taking my Fairfx card because it always works for me (including in India). Lots of ATM's in India these days and I second the tip about the Indiamike web-site.
I take a second pre-paid card with a VERY small balance for using in internet cafe's especially for booking rail tickets (you'll find out about that one).
One thing to watch DON'T leave India and try to return within 2 months
(a side trip to Sri Lanka for example) it can be difficult/impossible - I know I've done it twice).