Indian Rupees

Reece_

We're going to India, Goa specifically in August for 10 days, last time I went it wasn't a closed currency which I believe it is now.
As such I'm considering either getting a prepaid card and withdrawing it at Mumbai or Goa airport, or taking sterling and getting it changed again at the airport.

Any pros or cons of either? which will get a better rate? I understand that India love bureaucracy and taking sterling there to change up will likely mean several forms to fill in ! so I'm swaying towards a prepaid card.
Anyone recommend a good prepaid card to go for?

MrsHluker

Hello Reece,

First of all, have a brilliant time in India. Enjoy the food and the madness.

Went there this time last year, I took a myTravelCash card. I think there might be better ones on the market but I thought it was so handy/safe and definitely recommend it over travelling with a wad of £.

The only thing worth mentioning is that ATM's work okay in the big cities and stations but rural ATM's seemed to have a problem, sometimes with all the cards we tried (debit, credit and prepaid). We had no other issues but we also went in low season so temperamental electricity might have been an issue.

Hope it helps!

Voyager2002

I found ATMs worked well and quickly, so that is the route I suggest you follow. I arrived at Hyderabad airport, and there were several ATMs there.

I also needed to use a money-changer. I telephoned a few to find a decent exchange rate (they varied considerably, and of course the ones based at the airport gave the worst rates), then went to the one who offered the best deal. The process was fairly painless, but they needed to photocopy my passport and my valid visa (this caused some trouble because I had a few expired ones and they couldn't find the valid one until I helped them). All in all, using an ATM was a lot faster and easier, and gave more rupees for each pound.

Oh: I have a few hundred rupees left over, and am in the London area. Any good?

Pollycat

When we go to Goa we take sterling and have no problems changing it in lots of shops, they don't even ask for ID or form-filling.

However, that is in the main tourist season (November to April) and I know for a fact that several of the places we change money at close down at the end of the season.

Exchange rates at Dabolim airport are poor.

Reece_

Thanks for the responses, we're staying in an eco resort so won't have access to any ATM once we've left the airport, I think I'll go for a prepaid card and withdraw it at Mumbai or Goa airport. Is there any recommendations for certain prepaid cards, other than myTravelcash ( Thanks MrsHluker)? I've used some in the past but can't remember specifically which ones.
Thanks so much Voyager2002, I'm in Herts near to north London, if you're not too far I'd be happy to buy yours off of you.

NiftyDigits

Revolut

Get one each if you need more than £500

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