India Travel Money Guide
India has rapidly digitized via UPI, but cash is still essential for tuk-tuks, street food, and rural areas.
Capital: New Delhi · Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Paying by card
Cards work at hotels, restaurants, and chain stores. UPI dominates locally but is hard for foreigners to access.
Cash and ATMs
Use HDFC, ICICI, or Axis Bank ATMs. Withdraw early in the day — many ATMs run out of cash by evening.
Tipping
10% at restaurants if service isn't included. ₹50-100 for porters and drivers.
Scams to avoid
The 'your hotel is closed' taxi scam at airports, gem-export schemes in Jaipur, and inflated rickshaw fares. Use Uber/Ola when possible.
What INR amounts are worth
| INR | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 INR | 10.42 | 9.18 | 7.87 |
| 5,000 INR | 52.09 | 45.88 | 39.33 |
| 10,000 INR | 104.19 | 91.76 | 78.65 |
| 50,000 INR | 520.94 | 458.78 | 393.25 |
Rates are European Central Bank reference rates for 29 Sept 2026 (published each working day around 16:00 CET; the UAE dirham uses its official US-dollar peg of 3.6725). The live converter loads the latest rate when the page opens.
Over the 30 days of ECB data to 29 Sept 2026, one US dollar bought 0.62% more INR and one euro 1.87% fewer.
Before you go
- When a card terminal or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and pay in INR; the conversion it offers usually includes a wide margin.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry two cards on different networks in case one is declined.
- Check your card's foreign transaction fee and put it in the budget converter's fee field.
Budget the trip with the travel budget converter, see all INR rates, or browse more country guides.