Posts about ATM
Money Exchange in India
An alternative to using ATMs in India is using a money exchange at an airport, local outlet, or hotel.
Most airports operate money exchange booths near or just outside of baggage claim. They don’t always give the best price, so it may be worth waiting until you get into a city if you don’t need cash right away.
Most hotels in India offer money exchange services. If your hotel does not have the official government rates posted near the front desk or concierge, make sure to verify that the rate they are offering is good.
Retail outlets in Indian cities offer money exchange as well. Make sure you go to a government-authorized one or else you will risk getting a bad rate. Check the bills for counterfeits, double count the money, and make sure to get a receipt.
Before you travel to India you can get Indian money at most foreign exchange businesses. However, keep in mind that while the rule is loosely enforced, taking hard currency rupees into or out of India is prohibited.
ATMs in India
You can withdraw Indian rupees from ATMs in India in all big cities across the country.
In major cities you will find ATMs for most global banks, including Citi and HSBC.
In smaller cities around India you will find mostly local bank ATMs.
If you go to an ATM in a major city that is attached to a retail bank outlet, consider changing some of your larger bills for smaller ones.
Many shops, restaurants, and taxi drivers will not have change for any bills over Rs 100.
In addition to using ATMs in India, it’s always a good idea to carry some extra cash (USD, GBP, and EUR are best) in case you find yourself in need of money in a small town with no ATM.
In that case, you can use a money exchange.
Indian Currency
Indian Currency: the Rupee
The Indian currency is the Indian rupee.
For currency exchange purposes, the Indian rupee’s code is INR, while prices in most places use the symbol Rs.
The Indian rupee is divided into 100 paise, the singular for which is paisa.
Indian rupee bills come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 rupees.
Indian rupee coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 paise as well as 1, 2, and 5 rupees.
Indian Currency Tips for Travelers
Before you travel to India, you can get Indian money at most foreign exchange businesses. However, keep in mind that while the rule is loosely enforced, taking hard currency rupees into or out of India is prohibited.
When you are visiting India, you can use ATMs in most major cities. While most ATMs give large denominations of bills, make sure to carry some small bills with you. Some stores will not have change for bills over 50 or 100 rupees, nor will taxi drivers have much change beyond 5 and 10 rupee notes.