India travel money tips
Heading to India? Here's a quick rundown of how to handle money on the ground — tipping etiquette, when to use cards versus cash, the best ATMs to use, and the most common pitfalls travelers run into. The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR, ₹).
Tipping
10% in restaurants if no service charge, 20–50 INR for porters, round up auto-rickshaw fares.
Cards vs cash
UPI QR codes dominate, but most foreign cards can't use UPI. Carry cash for street food, autos, and small shops.
Payment methods accepted
ATMs & cash tip
HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Axis ATMs are widespread. Most cap withdrawals at 10,000 INR with a 200–250 INR fee.
Heads-up
- Pre-paid taxi booths at airports avoid most fare scams; use Uber or Ola otherwise.
- Avoid 'free tour' or 'special government emporium' detours from auto-rickshaw drivers — these are commission scams.
About the Indian Rupee (INR)
The Indian Rupee (INR, symbol ₹) is the official currency of India. Knowing the live INR rate against your home currency helps you sanity-check menu prices, taxi fares, and souvenir markups while traveling.
More travel tips
See all country tips →Tips are general guidance for travelers, not legal or financial advice. Customs vary — confirm with local sources for important plans.