Money, Budget, and Shopping for India

Money

Currency

• Currency: Indian rupee.

• Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 rupees.

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees.

• Exchange:

The reference currency for the region, the Bhutanese ngultrum and the Nepalese rupee are pegged at a fixed rate to the Indian rupee.

Exchange

Generally, it’s quite easy to exchange money in India. This can be done at banks and especially at exchange bureaus in airports, major cities, and tourist areas. Additionally, ATMs are widely available in towns and cities of all sizes, though some may have low withdrawal limits—between 100 and 200 €—depending on the bank. As a last resort, some shops and large hotels may offer exchange services, though it’s best to know the current rate beforehand.

Which currency to bring

If arriving from the eurozone, euros are ideal, as they are highly sought after in the country, just like the US dollar. As usual, bills should be in good condition to avoid refusal, and larger denominations (50 or 100 €) may sometimes offer a better exchange rate.

Payment methods

In India, as elsewhere, times are changing—including when it comes to payment methods. The country has fully embraced the digital era, with smartphone payments via QR codes now the norm. Nearly all merchants (even the smallest) and services use this system. Initially, it was only available to locals, but now several apps allow foreigners to link their passport and bank card to a digital wallet (via the UPI system). This wallet can be topped up with a card and then used to pay by scanning merchants’ QR codes. Note that you can also load this virtual wallet with cash at an exchange bureau.

That said, despite this modernization, it’s still useful to carry some cash when traveling in India. Whether for tipping, shopping in markets, visiting rural or remote areas, or in case of power or network outages (which aren’t uncommon), digital payments may not always work. Generally, opt for small denominations and bills no larger than 200 rupees to avoid change issues.

Finally, you can also pay by card, but this is mostly for mid-range to high-end accommodations, transport, supermarkets, and tourist-friendly establishments. As always, be mindful of commission fees if you make too many payments or withdrawals.

Upon return

Since the Indian rupee isn’t convertible abroad, it’s best to spend everything locally. If you have leftover rupees, exchange them before departure into euros or another currency. You’ll always need to show exchange receipts proving your remaining rupees were legally obtained—without them, you won’t be able to exchange them.

If you have leftover rupees in your UPI virtual wallet, the balance will be automatically refunded after closing it (if created via the dedicated app) or by visiting an exchange bureau of the same company that set up your wallet.

If you plan to continue your trip to Nepal, note that Indian rupees are still accepted in some places there.

Budget

One of India’s advantages is that you can travel there on almost any budget. Whether modest or generous, you’ll find corresponding services—from basic guesthouses to maharaja palaces for accommodations, and from local buses to private drivers or flights for transport.

On a backpacker budget (for two people), you can stay for well under 50 €/day by keeping it local, while doubling that budget allows for a very comfortable trip.

What can be expensive

• Entry fees for certain sites as a foreigner, as well as safaris (e.g., to see tigers in national parks).

• Alcohol, which is often heavily taxed.

• More broadly, as the saying goes: "Western-style comfort, fast transport, and non-negotiated purchases or services" tend to be costly in India.

What can be inexpensive

• Eating, sleeping, and getting around in "local" mode.

Price range

• Double room in a budget hotel: around a dozen euros in a guesthouse.

• Double room in a tourist hotel: 20–30 € for a good mid-range option.

• Snacks or local restaurant meals: under 3–4 €, especially street food.

• Tourist restaurant meals: around 10 € for standard fare and 20–30 € for high-end dining.

• Car rental with driver: a popular option for around 50 €/day.

• Bus: very affordable at 1–2 €/100 km for local buses and 2–3 € for express/comfort options.

• Train: a great and economical way to travel, even in "superior classes." Prices are roughly the same as buses for comparable comfort and distance. Even First Class remains affordable.

• Rickshaws: around 1 € for a 5 km ride. Apps can show fares (or negotiate otherwise).

• Urban taxis: roughly double the rickshaw rate, with apps also displaying trip costs.

Bargaining and tipping

In India, bargaining and tipping are part of the local economy. You can negotiate in bazaars, markets, souvenir shops, with rickshaw or taxi drivers (if no fare app is used), or with guides for tours or excursions. However, bargaining isn’t customary for meals or in shopping malls.

While tipping isn’t officially mandatory, it’s expected from tourists. In tourist restaurants, unless already included in the bill, add 5–10% of the total. Give 0.5–1 € to hotel staff used to visitors, a few rupees to temple shoe-keepers, or 5–6 € to private guides and drivers.

Shopping and souvenirs

India is a fantastic destination for those who love bringing back travel keepsakes. Each region has its own artisanal specialties and craftsmanship.

You can find a wide variety of textiles, printed cottons, silk garments, pashmina or cashmere clothing, jewelry, and wood, copper, bronze, or even marble handicrafts. Don’t forget incense (ubiquitous in the country), spices, and tea, which have made certain regions famous. All of these can be found and negotiated in markets and small shops.