Money in India
India uses the Indian rupee. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- INRIndian rupee
- Symbol
- ₹
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in India
Carry small notes for taxis and street vendors.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Many smaller shops, guesthouses and local restaurants outside major cities are cash-only. Plan enough cash to last until you reach another major city.
- ATMs
- ATMs are readily available in larger cities and towns but can run out of cash or go offline on weekends, holidays and in rural areas. Lonely Planet (December 2023) reports limits usually around Rs10,000 per day, varying by bank, and high fees.
- Foreign currency
- Cash in US dollars or Australian dollars is recommended for exchange on arrival, and foreign currency may be brought in without limit.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at international airports, banks, approved money changers and big hotels, and keep exchange receipts. Lonely Planet advises established banks over unauthorised exchangers outside the airport.
- Watch out for
- Foreign nationals may not import or export Indian rupees, and cash over US$5,000 must be declared on arrival. Counterfeit notes are a known problem, so count notes at the desk and reject torn, faded or marked notes.
Tipping in India
Tipping is customary and guides, drivers and porters rely on it. Check for a service charge, otherwise 5–10% in restaurants.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Wendy Wu Tours, Bamboo Travel, World Travel Guide, Lonely Planet, Nature Safari India, Experience Travel Group.
Convert to and from INR
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 94.74 INR | 106 INR | 127 INR |
| 10 | 947 INR | 1,061 INR | 1,271 INR |
| 50 | 4,737 INR | 5,307 INR | 6,356 INR |
| 100 | 9,474 INR | 10,614 INR | 12,713 INR |
| 500 | 47,370 INR | 53,068 INR | 63,564 INR |
What each amount is worth in INR. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does India use?
India uses the Indian rupee (INR).
Do you need to tip in India?
Expected. Tipping is customary and guides, drivers and porters rely on it. Check for a service charge, otherwise 5–10% in restaurants.
Can you pay by card in India?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Many smaller shops, guesthouses and local restaurants outside major cities are cash-only. Plan enough cash to last until you reach another major city.
Are there ATMs in India?
ATMs are readily available in larger cities and towns but can run out of cash or go offline on weekends, holidays and in rural areas. Lonely Planet (December 2023) reports limits usually around Rs10,000 per day, varying by bank, and high fees.