Yes, you can buy Indian Rupees (INR) at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. Multiple currency exchange counters and ATMs are available, operating 24/7. However, airport exchange rates are often poor, and fees can be high, so it is recommended to exchange only a small amount for immediate needs.
No need to get your money exchanged before your arrival in India as there are plenty of money changers at the airport and if not there then the city has a lot of them as well. The travel company you're touring with can also help you with it.
No, it is generally much more expensive and a bad idea to exchange money at the airport, as airport kiosks offer significantly poorer exchange rates and higher fees due to their convenient, last-minute location, meaning you get less local currency for your money compared to exchanging it online, at a high street bank, or using an ATM abroad. You should arrange your travel money before your trip to avoid the high costs and limited options at the airport.
Best Currency Exchange Rate In Mumbai | Rupees Convert
What is the cheapest way to buy currency?
Though there may be a small fee if you exchange less than a certain amount, your bank or credit union will almost always be the cheapest place to exchange currency. You may be able to order currency at a branch location, by phone, mobile app or online to have it delivered to you or to pick up at a branch.
You can buy Indian Rupees online using our click & collect service, or in person at a participating M&S store. Please note not all denominations are available to exchange.
British residents and tourists aren't allowed to order or carry Indian rupees from the UK. You'll need to exchange your money once you arrive in India. We also recommend exchanging only what you need while you're there. It can be difficult to change leftover rupees back into pounds once you're in the UK.
Do not step over a person sitting or lying on the floor, as it is offensive. Never touch anything with your feet, and don't point the bottom of your feet at religious altars or toward people. To avoid this, sit cross-legged or kneel on the floor while in a temple or holy place.
What is the best currency to take to India from the UK?
The Government of India has rules that restrict foreigners from bringing any rupees into the country. This means you'll need to deal with currency exchange once you arrive, as opposed to beforehand. So, it's a good idea to have some cash on you (in pounds) when you arrive in India, in case you can't find an ATM.
Foreign visitors to India can easily get get a tourist SIM Card in India – either immediately upon arrival at any International Airports or from telecom shops in the city. Major providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) offer tourist SIMs.
No, it is generally much more expensive and a bad idea to exchange money at the airport, as airport kiosks offer significantly poorer exchange rates and higher fees due to their convenient, last-minute location, meaning you get less local currency for your money compared to exchanging it online, at a high street bank, or using an ATM abroad. You should arrange your travel money before your trip to avoid the high costs and limited options at the airport.
The Indian 1000-rupee banknote (₹1000) is an obsolete denomination of the Indian rupee. It was first introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 1938 under British rule and subsequently demonetized in 1946. Post-independence, the denomination was reintroduced in 1954.
Importing Indian rupees (INR) isn't allowed for foreigners. The only exception is for residents of India, who can bring in up to 25,000 INR at a time. For all other currencies, you can enter India with any amount of cash.
Yes, 500 rupees ($~6 USD) can be a significant amount in India, especially for daily wage earners or students, covering basic food for days or essential supplies, but it's a small sum for someone with higher income, barely covering a single meal or small expenses in major cities, highlighting a big gap in purchasing power depending on income level.
We recommend you take some cash, where possible, either as Australian Dollars or US Dollars (to exchange on arrival - see Exchanging Money above). We also recommend taking a debit and/or credit card.
For UK banks with no foreign transaction fees on debit/credit card spending, popular choices include Starling Bank, Monzo, Chase UK, first direct, and Barclays, offering fee-free spending abroad, though cash withdrawal fees and limits often apply. Digital providers like Revolut and Wise also provide excellent travel options, while premium accounts from traditional banks (like some Halifax/Lloyds tiers) and specific credit cards (like Barclaycard Rewards) are alternatives.
