What currency is used in Auroville?

Auroville is a largely cashless community that does not use traditional paper money for internal transactions. Instead, residents and guests use an internal system known as the Aurocard, which acts as a debit card linked to a central account. For transactions within the community, residents use an internal digital,, or, at times, a conceptual, currency often referred to as "Auroville Units" (A.U.), managed through the Auroville Financial Service.

Does Auroville have their own currency?

Here, the lifestyle is such that, money is not the primary means of exchange; Contributions and shared resources are bartered. The town has its own currency called the 'Auroville Unit', (A.U.). Various groups are created that are responsible for the production and management of goods and services.

Does Auroville use money?

The Rejection of Internal Currency and Ownership

The ultimate ideal for Auroville is the complete absence of internal monetary circulation. Auroville will maintain financial relationships exclusively with the outside world, but money will not be used among residents.

What is the dress code for Auroville?

Dress by local standards: Both men and women should wear modest clothes such as long pants or long shorts and tops with sleeves; no short- shorts, bathing costumes, or halter-tops.

What is the currency in Auroville unit?

The town has its own currency called the 'Auroville Unit', (A.U.). Auroville is a cashless society where people of different nationalities, cultures, and beliefs live together in harmony.

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Can I buy rupees before I go to India?

No, you generally cannot buy significant amounts of Indian Rupees (INR) before your trip because Indian law restricts tourists from bringing them into the country, but you can exchange some currency upon arrival at airports or use ATMs and travel cards for better rates. It's best to bring clean, undamaged foreign currency (like USD or GBP) to exchange at official money changers or use a travel card (Revolut, Wise) for ATM withdrawals, choosing to be charged in INR to avoid poor exchange rates. 

Can you buy a house in Auroville?

You can buy 1 BHK property in ₹ Rs 70L in Auroville. Buyers need to spend ₹ Rs 4Cr for investing in 2 BHK property in Auroville. For 3 BHK property in locality, the budget should be around ₹ Rs 3.5Cr to ₹ 4Cr. For 4 BHK property in Auroville, buyers need to spend around ₹ Rs 1.25Cr to ₹ 2.4Cr.

Is food available in Auroville?

The best restaurants in Auroville include: Tea Hut Sadhana Forest. Auroville Bakery Café Tanto.

Is there alcohol in Auroville?

Alcohol. The consumption of alcohol is strongly discouraged in Auroville. It cannot be purchased anywhere in the township.

Is it better to take sterling or dollars to India?

It is advised that travelers bring cash with them, either in sterling or US dollars and in £5 or £10 denominations, as it is easier for Indian bureaux to exchange. It is also recommended that these notes are clean - otherwise they may not be accepted.

Should I take cash with me to India?

You are allowed to bring cash not exceeding 25,000 INR (approx. 300 USD) when entering or leaving India.

Can I use US dollars in India?

Dollars are generally not accepted throughout India. However, if you are traveling in tourist-heavy locations with many expats, you may see some businesses like hotels accept US dollars. Often, you'll be asked to exchange your dollars for rupees to pay for goods and services throughout India.

How does money work in Auroville?

Auroville's money comes from the profits of commercial units within Auroville, from a number of 'Auroville International' centres around the world, from guest houses, from cash donations made by visitors and guests, from outside well-wishers and the families of Aurovilians, and - of course - from Aurovilians themselves ...

Is there a dress code in Auroville?

Dress Code and Photography

Visitors must wear modest clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Photography inside the Matrimandir is strictly prohibited, ensuring all visitors' sanctity and privacy of the meditation experience.

What is famous to buy in Pondicherry?

Shopping in Pondicherry is however famous for its Ajrakh, Balotra and Sanganer fabrics. A wide range of home furniture are also available. Accessories like jewellery, stoles, toilet accessories will catch your eyes and make you buy your desired ones.

Is there no religion in Auroville?

Aurovilians are expected to lead a 'spiritual' life, but there are no religions in Auroville. Anyone still strongly attached to a specific religion, in the sense of wanting to commit themselves to it and practice it, would find that Auroville is not their place.

What is famous to eat in Pondicherry?

For lunch and dinner, Malabar biryani, rice and meen (fish) curry or the simplistic rasam, vegetable poriyal (sautéed dish) and the decadent payasam are up for grabs. Then there's the inevitable outcome of adding the desi and videsi into one pot.

Does Auroville have a barter system?

As old as Auroville, the Freestore is as the name suggests, a store where things are free. A descendant of early Auroville's barter and exchange system, the Freestore now offers a range of new and preloved clothes, crockery, books and music to any Aurovilian who needs.

How many days are enough for Auroville?

Generally we recommend visitors to start at the Visitors Centre and spend, if possible, a few hours to a day. For those with more time, a week to ten days in Auroville is advised for a first visit.

Can an UK citizen buy property in India?

Foreign nationals of non Indian origin resident outside India are not permitted to acquire any immovable property in India unless such property is acquired by way of inheritance from a person who was resident in India.

Who is the owner of Auroville?

Handwritten in French by Alfassa (the "Mother"), its four-point charter set forth her vision of "integral living": Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole.

What is the 12 year property rule in India?

Lying at the core of adverse possession criteria under Indian law is the 12-year rule. Under Article 65 of the Limitation Act, if someone is in physical possession of private property for twelve years continuously and adversely to the owner, they can claim ownership.