With nearly a billion and a half inhabitants, a highly diverse climate, and a culture both recognizable and distant from the West, few countries conjure more evocative images in the mind than India.
One of the oldest cultures on Earth, India is a nation packed with distinct tastes, sights, and sounds. The Indian rupee (INR), India’s official currency, is your ticket to exploring this incredible country.
Want to learn more about the Indian rupee? Curious about India? We have you covered.
History of the Indian Rupee
Unsurprisingly, the rupee has been around for centuries, dating back to the 16th century. Once pegged to the British Pound, and later the US Dollar, the rupee now uses a floating exchange rate.
Issued by the Reserve Bank of India since 1935, the rupee comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 2,000. Intriguingly, the ₹ symbol associated with the rupee was only introduced in 2010.
While the Indian rupee (INR) may be on a downward trajectory more recently, it is still in the top echelon of stable currencies. More importantly, India’s consistent position among the most important emerging economies in the world ensures the relevance of the rupee for years to come.
Traveling in India
The timing of a trip to India ought to consider two factors: Monsoon season — which lasts from roughly May to early October — and the hottest months of April, May, and June leading into Monsoon season. That leaves late October to March as the ideal weather window to visit India, though it is worth considering more local weather conditions before booking.
India is practically overflowing with iconic touchstones, including the Taj Mahal, the Ganges River, Sundarbans National Park (think Bengali tigers), and Thar Desert. All of these and many more make for worthy stops. Best of all, savvy travelers will find that exceptional accommodations, food, and travel options are available for what would be an incredibly low price in the US.
Before Your Trip
Travelers will first need to obtain an eVisa before making their journey to India. Travel insurance is also widely recommended to ensure your health and safety due to the inconsistent availability of medical services.
Additionally, there are local customs worth familiarizing yourself with — from eating with your hands to dress code — whose importance will vary depending on where in India you will be traveling. If you’re visiting any temples, modest attire is a must.
When it comes to importing currency, the Indian government has fairly strict rules: anything over 25,000 INR (about $300 USD) must be declared. That said, bringing in less than that amount should be no problem, enabling you act in advance to avoid airport currency exchanges (which typically offer the worst rates).
How we can help: If your local bank doesn’t offer an exchange service for the Indian rupee, we have you covered in whatever array of denominations you need. As always, this includes a next-day shipping option if you’re in a hurry — no trips to the bank, and no highly visible acquisition of money at an airport kiosk.
During Your Trip
Generally speaking, cash is king in India, but depending on where you are, this is changing fast. As in many developing countries, digital payments are taking off, with QR codes popping up to facilitate payments via Google Pay and similar services (Apple Pay, however, is not yet available). UPI is the major player in digital payments in India — and available to travelers — so it’s worth your while to set up an account before or during your trip.
Outside the big cities, be aware that many businesses won’t accept credit cards, and even then, likely only Visa or Mastcard. Of course, be certain to notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent your card from being declined.
In need of another cash infusion? Familiarize yourself with the most trusted banks in India and aim to transact with one of them. Counterfeit scams have been a persistent issue in India, with major steps taken in recent years to address the problem.
Planning on using ATMs? Be aware that they can be hard to find in rural areas, with low transaction limits and relatively high fees. Use bank-affiliated ATMs whenever possible in the most secure locations you can find to minimize your risk of fraud.
In short: plan ahead, know your options, and be smart about where you transact your currency.
After Your Trip
Upon your return, you can easily sell back any remaining rupees to us without needing to wait in line at a bank (presuming your local bank can exchange rupees in the first place). Simply enter your transaction on our website and we’ll send you a printable label that you can package and drop off at any FedEx location. One day after we receive your rupees, you will receive a deposit in your bank account of choice.
Few countries can claim to be a feast for the senses like India, and we’ve barely scratched the surfaces. Armed with a better understanding of the currency and the country, we hope you feel more prepared for an unforgettable trip.
