Traveling to India and Need Indian Rupees (INR)? | 2025 Guide
Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, or expat, knowing the cheapest and safest way to exchange foreign currency can save you money and hassle.
In this guide, I’ll compare money exchange options, rates, fees, and the best places to get INR in India in 2025.
Here’s a comparison of the best ways to exchange money in India:
| Exchange Method | Best For | Exchange Rate | Fees & Charges |
|---|
| Banks | Safe & reliable exchange | Good | ₹200 – ₹500 per transaction |
| ATMs | Easy access to cash | Fair | 2% – 4% + ATM fees |
| Currency Exchange Counters | Airports & tourist areas | Worst | High fees & bad rates |
| Hotels & Travel Agents | Convenience | Poor | 10%+ markup |
| Western Union & MoneyGram | Sending money from abroad | Fair | Fixed fee + exchange rate markup |
Best Option: Use banks or ATMs for the best rates. Avoid airport exchanges and hotels as they charge high fees.
Top Banks for Currency Exchange in India
- State Bank of India (SBI)
- HDFC Bank
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
Best Places to Exchange Money in Major Cities
- Delhi: Connaught Place, Paharganj, IGI Airport (but avoid airport rates).
- Mumbai: Fort area, Nariman Point, Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport.
- Bangalore: Brigade Road, MG Road.
- Goa: Panjim, Calangute Beach area.
Pro Tip: Banks offer better rates but require ID (passport). Some may only exchange money for account holders.
ATMs are a convenient way to get INR without carrying too much cash.
International Debit & Credit Cards Accepted in India
Visa & Mastercard – Works at most ATMs- American Express (AMEX) – Limited acceptance
- Maestro & Cirrus – Good for cash withdrawals
Best ATMs to Withdraw INR in India
| Bank ATM | Withdrawal Limit | Approx. Fee |
|---|
| SBI ATM | ₹20,000 per transaction | ₹200 + 2.5% fee |
| HDFC Bank ATM | ₹25,000 per transaction | ₹250 + 3% fee |
| ICICI Bank ATM | ₹15,000 per transaction | ₹250 + 2.5% fee |
| Axis Bank ATM | ₹20,000 per transaction | ₹200 + 3.5% fee |
Pro Tip: Withdraw larger amounts at once to avoid multiple ATM fees. Avoid ATMs at airports & tourist hotspots, as they may charge extra withdrawal fees.
What Exchange Rate Should You Expect?
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. You can check real-time rates on:
- Google Currency Converter
- XE.com
- RBI’s Official Website
Hidden Charges to Watch Out For
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Always choose to be charged in INR instead of your home currency.- Service Fees: Some exchange services take a 10%+ commission without telling you.
- Airport & Hotel Markups: Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotels due to high fees.
- Foreign currencies are NOT accepted for regular transactions in India.
- You must exchange money for Indian Rupees (INR) before making purchases.
Some 5-star hotels and high-end stores
MAY accept USD, but they charge their own exchange rate.
Use these apps for the best exchange rates & lowest fees:
| App | Best For | Exchange Fee |
|---|
| Wise (formerly TransferWise) | International transfers | 0.5% – 1% |
| Revolut | Multi-currency card | 0% on weekdays, 1% on weekends |
| PayPal | Easy online payments | 4% – 5% markup |
Pro Tip: Use Wise or Revolut instead of PayPal for better exchange rates.
| If You Want… | Best Option | Why? |
|---|
| Best exchange rate | Bank exchange | No hidden charges, official rates |
| Quick & convenient access to INR | ATM withdrawals | Available 24/7 |
| Lowest fees for large transfers | Wise (formerly TransferWise) | Transparent rates |
| Tourist convenience (but high fees) | Airport & hotel exchanges | Not recommended due to high markup |
Best Budget Strategy: Use ATMs or bank exchanges for the best rates. Avoid airport exchanges & hotel currency desks to save money.
Where Can You Exchange Foreign Currency in India? (Comparison Table)
Best Places to Exchange Currency in India (City-Wise List)
Using ATMs in India (Best Cards & Fees)
Exchange Rates & Hidden Fees (What You Need to Know!)
Can You Use USD, EUR, GBP in India?
Best Apps for Currency Exchange & International Payments
