Indian Rupees/Dollars

carob03867

I was told it is illegal to use Dollars in India, but I arrive in Delhi at 1.30am and need to tip the driver that I have booked to transport me to Karol Bagh, where I am staying. I searched this site and found an atm at the departures in Terminal 1 is there an ATM at International Arrivals (arriving from London) and if not would it be ok to give the driver Dollars and if so how much should I give him for the journey from the airport to Karol Bagh? Hope this is not too convoluted but I really hate to be wondering what to do in a strange country upon arrival. Thanks for any answers

machadinha

? No, not at all. As in most countries, there'll be a limit to how much you can bring in without declaring it, but for everyday spending purposes this really isn't an issue.

I'd be very surprised if there were no ATM's at arrivals in Delhi; and there'll be banks and money exchangers operating at all hours, certainly at times of incoming flights, of course. See also http://www.newdelhiairport.in/.

Don't know what your taxi will cost you; a US dollar however is currently 48 Rupees. While people may tip a lot more, on a few-hundred Rupees ride which this is likely to be, a fifty Rs. tip is really ample and generous. Of course, that's not how the driver may make you feel as an obvious new arrival, certainly not when flashing your dollars about.

Not tipping anything shouldn't get you killed either, really.

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gaurav1441

Well there are lots of money changers in Heathrow airport itself. You can get Indian Currency there.

machadinha

? Are you speaking from experience? Could be possible and notably in the UK or so one hears, but the Indian Rupee is in fact not supposed to be obtainable abroad, and it is technically illegal for foreigners to bring it in or out of the country (although for a reasonable amount for personal use, no one is likely to give a hoot).

In any event, it's really a non-concern. You'll get your Rupees upon landing alright. Airport exchanges don't tend to give the best of rates, so if not using an ATM, change what you think you'll need to see you through the first day or two, then handle the rest in town. For ATM's, check with your bank what they'll charge you for foreign transactions; this can be steep, so if so, better to make fewer and larger withdrawals. (Notify them you're going abroad while you're at it; some banks are reported to automatically block your card in case of such "untypical" transactions.)

Nick-H

Lots? No... as with all things "airport", there will be one or two, probably the same company. You might be able to, subject to availability, which is very far from certain. It will then be illegal to bring those rupees to India!

It's not illegal to use dollars in India, but if you are buying goods or services directly in non-Indian currency, you will get a lousy exchange rate, and possibly even a direct ripoff.

As already suggested; get a few thousand Rupees at the airport just after landing.

Haylo

We have been hearing "I was told" a lot lately on here, and most of the time people have been told wrong. As mach says, it's not illegal to give people US dollars. Don't expect people to take them in payment for goods though, without charging you very high prices to make up for the inconvenience it will cause them.

Unless you're going to be insanely generous, I'm sure that a driver would far prefer to be tipped in rupees; being given dollars means that he would have to make a special trip to a bank to convert them, and why should he have to do that? If bet that if you were back home, the taxi drivers would not be too impressed with being tipped in (for instance) British Pounds!

Actually, ignore the above... I get the idea that you're not really one of those people who plans to ignore the local currency and hand dollars out through all their travels.

Don't worry about being able to change money, many many flights arrive at Delhi in the early hours, and because there are currency restrictions on the Indian Rupee, there is a demand for those services, and the airport is well set up to provide for the basics such as changing money.

Even if it wasn't, any taxi driver with half a brain would be very happy to take you to your hotel via a cashpoint!

Are you absolutely sure about that? I could not find anywhere to buy INR when I tried, I was told it was restricted and they couldn't deal in it.

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bjp

If you arrive at Mumbai international at 1am and get yourself on the next bus to the domestic departure terminal, the money-changer at the domestic terminal is closed.

Cafe Coffee Day Rs45+ coffee. I went outside and sat and drank coffee for hours for Rs5. ...and he kept giving it to me, pay later when you're going.

Nick-H

Because he'd rather have ten dollars than a hundred rupees! And he won't go to the bank, he'll go to someone that does fx on the side, under the counter, no receipts, no documents.

camelgirl

Most international flights arrive in the middle of the night. We always get some money from one of the banks that are always open to change money. We haven't used an ATM but there may be one. In any case, bring a couple of hundred dollars & change them in the airport before you leave to get your taxi--the rate will be fair enough.

Our last visit 3 yrs. ago we stayed in Karol Bagh & the hotel arranged a pick up. I don't recall giving a tip to the driver. Don't worry about it. But you do want some rupees in your pocket before you leave the airport, this way you don't have to rush out first thing in the morning to find an ATM. You can get more later from an ATM when you get organized (take a nap ) People are going to want rupees, not dollars.

Have a great trip!

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goingback

I note that many hotels request a deposit or 50 per cent payment up front paid in dollars or euros. However, from UK, it is far better for us to pay rupees especially via Western Union. Is this why? so he can do it on the quiet?

LilBoy BigTown

There are atleast 3 money changers in the arrival's area. There's thomas cook and couple of other banks. Expect to pay about Rs 300/- for the trip to karol bagh, perhaps a bit more at that time. You musn't really consider paying in dollars. ATM's and money changers are widespread.

Nick-H

Once upon a time, major hotels were required to charge foreign customers in foreign currency, and the dollar/pound price was, of coure, higher than the rupee price. I believe that is no longer the case --- can someone tell me of I got this right?

Eastern Mind

Whats a major hotel? I paid rupees all the time. 2 and 3 star

Hey it is India. But being without local currency can be a real hassle. It happened to me once in US. Jumped on plane, totally forgetting. Spent night in Honolulu airport, no money except Canuck, no open exchange either. 'Twas an eight hour hassle. What do the Europeans think now when they reflect back to before the Euro days. I bet you they don't miss it. Another logical plan although illegal for India returners is to keep some from the last trip. I did this inadvertently so will just take it for the starters next time.

Wildhorse

????? This has never ever happened to me, and I've been to India many times and have hence stayed in numerous hotels. Is this a 5-star-hotel thing? Some (few) hotels have asked for advance payment of the very first night, but always in rupees.

andymell

This is no longer commonplace. (And it never was in budget hotels, though perhaps it was the law.) Now, some non-chain 4-5 star hotels will try to charge foreigners a higher USD or EUR rate. But, they are usually talked out of this pretty quickly in my experience.

Interestingly, I once had a hotel in Ft Cochin (forget which one) insist that everyone (incl Indians) pay in Euros. However, when they ran my credit card they did so with the INR equivalent of the Euro amount. Maybe they just liked to deal in smaller numbers?