rupee denomination

skinnysim

What is the largest denomination note (rupee) that I can carry, which will be easily accepted by shopkeepers etc ?

Haylo

Depends how much you're spending, and what sort of shop it is.

The most I ever carry is Rs 500s, which I'd use to buy an expensive (for me) souvenir, but I always carry far smaller notes too, down to Rs 10 or even 5 if I get them, for smaller transactions; banks are happy to give you a big wodge of smaller denomination notes.

Plus, it's great to be able to give auto drivers the agreed fare, then say "Sorry no change" when they start asking for more.

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nikhilsegel

INR or Indian National Rupees are available in the following denominations:

• INR 5/- (Discontinued in printing but still in circulation
  INR 10/-
  INR 20/-
  INR 50/-
  INR 100/-
  INR 500/-
  INR 1000/-

In most large cities there is no problem with carrying 1000 Rupee notes.
I would suggest that you carry the bulk of your cash in 1000 and depending on your daily spend the rest in smaller denominations.

Most banks will change currency for you at no charge

Cheers

clivington

As you appear to be a newbie, are you asking because you want to know what size notes to bring with you from the US? Because you can't! It's a closed currency and you have to get your notes here. An ATM will generally dispense five Rs.100 notes plus however many Rs.500 notes. Rs.100 is a practical size for many everyday items - eg, a beer or a couple of kg bananas costing Rs.50. I think it's unreasonable to offer a note for something that costs less than half the value of the note. I never carry anything bigger than Rs.500. For expensive items pay with a card. I agree with Haylo, you should get lots of small notes as soon as possible!

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Nick-H

Small shops will only be able to change 500s if they are busy. Usually, supermarkets have no trouble in changing 500s or even 1000s.

It really does depend on the level at which you're spending --- are you going to eat in restaurants that will cost you hundreds of rupees? or tens of rupees? --- but Rs100 is practical and usually ok for every-day smaller transactions.

skinnysim

so i gather 500; largest practical and 100; most practical. some 10s and 20s just in case, am i right. oh and thanks everyone.

Haylo

50s are handy too!

You'll be surprised how fast you get through 10s and 20s; if you can get nice crisp new ones from a bank, they aren't as bulky.

Wildhorse

You won't just need them just in case, you'll need lots and lots of them. When dealing with autorickshaw drivers, for example, it's always a good idea to have small money because most of them will pretend not to have change. In fact, very many people will tell you that they don't have change....

When you change money upon arrival (if you do change money instead of using an ATM) it's a good idea to ask for some small bills also because chances are they'll give you 500s only.

nikhilsegel

Oh and lots of coins too then 50p 1/- 2/- 5/- .. ..
Sees the op waddling around the city weighed down with currency..

Nick-H

I saw that there is a new Rs10 coin coming out.

The last coin redesign was a disaster, leaving the Rs1 and Rs2 so difficult to tell apart.

nikhilsegel

Yup Nick.Was a total disaster!
Particularly thrashed in the design circles!

Nick-H

I wonder how the blind manage? In many countries, this is an important aspect of coin design.

AwayFromHome

Yes, I have to wear reading glasses for anything that requires a read.

The 1 and 2 rupee coins are indistinguishable to me, without my glasses, and I come off looking like a complete idiot when I try to use them at a shop.
I've given up - just surrender the money and hope the guy at the receiving end is honest and has a sense of humor.

nikhilsegel

Well strangely,
These coins are supposed to have been redesigned with the blind in mind.
If you run you finger over the coins carefully (yeah yeah i know)
the 1 rupee has a thumbs up sorta sign to designate 1
and the 2 rupee has a Victory sorta sign to designate 2

But I agree with you guys !!

Nick-H

I'm glad I'm not the only one on this... I was beginning to think I might be!

I am a nuisance to shops. I rarely remember to put any coins in my pocket before going out, so when I'm asked if I have the odd few Rs, so they can give change in notes, I seldom do. Then I just put those coins in my pocket without too much attention to them.