Taking rupees into India?

MrsC_772

My parents have just returned from a holiday in India, and had some left over rupees, which they've given me. I fly out to India this evening. I know you're not really supposed to take rupees out of India, so I'm a bit nervous about taking any Indian money back into the country (as I don't want to fall foul of customs, police etc.)

On the other hand, it would be handy to have some cash straight away and if I wouldn't otherwise be able to exchange it here, it would otherwise go to waste. I understand 10 rupee notes are hard to come by, but necessary for tipping toilet attendants etc, so if I've already got some it would seem daft not to bring them.

Grateful for IMers' thoughts - would I be taking a huge legal risk taking about £60 worth of rupees into India? Do regular travellers in and out of India bring rupees with them or does everyone religiously exchange every last paise before leaving the country and re-exchange on re-entering?

steven_ber

The rule is there for large amounts of money I think, I always keep some Rupees for my next trip, enough to get from the airport and keep me going for a day, and I've never had a problem.

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freenote

just a few for every day expenditure is not a problem .Never been stopped and never been checked

Nick-H

It is illegal to take Rs out of India, or bring them in.

That's the rule.

But, unless you do something else to draw attention to yourself, the chances of anyone finding or worrying about a few a few thousand is not worth worrying about.

Rs10 notes are not hard to come by, and why would you want to give one to a toilet attendant? A pay toilet coats Rs1 to use. Rs5 is a regular sort of tip to waiters, car park people (the security guy outside the shop who 'looks after' your car) etc.

Coins are not hard to come by either, although I think there are people who try to persuade tourists that this is the case!

Actually, going by the book, it is quite strict.

Even residents are only permitted to take Rs5,000 in or out of the country.

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indiaddict

MrsC 772 - relax. No problem at all taking this amount of money out or into India. I have done it at least 30 times. Going out your hand luggage is security searched and no one bats an eye.
Stashes of 10 rupees notes do come very handy and always seem to disappear fast. As there is certainly no obligation to tip a toilet attendant 10 Rs, I like doing it, this is entirely up to you.

edwardseco

I'll echo everyone else about bringing it in without hassle and I think there is a set amount permissable but memory fails as to that amount. I never worry about it.

Now Nick, how about getting paise coins? You and I may be the only ones who are old enough to remember those..

shere

Set limit is only for Indian residents. If you are not a resident then it is illegal for you to take Rupees into India.

From : http://www.geocities.com/indiancusto...misc.htm#icout

(b) How much Indian currency may be brought into India ?

Import of Indian Currency is prohibited. However, in the case of passengers normally resident in India who are returning from a visit abroad (Except from Nepal or Bhutan), import of Indian Currency not exceeding Rs. 5000 in any denomination is allowed in terms of RBI Regulation 3 (1) (a) and (c) and Regulation 8 of the Reserve Bank Notification FEMA 6/RB-2000 dated 3rd May 2000.

If coming from Nepal or Bhutan, a person can carry in any amount of Indian currency but not in denomination of Rs.500/- or above.

Nick-H

25 paise and 50 paise coins are still commonly available, although not very useful.

Unfortunately, although I may be old enough, my association with India has not been long enough to remember the days when one could go out on the town for one rupee --- and come back with change!

shere

Apparently coin circulation in India has declined. Some of the coins were worth more as scrap metal than their monetary value.

See the following story :

Do you want to multiply your money fast?

No problem. Just move to India and collect one rupee coins, melt them down and convert the metal into razor blades.

Indian coins are worth up to 35 times as much as razor blades as they are as coins. This leaves a huge profit margin for those involved in the illegal business of melting down coins.


http://www.commodites-futures-trader...coin-meltdown/

Nick-H

Well, if that is the case, I'm sure we can expect major shortage in the future!

But, while the coins are still available, I can't see anyone actually buying my small change at greater-than-face-value.

And, at least as far as the city is concerned, there really is no shortage.

Yet.

PeakXV

I would be very careful as to where/how you plan to stash your monetary contraband - as they've recently employed an aggressive pack of 'rupee-sniffers' - long-nosed dogs that ambitiously patrol the arrivals areas of all the international airports.

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

PeakXV

- just kidding, I'm sure you'll have no trouble with small amounts.

Nick-H

long-nosed dogs?

Those aren't dogs!

They're anteaters!

And once that long, long tongue finds its way into your wallet, those big, strong claws go to work finding out what else is hidden inside your clothes

PeakXV

..... wait! They've found my emergency ration of chocolate ants and the good news is they've all but forgotten about all those damn ruppees - the bad news is I'll need a new pair of pants.