Currency in India
A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in India and the Indian rupee (INR).
What's in this India currency guide:
What currency is used in India?
The official currency of India (country code: IN) is the Indian rupee, with symbol ₹ and currency code INR.
Things to know about the Indian rupee
The Indian rupee gets its name from the rupiya – a silver coin first produced in the sixteenth century.
Rupee trades make up around 1% of the total volume of the foreign exchange market. This market share is comparable to currencies from other major emerging market economies, such as South Africa, Brazil and Russia, but falls some way short of the 4% share taken by the Chinese yuan – the most actively traded emerging market currency.
When is the Indian Rupee stronger or weaker?
Importantly, the rupee has strong seasonal characteristics. The currency typically falls in value every second-quarter (April-to-June) due to India’s heightened gold demand heading into the Hindu festival of Akshaya Tritiya. Heavy rains between June and September can also depress industrial production in the country and weaken exports, which weigh on the currency.
What are the rupee’s all-time highs and lows?
The rupee’s all-time low against the US dollar came in May 2020 when USD/INR reached 75.86 (INR/USD 0.0138). It's all-time high came in March 1973 when USD/INR traded at just 7.19 (INR/USD 0.139). More recently, since 2007, the rupee was at its strongest in November 2007 when USD/INR fell to 39.10 (INR/USD 0.0256).
The Indian rupee banknotes and coins
The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 paisa, 2 paisa, 5 paisa, 10 paisa, 20 paisa, 25 paisa, and 50 paisa. The banknotes come in denominations of 1 rupee, 2 rupees, 5 rupees, 10 rupees, 20 rupees, 50 rupees, 100 rupees, 500 rupees, and 2,000 rupees. The banknotes feature images of famous Indian historical figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and B. R. Ambedkar. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
Travel Ideas and Money Tips for India
India is a vibrant, colourful, and fascinating country to explore but can be a little intimidating for first time visitors. There are many magical places to visit so try to make a point of staying at least two nights in any one place.
You will be using the local currency (rupee) on the street, however credit cards are now widely able to be used at the more expensive locations. Though depending on your security concerns purchasing a Prepaid Travel Card before heading there may ease your mind. Never exchange foreign currency on the street.
For getting around cities its rickshaws, they are old looking but very cheap, and definitely add to the experience. On arriving at an airport you can avoid the crowd of taxi drivers waiting outside by going to a prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal. There you can purchase a fixed price fare to the hotel you want, pay on the spot, and they will give you a green slip. Then you can head outside and once the less scrupulous drivers see you holding a prepaid slip you won't get swamped with offers. For longer distance travels both bus and train are available and most hotels will be happy to organise this for you as they generally get a cut of the action.
The are also many small travel shops everywhere that will do this also but they may over charge. Trains are available as well and can be a good way to get around. Be aware however that they can be extremely crowded and often booking ahead at least a day or two is required. Another good option is you intend to travel around within a state for a few days is to hire a driver. This not expensive and certainly can make life easier. Only drink from bottles water and make sure it is properly sealed when you buy it. As tasty as it looks, don't eat from street vendors, and try to eat food you know has probably been prepared properly.
For a long time flights within India have been expensive and most travelers went by the bus system or by train. Now however, flights to major cities are very affordable and convenient, and can save a lot of time seeing more of the country. Doing a bit of looking around online can save you a lot of money on flights.
For female travellers you'll need to prepare for being stared at, this is usually out of curiosity more than anything else, and you will get used to it very fast. Dress conservatively, loose ankle-length pants or skirts, tops that cover your shoulders and shawls to avoid to most unwanted attention, and avoid travelling alone during festivals when thick crowds can be used as an excuse for a pinch or two.
Bringing India Rupee Travel Money into India
Only returning residents can bring rupee into India. If you're a foreigner, you can't bring rupee into India with you. There are exceptions if you're a returning resident, you can carry 7,500 INR into the country. There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency you can bring with you. However, if you're carrying more than the foreign currency equivalent of US$5,000, you'll need to declare the cash at customs when you arrive.Which Indian banknotes were cancelled in 2016?
On 8 November 2016, the Government of India announced the demonetisation of all ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes of the Mahatma Gandhi Series. The cancelled ₹500 and ₹1000 notes are no longer exchangeable at any bank in India: they have since March 2017 effectively lost all monetary value.In addition to the 500 and 1000 rupees, the Mumbai-based Reserve Bank of India has decided to withdraw all pre-2005 Indian Rupee notes. These discontinued Rupee bills have no year of issue printed on the back side. These Indian rupees without date on the back are no longer a valid means of payment in India or Bhutan.
Is Indian currency accepted in Bhutan?
Bhutan’s unit of currency is called the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). A Ngultrum has the same value as the Indian rupee, the rupee is also legal in Bhutan.INR 100 & 50 Rupee denomination may be used in Bhutan, but Ngultrum cannot be used in India. Indian Rupee denomination note of INR 500, INR 1000 and INR 2000 are not accepted in Bhutan.
Expat Money & Business Guide to India
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in India.
How is the cost of living in India?
The cost of living in India is relatively low compared to developed countries. Basic goods and services cost less than 50% of what they cost in developed nations.
How is the expat life in India?
The expat life in India can be very exciting and enriching. There are many things to see and do, and the people are generally very friendly and welcoming. India can be a challenging place to live at times, but it is also very rewarding.
Any laws in India that foreigners should be aware of?
Foreign nationals are subject to all laws in India, including local, state and national laws. There is no special legal status or exemption from Indian law for foreigners.
What is doing business like in India?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the experience of doing business in India can vary greatly depending on the specific industry, company, and location. However, in general, doing business in India can be challenging due to the country's complex bureaucracy, red tape, and corruption. Additionally, businesses may find it difficult to find qualified workers, and infrastructure can be unreliable.
How is the economy in India?
The economy in India is complex and diversified. India is a newly industrialized country with a fast-growing economy. India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.5% in 2016, and is expected to grow by 7.1% in 2017. India is the world's second-fastest growing economy after China.
Managing your finances in India
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in India:
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Understand Indian rupee currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the INR exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
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Use a local Indian rupee bank account: A local INR bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in India. It may also be more convenient to use a local INR bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
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Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in India. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
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Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in India. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
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Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in India, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
You can read about the best providers and compare the latest deals for international money transfers to India in our Send Money to India guide.
USD/INR – Market Data
The exchange rate of Indian rupee (INR), or the amount of INR that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest USD/INR rate plus recent trend, chart, forecasts and historic rates.
| Date | USD/INR | Change | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
12 May 2023 | 82.26 | 0.4% ▲ | 2 Week |
25 Feb 2023 | 82.93 | 0.4% ▼ | 3 Month |
26 May 2022 | 77.63 | 6.4% ▲ | 1 Year |
27 May 2018 | 67.73 | 21.9% ▲ | 5 Year |
28 May 2013 | 55.99 | 47.5% ▲ | 10 Year |
31 May 2003 | 47.02 | 75.6% ▲ | 20 Year |
What are USD to INR forecasts?
The US Dollar (USD) has recently experienced modest gains against the Indian Rupee (INR) due to increasing Sino-American economic tensions and a bearish market mood. The ban on memory chips made by US tech company Micron has soured sentiment, making the safe-haven currency more appealing. USD demand, however, could be dampened by upcoming PMIs from S&P Global, as economists expect a weaker services reading, and factory activity is forecast to stall.
According to FX analysts, the US dollar's strength over the past year is expected to reverse in 2023 as the Fed's interest rate hike cycle comes to an end. On the other hand, the Indian rupee has steadily weakened against the US dollar due to fears that surging energy prices could spur inflation and interest rate hikes. India, which imports most of its oil requirements, has been affected by higher crude prices that push up domestic inflation. The surprise OPEC+ cut to oil production in April may further hurt the rupee. In light of these factors, the current USD to INR exchange rate of 82.60 is just 0.5% above its 3-month average of 82.19 and has traded within a stable 1.5% range from 81.68 to 82.93. Market view suggests that businesses and individuals should continue monitoring global economic trends and exchange rate updates to make informed decisions on international transactions involving USD and INR.
USD/INR forecasts USD/INR rates
Compare Indian rupee Exchange Rates & Fees
The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to India or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Indian rupee.
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It is important to note that the exchange rate of the Indian rupee can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect INR exchange rates before making any financial decisions.
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