The currency of India is the Rupee, issued by Reserve Bank of India.

The most commonly used symbol for the rupee is Rs. The ISO 4217 code for the Indian rupee is INR. Rupee translated to English is “silver”, and it was named this because it was once a silver coin.  It is forbidden to carry rupees into or out of the country.

Travelling to India is meant to be a good experience so the last thing you want is to have problems with money, either by losing it or having it stolen.

You should aim to take enough cash and credit and debit cards, if you take travellers checks be aware that there can be a fee when buying them and a fee when they are being processed. There are often more ATM machines than banks who can cash traveller’s checks, especially in smaller towns. These days Visa and MasterCard as well as other credit companies offer debit cards.  The opportunity to have the flexibility of a credit card linked to your bank account. And in many cases these are brilliant option to have when travelling abroad. Think about what you really need and plan accordingly. When travelling out of the cities make sure to carry enough local currency for a few days at a time, you may find it hard to use your credit card or ATM card in some places out of the cities, or at roadside stalls etc, so it is always best to carry both. There are places at the airport or banks etc where you can readily change currency into rupees.

Carrying Money safely while in India

When travelling it is always best to use safe practices and India is no different when it comes to keeping your money safe.

Buy pouches that can be fastened with an attached belt to your waist and can be worn under clothing. This is the most popular and safest way to carry money safely.

Money and other valuable documents like ATM cards, passports and credit cards should also be kept  in the pouch, hidden from others.

Don’t make the mistake of carrying all your money at around on you at once. Each day sort some amount that will cover your daily expenses, food, shopping, and tours then keep the rest in your hotel room secure and locked away in your suitcase.

Never keep money loosely in your pocket. You are only making the job easier for the pick pockets that will wait for such opportunities. BUT you should keep some loose change in your pockets for beggars who may mob you. 

Be alert as you would be in your own country while traveling in crowded areas. Be wary of unwanted hands trying to grab something out of your backpack.

Do not flash rolls of currency notes or large amounts of cash etc in front of people, out of sight out of mind.

If you act consciously about the things on this list, and minimize ways for pickpockets to get into your bags you’re money will be a lot safer for it.  One way is to be sure of the ways that people can pickpocket and using your knowledge to make it harder for the pickpocket to get anything of extreme value, either sentimental or monetary (like jewelry) by leaving it at home.