The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. The notes are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are available in denominations of 5, 2, and 1 rupee as well as 50 and 25 paise.

Visitors have to declare their foreign exchange and currency that is brought into India at customs if the value of currency notes exceeds US$ 2,500 or if the aggregate value of the foreign exchange, including currency notes, exceeds US$ 10,000 or an equivalent amount. Buying and selling rates of foreign currency fluctuate with abandon the world over and India is no exception. It would be best to check with your travel agent on your arrival at the airport for the prevailing rates.

Banking in India is at par with the West, thanks to computerisation and the entry of private and international banks. The smaller cities though, still lack some banking options available in the metros like on-line banking and ATMs. Perhaps, what is most inconvenient for the tourist is that banks in smaller towns do not always have the facilities for changing traveller's cheques and the only currency they accept are US dollars, Euros, and British Pound sterling.

Money should be exchanged only at banks or through approved money changers located at international airports or in the cities and towns. Since banks in small tourist destinations are wary of traveller's cheques, try to change as much of your money as possible from moneychangers at the airport or authorised places. The larger nationalised banks are the State Bank of India, the Union Bank of India and Canara Bank. International banks like Citibank, HSBC and Standard Chartered too, have offices in India.

It will be worthwhile to remember that banking hours are usually from 10 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon from Monday to Friday and from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays, though some multinational banks do operate round the clock. Bank holidays vary from state to state though it is unlikely that a bank will be closed for longer than two days in a row. Banks are usually closed on Sundays and other government gazetted holidays. If in need of money, you can always use the ATMs. Recognised hotels will also be able to change your money, but at a substantial fee. All international credit cards are widely accepted in India, including Diners, American Express, MasterCard and Visa. You can use your card to shop around and to purchase railway (in the metros) and airline tickets. While using your card, ensure it is swiped only once