How Much Money to Bring to India: Daily Budgets + Money Tips
India is one of the cheapest places on earth but the cash strategy matters. Here’s the breakdown.
Daily budgets
Backpacker: ₹1,500-2,500/day ($18-30), budget hotels, thali meals, AC trains. Mid-range: ₹4,000-8,000/day ($48-95) — 3-star hotels, restaurants, drivers. Luxury: ₹15,000-50,000+/day ($180-600+): heritage palaces, fine dining.
How much cash to bring
Bring $400-800 USD cash (depending on trip length). Best exchange at Thomas Cook or Cox & Kings (Mumbai/Delhi airports). Use ATMs for ongoing needs. ATMs are everywhere; limit ₹10,000-20,000 ($120-240) per withdrawal.
ATMs
ICICI, HDFC, Axis, SBI ATMs accept foreign cards. Withdrawal fee ~₹200 per transaction. Charles Schwab refunds. Avoid Punjab National Bank + Bank of India ATMs (high failure rate). Test small first transaction at each new ATM.
Tipping + cards
Tip 10% at sit-down restaurants, ₹50-100 for hotel staff, ₹500-1,000/day for guides. Cards work at hotels + chain restaurants + airlines + Uber. Train tickets, autos, street food, markets = cash. Always have ₹500-₹2,000 notes.
E-Visa
Apply for e-Visa online 5+ days before flying ($25-100 depending on nationality + duration). Print confirmation, bring on flight, present at immigration. NOT possible to extend e-Visa from inside India.