Getting Indian Rupee

H2G2 · 27-09-2008 9:35am #1

Hi all, two questions I would appreciate some help with...

1. Where can I get my hands on Rupee? I asked AIB and they don't do it.

2. Any suggested as to how much cash I will need? I am only going for 4 days (work

) and only need cash for taxi's, tips and small stuff.

Ta

BuffyBot · 27-09-2008 9:52am

I don't believe you can get them (legally) before you go.

dory · 27-09-2008 10:07am

You can't get the outside of India. Every airport will have a money changer, although the exchange rate isn't as good as you'd get in whatever city you're going to.

If you're going for work are you being picked up at the airport? If not a prepaid taxi is usually the way to go. They cost in and around 300 rupee. Last I checked a euro was 67 RU.
A usual tip for a guy carrying a bag for you would be 20 rupee. 50 would be a good tip, usually I'd give that after a meal.

The amount you're going to need depend on how many taxis you're going to get. That 300 was for about an hour taxi by the way. Best thing is just to bring 10 and 20 euro notes and change them as you need them.
At a guess I'd say RU 2000 would do you comfortably (€30) but you could probably get away with 1000.

H2G2 · 28-09-2008 7:47am

Great advice. Thanks.
What about ATMs? Can I use my Cirus/Maestro card? Or for such a short stay is euro cash better. Do you know if I can change cash in hotels? During the day I am bacially going hotel -> office -> hotel, so no opportunity to get near banks.
Thanks

BuffyBot · 28-09-2008 9:28am

Yes, ATM's will work if you see a Cirrus/Maestro/Mastercard logo on it..

dory · 28-09-2008 10:13am

Also, you don't need to go near a bank to change money. Money changing shops are all over the place. You just usually need ID. The exchange rate at these places is fine. Most hotels would also do it, I think you'd get a better rate on the street though!

Also - if you put money on your credit card and then take it out you don't get charged. I have a student credit card but I think it's the same for everyone. You get charged if you take out money with a Lazer card over there.

breadmonkey · 28-09-2008 12:08pm

Eh, I'll check with my girlfriend but I'm pretty certain we got INR from either Ulster Bank or BOI before we left.

TheNibbler · 29-09-2008 7:25am

Couldn't get them in any bank I tried. Ended up getting them from Thomas Cook-reasonable rate.

rod flanders · 03-10-2008 2:59pm

I just ordered Indian Ruppees from Ulster Bank Dame Street and they will be ready for collection next Wednesday.

rod flanders · 08-10-2008 1:53pm

I just got my Rupees from Ulster bank. It does say on alot of travel websites that Rupees cannot be purchased outside India but this aint true.

H2G2 · 16-10-2008 8:08pm

H2G2 wrote: »

Where can I get my hands on Rupee? I asked AIB and they don't do it.

Have decide to post a follow-up to my original question for the forum search/Google community.

I never managed to get Rupee before leaving Dublin… but I didn’t try that hard. When in T4 of Heathrow I tried to purchase from the both Amex and some other exchange place and they both said… Indian rupee cannot be imported into the country and I would have to sign a declaration before they would sell to me… as a first time visitor to India this put the sh**ts up me and I didn’t buy… With the benefit of hindsight I could have bought some there [note: I am recommending breaking any laws !]
However, on arriving in Delhi airport, immediately after immigration and before clearing customs there is a State Bank of India and Thomas Cook currency exchanges, where I handed over 70 euros in cash [to State Bank] and got a good exchange rate and no commission. So I shouldn't have been worried

Getting Indian Rupee

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