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India’s unit of currency is the rupee, usually abbreviated â‚¹ and divided into a hundred paise. Almost all money is paper, with notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. Coins in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 rupees, the latter two gradually replacing the paper versions, plus (rarely seen) 50 paise.

Don’t accept torn banknotes, since no one else will be prepared to take them and you’ll be left saddled with the things, though you can change them at the Reserve Bank of India and large branches of other big banks. Don’t pass them on to beggars; they can’t use them either, so it amounts to an insult.

Large denominations can also be a problem, as change is usually in short supply. Many Indian people cannot afford to keep much lying around, and you shouldn’t necessarily expect shopkeepers or rickshaw-wallahs to have it (and they may – as may you – try to hold onto it if they do). Larger notes can be changed for smaller denominations at hotels and other suitable establishments.

<h3>Changing money</h3>

Changing money in regular banks, especially government-run banks such as the State Bank of India (SBI), can be a time-consuming business, involving lots of form-filling and queueing at different counters, so it’s best to change substantial amounts at any one time. You’ll have no such problems, however, with private companies such as Thomas Cook, American Express or forex agents. Major cities and main tourist centres usually have several licensed currency exchange bureaux; rates usually aren’t as good as at a bank but transactions are generally a lot quicker and there’s less paperwork to complete.

Outside banking hours (Mon–Fri 10am– 2/4pm, Sat 10am–noon), large hotels may change money, probably at a lower rate, and exchange bureaux have longer opening hours. Banks in the arrivals halls at most major airports stay open 24 hours. 
Wherever you change money, hold on to exchange receipts (“encashment certificates”); they will be required if you want to change back any excess rupees when you leave the country and to buy air tickets and reserve train berths with rupees at special counters for foreigners. The State Bank of India now charges for tax clearance forms.

<h3>Credit Cards/Travelers Cheque</h3>

Renowned Credit Cards like American Express, Master Cards, Diners Club, Visa are generally accepted by large establishments, including hotels, shops, restaurants and at shopping places. Please note that small shops and vendors may not accept credit  cards or travellers cheques, therefore we advise that at any given time you carry cash and loose  change with yourself.

<h3>Tipping and baksheesh</h3>

As a well-off visitor you’ll be expected to be liberal with your tips. Low-paid workers in hotels , restaurants , Tourist drivers 
often accept lower pay than they should in the expectation of generous tips during the tourist season.

Tipping is a personal expense and depends entirely on the quality service provided to you  and your appreciation of those services. Whilst tipping is not mandatory, it is expected at restaurants and by drivers, guides and escorts. The following estimated guideline may help you in determining the tip amount, should you wish to tip any service provider in India.

-Restaurants: Approx. 5 - 10 % of your food bill.

-Guide for a half a day: INR 300-500

-Guide for a full day: INR 500-600

-Driver for half a day: INR 250-350

-Driver for full day: INR 350-400

-Driver on outstation duty: INR 350-400 per day

-Escort: INR  400-500 per day

Check in and check – out at each hotel: INR 50-100 Per check in or Check out.

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