Currency hacks: India
The quirk: Cash culture + UPI + currency import restrictions
What's going on
India is cash-heavy (rural) + UPI-dominant (urban). Tourists can't easily use UPI without local SIM.
The smart-traveler strategy
- Withdraw ₹10,000-20,000 from ATM at airport — bank rates excellent.
- Carry small notes (10s, 50s, 100s) for change — rickshaws + tea stalls.
- Don't bring foreign cash >$5,000 (declaration required) or > $2,000 in cash without forms.
- Credit cards accepted at hotels + major restaurants + chains. Visa + Mastercard.