India's currency is the Rupee. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 500 and 1000. Coins are available at 10, 20, 25, 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. The exchange rates for 1 US $ is Rs. 46 approx. For the current currency rates try this link Currency Rates.

It is advisable to carry a mixture of cash and traveller's checks to guard against any situation. Credit cards are becoming popular and most of the popular brands are readily accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in growing numbers.

Indian rupee is fully convertable. You may not be able to get an attractive margin if you try to convet in the black market and it is illeagal. There is a chance that you could get cheated. Hence stick to banks and authorized money exchagers only.

All foreign currencies are accepted but establishments prefer US Dollar & British Pounds to other currencies. Thomas Cook and american Express travellers cheques are more popular.

Note: Keep the currency conversion certificates safely. They will be required to change back excess rupees or for obtaining tax clearance certificates.

Tipping is not very common except in major establishments in cities. But 'Baksheesh' a kind of tipping for favours received is popular. You can get things done by giving baksheesh.

Tourists of foreign origin can import, duty free, used personal effects and travel souvenirs, if these goods are for personal use of the tourist, and other than those consumed during the stay in India, are re-exported when the tourist leaves India for a foreign destination. Articles upto a value of Rs.4000/- for making gifts.

Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases.

• Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000/- or equivalent

• Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent

Import of gold is regulated

Trafficking in Narcotic drugs like Heroin, Charas (Hashish) and Cocaine or in Psychotropic substances is prohibited and is punishable with imprisonment.

Import of Firearms as baggage is prohibited.

Non-declaration, false declaration and concealment of imported goods is an offence under the Customs Act, which may result in confiscation, fines, penalties and even prosecution.

Export of most species of wild life and articles made from flora and fauna such as Ivory, Musk, Reptile skins, Furs, Shahtoosh etc. is prohibited.

Export of Antiquities is prohibited. Restrictions exist on art objects more than 100 years old. Any doubts should be got cleared from:

Director Antiquities,
Archaeological survey of India,
Janpath, New Delhi
Tel: +(91) (11) 3017220.