When travelling to India, you need not only have an India visa. Of course, you would definitely need to carry some cash on your pocket. Once you check out of the airport, consider your currency helpless. The common tendency of many India visa holders arriving at the airport is to exchange their currency for Indian rupees. This is necessary as you will need to fund your expenses. But how much do you really need to exchange? How much is the foreign currency exchange rate in the airport? Is it worth exchanging all your available cash in the airport? Read on to answer some of the common questions you have when exchanging currency in India.

1. Follow a travel budget.
For long time travellers who have an India visa, they prefer to set a minimum and maximum amount of money for their whole travel. Depending on the length of your stay and the current exchange rate, you must have at least a couple of thousands to fund your expenses. You can choose to be strict with this one but must have a flexible budget. Many India visa holders who have a strict budget find the best money changers. They become more aware of the importance of foreign currency exchange rates.

2. Learn about the exchange rates.
India visa holders travelling to this country must have an idea of the current rate of his currency. This way they can choose the best rates in India. You can check through online money changers the current rates before boarding the plane. Once you arrive, check with the airport their exchange rate. As expected, it would be a little lower than the current rates. Exchange no more than a thousand.

3. ATM and Credit Cards are better.
Usually, tourists with an Indian visa prefer using their cards. International rates are far better than that of the airport or any other money exchange stalls in the city. However, it is recommended that you always have cold rupee cash in your pocket. Some stalls or shops do not have card slots. Large purchases, car rentals, tickets, hotel bills and shopping expenses can all be charged in your card. Transaction fees are only the setback of using your card.

4. Know when a Traveller’s Check is better.
Although rare, there are some Indian visa holders who use their check to pay bills. Charge and exchange rate may vary depending on when the check was processed. If you are using a check to buy Indian rupees, you better transact with post offices, banks or international money changers who have better rates.

5. Choose where to change your currency.
India visa holders need to be guided where to find the best money changer in India. Whether you are in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad or Bangalore, the best money changers are not the ones you can easily find in the airport, train stations, malls or tourist spots. They are more commonly seen along the city’s economic districts, somewhere midway between two malls or train stations. Usually, these money changers have higher exchange rates and offer low charges. However, you need to carefully choose a legitimate shop. Beware of black market exchanges, you might run with counterfeiters who are just after your hard earned money. To avoid such problems, Indian visa holders are advised to transact business with government approved shops and banks.