India - what do I need money wise

[SonicAllanKey]

I am travelling on an 8 day guided tour in India round the golden triangle later this year. All hotels, entrance fees, and transport paid for. I’ll need to buy some meals and any souvenirs etc for myself.

how much currency would you take and how useful would an international bank card be. How would you split. It’s my first time travelling there so would appreciate some tips.

You can't get Indian rupees before you go, nor are you allowed to take them out of the country. We just took bank cards and got money out of cash machines (if you're doing the golden triangle you shouldn't have a problem finding these), then used credit card in hotels etc.

Have an amazing time!

It's worth looking at cards that don't charge fees overseas (for travel to any country).

I have a virgin account for a fee-free debit card, and Halifax Clarity credit card.

I've opened both specifically for travel use only.

The debit card is super handy as we can take out small amounts without being stung for the fixed minimum cost.

Perfect. Thank you both! We already have a clarity card but i’ll look at debit options too!

Ooohh I'm doing this as well in three weeks time!
Yes just going to bring a chase card and a Halifax credit card!
Exciting isn't it?

You don’t need a lot of cash but whenever you handle/ touch the money, use hand sanitizer. It’s the only thing you need to do to stay well.

So exciting. I have longer than three weeks to wait!! 🤣

I’ll take a bottle with me. Thanks!

I think this is overkill.
I lived in India for 8 years, handled cash most days and only got sick once.

No, it really isn't.

Water and raw foods like salads (washed in said water) are the main things that cause illness. Drink sealed bottled water (becauseotherwiseit may have been refilled), avoid ice, and eat at places where they state they use filtered water.

I always take my Starling debit card for shopping, and a credit card for emergencies. DPs dad usually gives us (unsanitised) cash when we arrive, so generally don't need to take out any rupees from cash points. Touching it has never made me ill.

We're heading back in February for a family holiday. Love it.

Also - we watched James May - Our Man in India last night, really good watch if you haven't already.

What @Azandme said!

Plus even brush your teeth with bottled water!

In restaurants etc, purified water is often called 'R.O.' water.

Thankyou for all these tips.
I'm really looking forward to it but my husband has been hearing some stories of people who have got really unwell and is freaking out a bit! So any other advice about keeping well or positive stories much appreciated!!
Sorry to hijack thread

@ilovementos

The trick to staying well is to only eat piping hot food, skip the salads and reject ice in drinks. I'd also suggest avoiding dessert

Check seals on bottles of water/pop, carry antibacterial wipes for if you are eating on the go, or need to drink from the bottle, hand sanitizer can't hurt and a packet of Imodium just in case. I traveled plenty and avoided issues.

check Out what vaccinations you need.

Hijack away! It’s absolutely fine 😃

Would you say to avoid ice even in the hotels? This is an organised trip and the hotels are 5* so I'm hoping the water will be filtered but if not no problem we can survive without ice . Truly a first world problem.
I'm looking forward but he's being so negative and nervous its spreading to me!!
We've done loads of independent travelling everywhere but I was quite unwell in Thailand last year so I think that's the trigger! Plus the negative stories from work colleagues.
We've got our vaccines up to date and I've prepared a whole medicine chest so hopefully all will be fine once we are on our way!

@ilovementos

Would you say to avoid ice even in the hotels? This is an organised trip and the hotels are 5 so I'm hoping the water will be filtered but if not no problem we can survive without ice .*

In my experience 5* hotels and good restaurants will use filtered water for ice. It is easier to get filtered water than it used to be so it shouldn't be a problem.

Thankyou so much

Get a wise card, you can use it (or other card) for most things but withdraw some cash for tips and things where card isn’t accepted (it is most places). You can’t withdraw much at a time- about €50 per transaction.