Daft question re taking rupees in to India

[Sundayagain27]

Going to India at the weekend, thought I would get around £100 to have in rupees for tips etc, someone however mentioned that you can't take any rupees in or out of the country ? Do we just wait until we get to the airport to get some from the cash point there? So used to just taking a bit of local currency with us ! any advice welcome
thanks

You can take them in if you have some, you just can’t buy them here. The airport will be an expensive place to get them, but I’d probably do the same.

We went to Goa and got some rupees in a shop local to our hotel. The hotel changed them as well but the shop gave a better rate, especially when changing larger amounts. Lots of places will exchange them for you, just check the rate.

As an aside, we found using cards for payment difficult as lots of places wouldn't take non-Indian cards. Not sure if that was particular to where we were staying, but we paid cash for pretty much everything, especially as lots of things in shops, cab fares etc can be haggled.

Of course you can take GBP to India (I think up to 5000 USD equivalent, but do check). You just cannot buy GBP while in India.

Most places in India are cashless now with a QR code based payment system. Most visa, mastercard cards will be accepted (not amex or other cards though). I highly recommend downloading a wallet that can be used by tourists so that you don't have to worry about cash at all (even tips now use the QR based system).

Sorry for the confusion I meant can i buy Rupees here in the UK from my bureau de change and take them in to India or do i need to buy at the cashpoint at Goa airport. Seems you are not allowed to take rupees in to the country and that you have to buy them once there?

You can take some if you have any left over from a previous trip for example, but you wont be able to buy them over here.

You are allowed to take up to a certain amount (Rupees 25000) to India, did someone say it's not possible? BUT the rates are horrible here in the UK, you are better off exchanging in India or taking from a cash machine. Hopefully you have a cheaper exchange travel card (Monzo, Revolut etc) which will make it even cheaper

Rates are awful but you can get them easily at Heathrow. I purchased rupees only a few weeks ago from an exchange desk at Heathrow.
you are better to wait until you get to the airport in India, there will be plenty of exchange booths, just change GBP.

@Chickydoo perfect that was all i wanted to know - i will get them at the airport in Goa when i land. We have a card where you pay no commissons on overseas transactions. thanks