Travel Guide

India’s currency is the rupee, abbreviated as Re/Rs or INR, In mis-2010, India introduced a new symbol for the rupee, One rupee is equal to one hundred paise. Notes are issued in denominations of Rs. 5. 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are available in denominations of 50 paise and Rs. 1, 2 and 5, although the 50 paise coins are decreasingly used. Do not accept torn, disfigured or heavily soiled notes because they will be difficult to use later. Some authorized bank branches have signs indicating that they exchange disfigured notes. The American dollar, the Euro and the British pound sterling are the most commonly accepted forms of foreign currencies in India.

 
Foreign Exchange
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or traveler’s checks tourists may bring into India, so long as a declaration is made if the amount exceeds 10,000 USD or its equivalent. Any money in the form of traveler’s checks, drafts, bills and checks should be exchanged only through authorized moneychangers and banks that will issue encashment certificates, which will be needed to exchange left-over rupees at the time of departure. These moneychangers can be found at airports, major hotels and most banks. The State Bank of India (SBI), Thomas Cook India and Bank of Baroda branches are easily accessible in major cities, The process to change money at the bank can be long and tedious, so it is advisable to change large sums at a time. Request notes in denominations of Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 since higher denomination notes may be difficult to tender outside the major cities. Authorized private dealers offer faster service, but at higher commission rates.

 
All major brands of traveler’s checks are accepted in India: American Express and Thomas Cook are the most commonly traded. If your traveler’s checks get lost or stolen, they are replaceable. Be prepared to present receipts and serial numbers for the missing checks and possibly a photocopy of the police report. Always keep some dollars, pounds or euros on you in case of an emergency.

 
ATMs & Credit Cards
Most major cities in Gujarat have a number of 24-hour ATMs that accept Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard and Visa cards. While this is a convenient source of cash, it should not be retied upon if you are planning to travel to smaller cities and villages in Gujarat. Check with your local bank for access and fee information before departing.
Credit cards are increasingly accepted at major retail outlets, restaurants and upscale hotels in the major cities of Gujarat, but always carry some cash with you. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted.

 
Money Transfer
There are a number of facilities that allow international money transfer. Thomas Cook’s Moneygram service and Western Union, which has a partnership with the General Post Offices in Gujarat, are the most reputed and have plenty of locations.

 
Tipping
Tipping is still not that common a practice in Gujarat outside of high-end establishments. In general, Rs. 10.20 is sufficient for a bellboy and Rs.20 per bag is acceptable for porters at train stations. At fancier restaurants, you can tip ten percent of the bill. You can leave a few extra rupees at most other places.

 
Entrance Fees
Many places of interest have different entry fees foe Indian citizens and foreigners. The variation is often substantial but the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) introduced this system of create funds for maintaining heritage site without deterring local tourists. Rates are usually displayed on a signboard or printed on your ticket.