India: Payment methods & tips

All continents Asia India

Travel money:

Prepaid Travel credit card

in Swiss francs (CHF)

For ATM cash withdrawals

ATM Search

Banknotes

in US dollar (USD)

Change cash in local currency when outside larger urban areas

Local currency / ISO Code

Rupee INR

Further Information

Import local currency
up to INR 25'000.00

Import foreign currency
unlimited; USD 5'000.00 or more must be declared

Export local currency
limited to amounts imported and declared

Export foreign currency
limited to amounts imported and declared (minus exchange)

Credit cards

ATM Search

Find out more about Travel

Useful tips from our experts:

In larger cities, the Travel Mastercard card is sometimes also accepted for cashless payments at shops, hotels, and restaurants.
ATM cash withdrawals outside bigger communities or cities may not be available.
Credit cards accepted in large cities. For more detailed information, please contact the credit card issuer.
To counter corruption and black money, the government of India abolished all 500 and 1000 Indian rupees notes in early November 2016. At the end of November 2016 new rupees (500 and 2000 notes) were put in circulation in India.
There may be bottlenecks when changing and withdrawing cash. Banks in India change per day and per person up to INR 4500.00 into new notes (counter value approx. CHF 80.00). At ATMs withdrawals are possible up to INR 2,500.00 (equivalent value approx. CHF 40.00).
Travelers are advised to take cash in US dollar (USD).
US Dollars are preferred when using foreign currency to exchange for local currency (especially outside the cities).
Keep exchange and transaction receipts for reconversion.
Severe penalties for violations of currency laws.

Practical Information:

Other information

Security

Travelers who wish to travel to this country are advised to inquire about current traveler safety prior to departure.
Travel to the state of Jammu & Kashmir not advised due to tensions in the region. Travel to the border area with Pakistan and to the partial states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur as well as Meghalay not advised.
Si consiglia di rispettare le abituali misure precauzionali contro la microcriminalità.
Do not carry valuables (watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.) on you.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Special legal regulations

Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges etc.) is prohibited.
Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs.

Time difference with Switzerland

+ 4,5 h / + 3,5 h during our summer time

National language

Official language

Official languages are Hindi and English. In addition, there are numerous regional languages of equal standing.

Language capabilities

English

Capital

New Delhi

Country code for calling Switzerland

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

Voltage

220 volt / adapter recommended

Travel documents for Swiss citizens

Passport still valid 6 months or more after end of stay with tourist visa for stays up to 3 months.

Swiss Embassy / Consulate

New Delhi, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri
Tel. +91 11 4995 9500

Opening hours

Banks

10.00 - 14.00 h (Mon - Fri)
10.00 - 12.00 h (Sat)

Stores

9.30 - 19.00 h (daily)

Driving

Left-hand driving.
International driver's licence required for car rentals.
Driving exposes travelers to substantial risks.
Car rental with driver recommended.
Minimum age for car rentals: 21 to 25 (varies by company).
Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

Health situation

Do not drink tap water.
Mosquito protection advised.
Risk of dengue fever.
Year-round risk of malaria in areas below 2000 m, especially in the North up to the line Madras-Goa, including Madras and other large cities, except Goa.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, polio and measles recommended.

Cultural characteristics

Please observe local customs for dress code and conduct.

Travel advice for India.