When you think about money to India, the amount you need depends on where you go, how long you stay, and what kind of experience you want. It's not just about exchanging dollars or euros—it's about understanding how far your cash goes in a country where a meal can cost less than $2 or a luxury train ride can run into thousands. Whether you're backpacking through Kerala’s backwaters or staying in a heritage hotel in Rajasthan, your budget needs to match your pace. And no, you don’t need to spend a fortune to see the Taj Mahal or ride a bike along Goa’s coast.
South India travel cost, a major focus in many traveler guides on this site, is often the most budget-friendly. A two-week trip here can cost under $500 if you stick to local transport, street food, and guesthouses. But if you're heading to Ladakh or booking a luxury train like the Maharajas' Express, you're looking at a very different number. The key is knowing what you’re paying for—$10 for a private guided temple tour? Worth it. $50 for a hotel room with no AC in summer? Probably not.
foreign currency India, how you bring and use money here, matters more than you think. ATMs are everywhere in cities, but rural areas? Cash is still king. Credit cards work in big hotels and restaurants, but small shops, temple donations, and rickshaw drivers? They want rupees. And while you can exchange money at airports, you’ll get better rates in the city. Most travelers find that carrying a mix of cash and cards keeps things smooth.
People ask, "Can I travel India on $500 for a weekend?" The answer is yes—if you pick the right places. A short trip to Pondicherry or Hampi can be done on that budget, especially if you skip fancy resorts and stick to local buses and dhabas. But if you’re planning a month-long journey across multiple states, you’ll need to plan deeper. Food, transport, entry fees, and even bottled water add up. And don’t forget tips—small ones, but they matter. A driver who waits for you, a guide who shows you hidden temples, a homestay host who cooks you dinner? A little extra goes a long way.
What you won’t find in most travel blogs? Real numbers. Not "it’s cheap"—but "a night in a clean guesthouse in Mysore costs ₹800" or "a full-day bike rental in Kerala is ₹600 with helmet and map." That’s the kind of detail you’ll find in the posts below. We’ve pulled together real cost breakdowns from travelers who’ve done it—backpackers, couples, solo women, families. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to know before you land.
Whether you’re wondering how much to carry, where to avoid overpaying, or if you can stretch your budget across North and South India, the articles ahead give you the exact numbers, the hidden traps, and the smart shortcuts. You don’t need to be a finance expert to travel India well—you just need the right info. Let’s get you prepared.
US citizens can bring any amount of cash to India, but must declare amounts over $10,000. Learn the safest ways to carry money, avoid fines, and stretch your budget on a trip to India.