Is it OK to take Rupees into India? Or if I am discovered doing so will I be shot the following dawn? ) . I did read somewhere, I think, that it was illegal to take rupees in or out of India.... I'm only talking about maybe the equivalent of $100US... The exchange rate here is pretty good, and I arrive very late at night. The Xchange place at the airport is not likely to be as generous as the rate I can gete here in Australia.

shot on the spot not the next day!!

i don't think it would be an issue...how would they know??

Mitch, I have never seen an exchange rate in another country be as good as the local exchange rate.

Kathie, normally I would agree, but as you know airports are notorious rip-offs. I just want some rupees on my pocket when I arrive at about 11 pm.

In Canada, u can't get Rupee's (at least not where i live)..But i always save a couple thousand Rupee's when in India and take them home and save them for next trip.

So 3 times i took in Rupee's...and nothing was said...nobody looked in my wallet!!!

they will be knocking at your door tomorrow after reading this tracy

I shall wear a bullet-proof vest.

I know...i am such a criminal!!!! Hope i'm not on the most wanted list!!!

I've taken Rupees into and out of India and never got shot.....

BTW, I've often found very good rates on foreign currency in Honolulu. I think they are just happy to get rid of it at close to retail.

UK banks are issuing rupees, I got some before my trip as didn't want to be bothering upon arrival in the early hours.

The Rupee is not freely convertible, and it IS actually illegal to bring or take Rupees out of India, see
https://igiacustoms.gov.in/c-declaration.htm. I agree that this is strange because you can get Rupees quite easily in many countries. However, only residents of India who are traveling abroad are allowed to bring in or take out currency, and even then only small amounts are allowed (about US$100). I travel to India about once a month, and always have a bit of cash with me, but have never been asked nor searched myself, so I would not have any concerns, unless you are Indian yourself, in which case you might be subject to closer scrutiny. The exchange controls are more to control speculation in the Rupee, not for small amounts of currency which tourists may bring in and out. (I personally also always bypass the x-ray machines in the airport which are for inbound passengers as they are really for Indian nationals returning from abroad, and no one has ever stopped me yet...)

I agree with having a small amount of money with you in case you need it on arrival.