[katysays]

Morning all!

The bank just told me it is not possible to buy them in the UK, that I have to buy them when I arrive and can't bring any out of the country when I leave?  I arrive at 2:45am so would really rather have some in advance!

Anyone else had this problem?  

Thank you!

Edited by katysays, 16 February 2007 - 02:41 PM.

[malkers]

It's the way it is I'm afraid.  I believe some restrictions have been lifted on this from some countries but not that I'm aware with UK.  You just have to get them when you get there, would advise just getting a few at the airport and then going to an ATM or Bureau du change when you get into a big town!

[john.sw]

I know you're not supposed to be able to get Rupees outside India, but I'm sure I heard someone say that you can get Rupees at Heathrow Airport - can anyone confirm this?

The best way to get Rupees in India is from an ATM.  Changing money in banks can take hours as the bureaucracy is endless.

Ask for plenty of small denomination notes (10 and 20 rupees) so you are ready for tipping (which is constant in India).

Euros, US dollars and Sterling are accepted and easily changed at most hotels. Almost all types of credit cards are accepted by larger restaurants, hotels and shops.

Most banks charge you a fee for withdrawals from an ATM outside your home country - the Nationwide (UK) does not charge, but I pay £1.50 per withdrawal with HBOS/Halifax!

[kullukid]

Hi John, no don't think it's true about Heathrow.
Kat, i've always found it's easy to change them at the airport when you get there, the rates don't vary that much from the bank rate & it's actually a lot less hassle than going through the rigmorole at the bank.
Failing this there will probably be a currency desk at your hotel so it's not a problem. Where are you flying to? Which hotel are you staying at first?  KK

[iwanttogoback]

aren't there atms at airports? these dispense rupees.

and if you love india and plan on going back, well maybe you might take some 'souvenir' rupees home to pay for the taxi from the airport next time...

[katysays]

Thanks everyone..sure there will be ATMs right there and if everyone's doing it..  

Flying to Mumbai and staying at..um, not sure yet!  Waiting for somewhere to get back to me.. Chasing now actually!

Any thoughts on travellers cheques?  Have never used them before but there was a time at the end of a Thailand trip had ran out of money for even the airport tax (I know!!   ) and wished I had some stashed away!!

Are they easy to use?

I think I WILL love India!

[john.sw]

Travellers Cheques are a pain - I haven't used them since the 1980's because there is no need.

You'll find an ATM almost anywhere; there are even mobile ATM's that go from village to village!

[katysays]

Ok great, thanks!

Edited by katysays, 16 February 2007 - 06:10 PM.

[kullukid]

Kat, hotels in Mumbai are very expensive as i'm sure you've found out. Try & stay in central Mumbai & don't be tempted to go for the cheaper options around the airport as this area has mile after mile of shanti town which is very disturbing/overwhelming  to the western mind especially first time visitors, central Mumbai is quite the reverse.   KK

[katysays]

Could you perhaps recommend anywhere?  Was thinking of the Regency Park (recomm by Priya   ) but can't seem to get through to them..

Thank you!

Edited by katysays, 16 February 2007 - 08:33 PM.

[kidsan]

I must say that I have stopped using TC's of late. I just take 2 ATM cards (one as a back-up) and about £100 sterling cash for emergencies. This seems to cover most eventualities. By the way, have you considered opening a Nationwide current acc? They do not charge for using the card abroad to withdraw cash (unlike other banks)

On a related note, I have heard of a pub in southall (a punjabi area of w. london) that takes rupees! anyone confirm this?  

[kullukid]

Wow! i didn't know you could Shanti, how did the exchange rate compare to the rate in India???  KK

[SteamBuff]

Hiya,

I managed to get Rupee's in the UK with no problem, I ordered over the Internet from HSBC and "Tesco Financial".

Dave