Change currency into Indian rupees before exiting the Customs area at the Delhi airport. Traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted, therefore, plan to bring cash for exchange. State Bank of India, near the baggage claim area (across from carousel 14) and before the Customs exit, is recommended for currency exchange. NOTE: Count your rupees before leaving the window and be sure you are given an encashment certificate for your transaction. Retain this encashment certificate to use for exchanging any excess rupees at the end of your travel.
ATM machines are also available in the baggage claim area and before you exit the airport, as well as in Bhowali (about 20 minutes from Kainchi). If you do have a SCHWAB account and debit card, you will not be charged fees when withdrawing from an ATM machine. This is the only institution, we’ve found, to provide that service for international travelers. However, do not rely on this only as your way of obtaining local currency. Many times this ATM’s are out-of-order and their availability may vary.
NOTE: The only currency you’ll be able to use while in India is Indian Rupees (Rs.) and most commercial establishments do not yet accept international credit cards. So be aware of this and change your currency at the airport.
