What is the currency exchange rate for £ 1 GBP/INR?
It’s helpful to get to know the live GBP/INR rate so you can easily calculate how much things are costing you while you’re on your trip abroad.
The rate you need to focus on is the mid market rate, which is the one banks and major currency services get when buying and selling currencies. This rate isn’t always passed on to customers. Instead you may find that the GBP/INR rate you get when exchanging travel cash includes a markup - an extra fee.
Find the GBP/INR mid-market rate from a currency conversion site or a website like this, so you can keep an eye on the market and compare the rates you’re offered as you travel against the mid-market rate easily.
Should I exchange GBP to INR before traveling to India?
It’s a good idea to exchange GBP to INR before you head off to India, as you can often find a better exchange rate and lower overall costs before you travel.
When you’re in India you’re going to need INR in cash for some of your spending - particularly when tipping or making smaller value purchases. Buying your INR travel money in advance can get you better GBP/INR exchange rates, and saves you wasting precious time shopping around for a good deal once you arrive in India.
Tips for exchanging money in India
At merchants and ATMs, make sure you’re charged in INR. If you’re asked if you’d rather pay in GBP instead, say no. That’s a sign of dynamic currency conversion, which usually means extra costs. ATMs are widely used in India so withdrawing money in target-currency is easy, particularly in big cities and New Delhi.
Best place to exchange currency in India
You can get your INR in India in a couple of ways.
You’ll be able to use a travel debit card from a provider like Wise or Revolut to make convenient payments and cash withdrawals and to convert funds online.
Or if you prefer an offline solution you can carry some cash in GBP to exchange when you arrive. Currency exchange providers are often in airports and hotels, although the exchange shops in a city center are likely to be cheaper overall.
How to pay in India?
You’ll need to have INR to spend in India. However, generally having a few different payment methods is a good plan. That means that if a merchant won't accept one, you’ve got a back up. It’s also reassuring to know you have a different way to pay if you were unlucky enough to have a card or some travel cash stolen. Here are your key payment options in India.
1. Debit or credit card
Card payments can be helpful in shops, restaurants and hotels but there will be places where cash is also important. Order a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut for cheap and fast transactions, including card payments and cash withdrawals as and when you need travel money in INR.
2. INR cash
It’s worth having some cash with you at all times. You may want to exchange money to INR before you leave, but it’s also usually convenient to make ATM withdrawals locally once you arrive in India.
You’ll usually find you can use a card to make payments in India, but carrying some cash in INR is also reassuring. It’s often easier for tipping and making smaller purchases, plus you’ve got a nice backup if your card is ever out of action for some reason.
It’s a smart idea to have both a card and some cash in INR when you’re in India. Some merchants will prefer cash, but having a card for higher value payments and in busier more tourist places is also convenient. Consider using a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut alongside your cash for flexibility.
Paying for the trip in GBP
If you’re paying for things in India with a GBP bank card you might find a foreign transaction fee is added. This pushes up your costs when you spend in a foreign currency, and can be tricky to calculate.
Travel debit cards don’t always work this way. When you make purchases in India using the Wise card you can either choose to convert your account balance to INR in advance in the Wise app, or just leave your balance in GBP and let the card handle the transaction when you pay. You’ll always get the lowest available fee and there are no extra foreign transaction charges.
Conclusion - Currency in India
You won’t be able to pay in GBP when you visit India - so learning about the currency you need is essential. Whether you decide to use a travel debit card from a service like Wise , or stock up on INR in cash in advance, knowing the mid-market exchange rate can help you get the best available deal. Use this guide to learn all you need to know about the options, rates and fees for exchanging GBP to INR, and make your money go further while you’re away.
The official currency in India is INR. You can’t usually pay in GBP in India, so you’ll need to plan in advance to get your travel money sorted. Consider ordering a travel debit card from a service like Wise, for low cost conversions to INR and convenient spending and withdrawals - and remember that knowing the GBP to INR mid-market exchange rate is essential to check you’re getting a fair deal on currency exchange.
FAQ - Currency in India
What is the currency in India called?
The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee. You may also see the code INR and the currency symbol ₹.
What's the currency in New Delhi?
The official currency in New Delhi is the Indian Rupee. You’ll only be able to spend in INR while you’re there.
What is the old India currency?
Today the currency in India is the Indian Rupee. If you’re worried about currencies changing, why not get a travel debit card from a service like Wise which will automatically pick the currency needed in your destination when making a payment - with no penalties or inflated fees.
What is the best currency to take to India?
You’ll only be able to spend in INR while you’re in India. Carrying some money in cash and using a travel debit card from a service like Wise is usually the best way to spend while you’re away from home.
