Cash
Withdraw at airport ATMs — the rates beat currency-exchange booths by 5-10%. ₹500 + ₹200 + ₹100 notes only (nothing above ₹500). Small-town shops won't break ₹2000 or ₹500; keep smaller denominations.
Cards
Visa + Mastercard widely accepted in restaurants + hotels + supermarkets in the metros. American Express: 50% acceptance. Contactless: still hit-or-miss. Chip + PIN required almost everywhere; sign only in the older places. Notify your bank of India travel dates or the card will freeze on the first purchase.
Currency exchange
Avoid. Use ATMs instead. If you must, use Thomas Cook or LKP Forex — not airport counters (worst rates) and never street stalls.
Tipping
10% at restaurants (some auto-add). ₹50-₹100 for hotel porters. ₹500 for a full-day driver. ₹100-₹500 for a good private tour guide. Round up for shorter services. Not obligatory but appreciated + expected in tourist zones.