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CURRENCY & CUSTOMS
While Traveling to India or to any other foreign country, it is important to be updated about that particular country's currency and customs duties. Chalking out a meticulous plan about what and how much to carry and the customs formalities that needs to be followed better equips the traveler than being a novice on his/her tour.
Currency
- In India, the unit of currency is the INDIAN RUPEE that is divided into 100 PAISE. Notes are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 Rupees denominations.
- On arriving in India, a Currency declaration Form needs to be filled in, on which the amount of currency you are bringing into the country need to be mentioned. Exchange receipts will be asked in either country if you wish to exchange any remaining Rupees back into foreign currency. Money should be exchanged only at authorized centers likes banks and money changers who will in turn issue an encashment certificate that is required at the time of re conversion of unspent money into foreign currency.
- Normally only paper currency will be accepted for exchange. It is advised not to accept currency that is extremely soiled or damaged.
- There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers' cheque's a tourist may bring into India provided a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form is made.
- Cash, bank notes and travelers' cheques up to US$ 10,000 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry.
- Exchanging of foreign exchange other than through banks or authorized money changers is an offense under the Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.
CUSTOMS
The Customs Act of India formulated in 1962 prevents illegal imports and exports of goods. Custom Duties are levied on goods imported or exported from India at the price specified under the customs Tariff Act, 1975. The Indian Customs Tariff Guide" issued by the Central Board of Excises Customs (CBEC) contains various tariff rates for a range of goods. For a person who does not really import or export goods, customs rules and regulations holds significance as they bring in any baggage from overseas.
Tourists are usually required to make an oral baggage declaration with respect to the baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are also required to get hold of the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs. They need to fill in the Disembarkation Card handed to them by the airline during the course of the flight.
There are two channels for Customs clearance:
Green Channel: For passengers who are not in possession of any dutiable articles or unattended baggage .
Red Channel: For passengers with dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or valuable articles to be entered on the Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form.
Health Regulations
Foreign tourists should be carrying their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to the International Health Regulations, if they are belong to or if they are transiting through Yellow Fever prevalent countries.