Most travellers do best with a forex card for most of the trip and a little cash for the first day.
Why a card
- Safer than cash — if it is lost, it can be blocked and replaced.
- The rate is locked when you load it, so a falling rupee mid-trip does not hurt.
- Holds several currencies; reload from India if you run short; encash what is left when you return.
Why some cash
- Taxis, tips, street food and small shops may not take cards.
- Useful on arrival before you reach an ATM.
Watch for
- ATM withdrawal and cross-currency charges on the card — ask for the fee schedule.
- Using the card in a currency you have not loaded usually costs more.
A split by destination
| Going to | Currency | On a forex card | In cash | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | USD | 85% | 15% | Cards work almost everywhere; carry small notes for tips and taxis. |
| UK | GBP | 85% | 15% | Contactless is everywhere, including buses and the Tube. |
| Europe (euro countries) | EUR | 80% | 20% | A few cafés, markets and small towns prefer cash. |
| Switzerland | CHF | 90% | 10% | Card nearly everywhere; euros are not always accepted. |
| UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) | AED | 70% | 30% | Malls and hotels take cards; souks and taxis like cash. |
| Singapore | SGD | 80% | 20% | Hawker centres may be cash only. |
| Thailand | THB | 40% | 60% | Street food, markets and tuk-tuks run on cash. |
| Japan | JPY | 50% | 50% | Many small restaurants and shrines are cash only. |
| Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali | USD | 30% | 70% | Carry US dollars in cash and change into local money there. |
| Maldives | USD | 50% | 50% | Resorts take cards; local islands prefer US dollars in cash. |
| Australia, New Zealand | AUD / NZD | 85% | 15% | Cards work everywhere; little cash needed. |
| Canada | CAD | 85% | 15% | Cards work everywhere; a little cash for tips. |
A starting point, not a rule. Cash in notes is capped at USD 3,000 equivalent per trip under RBI rules; the rest goes on the card. Tell us your itinerary and we suggest the split.