Taking Cash In or Out of India: What Are the Rules?

What are the restrictions on bringing cash into and taking it out of India

Table of Contents

What Is Considered Cash?

Cash includes coins and banknotes in any currency, such as US dollars (USD), Indian rupees (INR), or other global currencies. Traveler’s cheques are also considered cash equivalents and count toward your total cash limit when entering or leaving India. Understanding what constitutes cash is crucial to comply with Indian customs regulations and avoid penalties. For more details on currency definitions, visit the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website.

[](https://wise.com/gb/blog/taking-cash-in-or-out-of-india)

How Much INR Can I Carry from the USA to India?

Non-residents, including travelers from the USA, are prohibited from bringing Indian rupees (INR) into India. Only Indian residents returning from abroad can carry up to INR 25,000 in cash. If you’re traveling from the USA, you cannot bring INR unless you are an Indian resident, and even then, the limit is strictly INR 25,000. For further information, check the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) guidelines.

[](https://wise.com/gb/blog/taking-cash-in-or-out-of-india)[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/are-you-travelling-overseas-this-is-how-much-cash-you-can-legally-carry/articleshow/90904423.cms)

How Much Cash Can I Bring to India Without Declaration?

You can bring foreign currency into India without any limit, but amounts exceeding USD 5,000 in cash (notes and coins) or USD 10,000 in a combination of cash and traveler’s cheques must be declared using a Currency Declaration Form (CDF). This applies to all travelers, regardless of nationality. The CDF can be obtained at Indian airports or downloaded in advance from the CBIC website. Failure to declare could lead to confiscation or fines.

[](https://wise.com/gb/blog/taking-cash-in-or-out-of-india)[](https://www.compareremit.com/money-transfer-faqs/what-is-the-customs-limit-on-the-amount-of-cash-that-i-can-carry-from-usa-to-india-3628/)

How Much Cash Is Allowed on an International Flight to India?

There is no specific limit on the amount of foreign currency you can carry on an international flight to India. However, if the total value of cash exceeds USD 5,000 or the combined value of cash and traveler’s cheques exceeds USD 10,000, you must declare it upon arrival. Indian residents can carry up to INR 25,000, while non-residents cannot bring INR. Always verify regulations with the CBIC for the latest updates.

[](https://travelopod.com/blog/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-limits-on-cash-you-can-bring-to-or-from-india)[](https://www.compareremit.com/money-transfer-tips/what-is-the-indian-customs-limit-on-cash-when-traveling-from-usa-to-india/)

What Is the Customs Limit for USA to India?

When traveling from the USA to India, the customs limit for cash is as follows:

  • Indian Rupees (INR): Non-residents cannot bring INR. Indian residents can carry up to INR 25,000.
  • Foreign Currency: No limit, but cash exceeding USD 5,000 or a combination of cash and traveler’s cheques exceeding USD 10,000 must be declared.
  • Other Items: Gold or jewelry above 20g (men) or 40g (women) with a value cap of INR 50,000 (men) or INR 100,000 (women) must be declared.
    • [](https://wise.com/gb/blog/taking-cash-in-or-out-of-india)[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/are-you-travelling-overseas-this-is-how-much-cash-you-can-legally-carry/articleshow/90904423.cms)

For detailed customs rules, refer to the CBIC or use the ATITHI app to file declarations before travel.

[](https://www.compareremit.com/money-transfer-tips/what-is-the-indian-customs-limit-on-cash-when-traveling-from-usa-to-india/)

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to declare cash exceeding the specified limits can result in serious consequences, including:

  • Confiscation of the excess cash.
  • Fines up to three times the undeclared amount.
  • Potential prosecution under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) or Customs Act 1962.

To avoid these issues, always declare cash above the limits and keep proof of the money’s source. Learn more about FEMA regulations on the RBI website.

[](https://www.goinri.com/blog/how-much-money-can-nri-take-to-india)

Alternatives to Carrying Cash

Carrying large amounts of cash can be risky. Consider these safer alternatives:

  • Forex Cards: Prepaid cards like those offered by Thomas Cook or ExTravelMoney allow you to load multiple currencies and use them at ATMs or POS terminals.
  • International Debit/Credit Cards: Widely accepted in India, these cards are secure and convenient for transactions.
  • Bank Transfers: Services like Wise offer low-cost international transfers with transparent fees.

Using digital payment methods reduces the risk of theft and simplifies compliance with customs regulations.

[](https://www.extravelmoney.com/blog/how-much-cash-can-a-traveller-take-in-and-out-of-india/)[](https://www.thomascook.in/blog/our-services-forex/how-much-cash-you-can-carry-legally-while-traveling-abroad/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring USD 25,000 in cash to India?

You can bring USD 25,000, but amounts exceeding USD 5,000 in cash or USD 10,000 including traveler’s cheques must be declared on a Currency Declaration Form at Indian customs. Non-declaration may lead to confiscation or penalties.

[](https://www.quora.com/I-need-to-carry-USD-25000-cash-from-USA-to-India-What-is-the-procedure-to-do-it)
Can non-residents carry INR into India?

No, non-residents are prohibited from bringing Indian rupees into India. Only Indian residents can carry up to INR 25,000.

[](https://wise.com/gb/blog/taking-cash-in-or-out-of-india)
What happens if I don’t declare cash exceeding the limit?

Failure to declare cash over USD 5,000 (or USD 10,000 with traveler’s cheques) can result in confiscation, fines, or prosecution under FEMA or the Customs Act.

[](https://www.goinri.com/blog/how-much-money-can-nri-take-to-india)
Can I use a forex card instead of cash?

Yes, forex cards are a secure and convenient alternative to cash. They can be loaded with multiple currencies and used at ATMs or POS terminals in India.

[](https://www.extravelmoney.com/blog/how-much-cash-can-a-traveller-take-in-and-out-of-india/)
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