The NRI Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 22 October 2023.
With the number of Indians travelling abroad at its highest level, many of us will have to decide how much cash to carry on our international flights. Even though it is safer to carry money as a credit or debit card, there are some situations where we have to keep some currency notes for our day-to-day expenses.
Indian Customs Cash Limit 2023
There are specific guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the maximum limit of cash that can be carried through Indian airports by travellers including residents, NRIs and foreign tourists.
This article explains the Indian Customs rules for carrying cash as well as the cash limit allowed at Indian airports (Indian Rupees and Foreign Currency) while travelling to and from India.
Table of Contents
Cash Limit on Indian Currency At Indian Airports
According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes and Customs (CBDTC) guidelines, a resident of India who is returning from a visit abroad is allowed to bring in or take out Indian currency up to Rs 25,000.
NOTE: A person coming to India from Nepal or Bhutan may bring Indian currency notes only in denominations not exceeding Rs 100 (which means currency notes of Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 are not allowed).
| Traveller Type | Indian Rupees | Foreign Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Indian residents returning from a visit abroad | Rs 25,000 | Unlimited (see condition 1 below) |
| Indian residents going abroad | Rs 25,000 | Unlimited (see condition 2 below) |
| Foreigners* or NRI coming to India | Rs 25,000 | Unlimited (see condition 1 below) |
| Foreigners* or NRI going back from India | Rs 25,000 | Not more than what was bought in by them |
* If the traveller is a citizen of Pakistan and Bangladesh or coming from and going to either of the countries, carrying Indian currency is not allowed.
Condition 1: Passengers carrying foreign currency have to fill up a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) before Custom officers in the following cases:
- Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000 or equivalent.
- Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange including currency exceeds US$ 10,000 or equivalent.
| Foreign Currency Value | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Foreign Currency value less than US$ 5,000 | No |
| Foreign Currency value equal to or more than US$ 5,000 | Yes |
| The total value of Foreign Exchange is equal to or more than US$ 10,000 | Yes |
Condition 2: Foreign currency taken out of India has to be purchased/issued by an RBI-approved/authorized foreign exchange dealer as per norms.
Exceptions Allowed With RBI Permission
According to Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020, “the Reserve Bank may, on an application made to it and on being satisfied that it is necessary to do so, allow any person to take or send out of India to any country or bring into India from any country currency notes of Government of India and /or of Reserve Bank of India subject to such terms and conditions as the Reserve Bank may stipulate.” (source)
Cash Limit on Foreign Currency At Indian Airports
According to CBDTC, any person (Resident, NRI or Tourist) can bring into India, from a place outside India, foreign currencies without any limit (subject to declaration limit).
| Traveller Type | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|
| Residents, NRIs or Tourists bringing Foreign Currency to India | Unlimited (see condition 1 above) |
| Residents taking Foreign Currency out of India | Unlimited (see condition 2 above) |
| NRIs or Tourists taking Foreign Currency out of India | Not more than what was bought in by them |
Passengers can also use the ATITHI app to file a declaration of dutiable items as well as currency with Indian Customs even before boarding the flight to India.
Currency Limit When Going Abroad From India
Indian residents travelling abroad can take Indian currency notes (Indian rupees) not exceeding Rs. 25,000. Indian residents who went outside can also bring back Indian currency notes not exceeding Rs. 25,000.
Non-residents, tourists including foreign citizens (except citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh),
- may take outside India currency notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs. 25,000 per person *
- may bring into India currency notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs. 25,000 per person *
*or such other amount and subject to such conditions as notified by the Reserve Bank of India from time to time.
How much money we can carry on international flights from India?
Indian residents travelling abroad can take foreign currency without any limit. This is as long as the same has been purchased or issued by an RBI-approved/authorized foreign exchange dealer as per the norms.
Tourists or NRIs while leaving India are allowed to take with them foreign currency not exceeding an amount brought in by them i.e. unspent foreign exchange left over from the amount declared in the Currency Declaration Form at the time of their arrival in India.
Important Tips On Currency Declaration Form
In case a visitor to India does not wish to encash all the foreign exchange declared on arrival they should retain the Currency Declaration Form with them for production to Indian Customs at the time of their departure from India to enable them to take with them the unutilised balance.
No declaration is required for bringing in foreign exchange/currency not exceeding US$ 5,000 in currency notes or its equivalent. This is also applicable to foreign exchange in the form of currency notes, bank notes or traveller’s cheques not greater than US$ 10,000 or its equivalent.
Generally, tourists can take out of India with them at the time of their departure foreign exchange/ currency not exceeding the above amount.
How much cash can I carry on a domestic flight in India?
There is no specific limit on the amount of cash that can be carried on a domestic flight in India. However, you are responsible for providing a valid reason and source (with proof) for carrying cash of more than INR 200,000 (Rupees 2 lakhs).
Please note that income tax laws in India prohibit any cash transaction exceeding INR 200,000. Recently, there have been incidents of domestic travellers being caught with cash exceeding this limit.
Foreign Currency Limit For NRI
An NRI coming into India from abroad can bring foreign exchange without any limit.
In case, the total value of foreign currency notes, traveller’s cheques, etc. exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent and/ or the value of foreign currency exceeds US$ 5,000 in currency notes or its equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency Declaration Form, on arrival in India.
Foreign Currency Limit for Medical Treatment Abroad
To meet medical treatment expenses outside India, you can purchase foreign currency self-certification for up to US$ 50,000. Banks may also release exchanges for amounts above US$ 50,000 if they receive estimates from doctors or hospitals in India or overseas.
Also, foreign exchange of up to US$ 25,000 is available for the patient and accompanying attendant on self-certification in order to meet boarding/lodging/travel costs.
Foreign Currency Limit for Studying Abroad
The maximum amount of foreign exchange you can buy per academic year is US$ 30,000 or the estimate from the institution abroad, whichever is higher. There must be documentary evidence indicating the requirement.
Important Tips on How To Avoid Currency Issues at Airport
- If you are bringing foreign currency (in big amounts) from abroad, fill up the Currency Declaration form, get it stamped by Customs and keep it with you while returning.
- If you are buying foreign currency from India, buy from an authorised dealer or bank and keep the transaction receipts with you.
- On any travel, keep less than Rs 25,000 in Indian Rupees. Know the additional restrictions if you are travelling to and from Nepal or Bhutan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much foreign currency can I carry to India?
There is no limit on the foreign currency that you can carry to India. However, you need to file a declaration if the currency value exceeds USD 5,000 or the total foreign exchange exceeds USD 10,000.
How much Indian currency can I carry outside India?
When going abroad, Indian residents, NRIs or Foreigners (except citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh) are allowed to carry Indian currency notes of up to Rs 25,000.
Do I have to pay any tax on the foreign currency being imported to India?
There is no tax on the foreign currency you are importing to India. You just need to file a declaration if the currency value is above USD 5,000 or foreign exchange is above USD 10,000.
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Copyright © NRIGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited. The information provided on this website is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, and travellers are encouraged to verify visa requirements and travel advisories through official government sources before making any travel arrangements.
Reference: CBEC Customs Guide for Travellers, Reserve Bank of India Circular No. 45/2015, RBI Notification No. FEMA 6 (R)/2015-RB
Aneesh, the Founder & Editor of DG Pixels, holds a Master’s Degree in Communication & Journalism, and has two decades of experience living in the Middle East. Since 2014, he and his team have been sharing helpful content on travel, visa rules, and expatriate affairs.
on the reference lin k on the bottom of the page, it says “Import of Indian Currency is prohibited. However, in the case of passengers normally resident in India who are returning from a visit abroad, import of Indian Currency upto Rs. 25,000 is allowed.”
do you have a more updated source/link/official reference that I can use if i am stopped in the airport?
Thanks
I am going to USA on IMMIGRANT VISA in April,2017. How much Indian currency Can I take with me. & How much DOLLARS can I carry with me as on date as per RBI Guidelines. Please advise quickly. Thanks.
i m coming from oman and how can exchange my old carrency 500，1000
my total 80000 and not exchange period i not available in india
19. While going abroad how much Indian currency can be taken out?
A person going out of India can take out with him Indian currency notes within the limits given below:
a. upto Rs.5000 to any country other than Nepal or Bhutan, and
b. any amount in denomination not exceeding Rs.100 to Nepal or Bhutan.
https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/FAQView.aspx?Id=11
Hi Sudipta, The page you have quoted is very old – from 2004. You can see the date on top of the page. This rule has been changed but the page has not been updated by RBI.
I AM COMING FROM OMAN ON 8 FEB’ 2017 TO INDIA (BIJU PATTANAIK AIR PORT,BHUBANESWAR ,HOW CAN I CHANGE MY OLD 500 RUPEE AND 1000 RUPEE.
India does not care. They never cared when one miniscule community who still think or believe that they are Indians being true nationalists were hounded out of Kashmir their homeland. It was a hallucast and reign of terror let loose on these hapless. They are rerefugees
Indian government should do something to help NRI to deposit money in there present country of residence. It seems the Indian government does not care about indian people living outside India. This is very heartbreaking and shows the careless attitude of Indian government.
Retired parents and grandparents who have attained overseas citizenship and have their assets in India in terms of Fixed Deposits, pension income and are paying taxes in India are totally ignored to exchange their INR cash in their possession. They visit India frequently as their lives are divided with their other children who are living in India. Govt should consider allowing them to convert their INR currency brought by them from the country.
SURPRISED TO NOTE THAT OCI’s/PIO’s ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RETURN THEIR INDIAN NOTES HELD IN THEIR CUSTODY?
PLEASE BRING THIS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF AUTHORITIES
I am a malaysian how much indian rupee i can carry n also foregin currency
I completely agree with you.
The article misses some point about historical FEMA rules. Before the latest RBI circular on 29th Dec 2015 the limit for Indian currency was only Rs 10,000. So if you last visited India before that date you are legally allowed to carry only Rs 10,000.
https://rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Mode=0&Id=10255
You are right Nag. Thanks for pointing out this.
I am in US and have money sitting at my house in India which is locked. I had planned to visit India in Feb to deposit them… now per the new rules I can only deposit what I declare at the airport and also have to take it to RBI at one of the 5 major city ( no center in my state of Kerala which has highest number of NRI as a percentage of population)?? RBI about time you did a modification to your rules for NRI’s.
I am in USA from July 2016 . Returning to India during January 2017. I have 500 and 1000 old currencies worth Rs 30,000/- How can I bring back to India and exchange
If I send money with someone that I know & person dose not have account in india then what .?
You r right .
Under the new rule, NRIs can carry upto Rs. 25,000 for NRIs via airports & deposit at RBI by 30th June. The return airfare is almost Rs 30,000 if one is planning to travel to India only to deposit the money.
What is right : to spend another Rs 30,000 on airfare to avail the opportunity to go to India just for depositing Rs 25,000; taking all the hassles or just let the hard earned money go waste?
The govt should make some arrangements to authorize Indian embassies abroad, to accept cash upto Rs 25,000 per person from NRIs, giving all necessary details & bank accounts, for depositing old currency.
Hi, This is what RBI says in Notification No. FEMA 6 (R)/RB-2015:
“any person resident outside India, not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, and visiting India,
a) may take outside India currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.25000 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) per person or such other amount and subject to such conditions as notified by Reserve Bank of India from time to time.
b) may bring into India currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.25000 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) per person or such other amount and subject to such conditions as notified by Reserve Bank of India from time to time.”
Perhaps these signs were placed before the notification was issued.
Hi Jairam, This is what RBI says in Notification No. FEMA 6 (R)/RB-2015:
“any person resident outside India, not being a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh, and visiting India,
a) may take outside India currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.25000 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) per person or such other amount and subject to such conditions as notified by Reserve Bank of India from time to time.
b) may bring into India currency notes of Government of India and Reserve Bank of India notes up to an amount not exceeding Rs.25000 (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand Only) per person or such other amount and subject to such conditions as notified by Reserve Bank of India from time to time.”
Perhaps these signs were placed before the notification was issued.
Are you sure that Rs.25K alloawance for import/export of Indian currency applies to both residents and non-residents/foreigners ? If so, I wonder why Airports Authority of India (AAI) has big signage at Coimbatore Int’l Airport (perhaps other international airports also?) stting explicitly that foreigners can’t take out any Indian currency.
i have 53500 rupees in old 1000 and 500 notes…I have no plans to visit india anytime soon. how can i get this exchanged and i dont have anyone i can send this to india as well. can someone help please. its my children’s money they received from their grandparents and relatives as a gift. i dont want it wasted. please help.