💰 This page covers the street-level details of spending money in Delhi: card acceptance by area, where to find ATMs, how to pay for the metro and rickshaws, and what to carry for Old Delhi's markets. For India-wide ATM tips, tipping norms, and exchange rate advice:
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Order INR → CEI Currency ExchangeDo You Need Cash in Delhi?
Yes, especially in Old Delhi and for local transport. Delhi is a city of contrasts: the modern shopping districts of South Delhi and Connaught Place are card-friendly, while the historic lanes of Chandni Chowk and Paharganj run entirely on cash. UPI dominates among locals, but foreign visitors without an Indian bank account need rupees in their pocket. Carry at least ₹1,000–2,000 when heading out.
Where You Will Need Cash
Chandni Chowk market lanes and street food stalls. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Paharganj backpacker area shops and restaurants. Street food everywhere. Sarojini Nagar Market clothing stalls. Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Temple donations at Akshardham and Jama Masjid. Metro tokens (if not using a Metro Card).
Where Cards Work Fine
Connaught Place restaurants and shops. South Delhi malls (Select Citywalk, DLF Promenade, Ambience Mall). Hotels at all levels. Monument ticket counters (most accept cards). Uber and Ola via the app. Chain restaurants and cafes. Khan Market boutiques and restaurants. Delhi's modern areas are thoroughly card-friendly.
Paying by Card in Delhi
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in New Delhi and South Delhi. Amex works at upscale hotels and international chains but is limited elsewhere. Contactless payments work at newer terminals. The city splits clearly: anything south of the Rajpath area and in commercial zones takes cards, while Old Delhi and local neighborhoods are cash territory.
Old Delhi & Chandni Chowk
Delhi's historic heart and a must-visit. Parathewali Gali (paratha lane) is cash-only. The Spice Market (Khari Baoli) deals entirely in cash. Kinari Bazaar for wedding supplies is cash. Karim's restaurant accepts cards at the main branch, but satellite outlets may not. Cycle rickshaws through the lanes cost ₹20–50 (cash). Budget ₹500–1,500 for a half-day of eating and exploring.
Connaught Place (CP)
Delhi's commercial center and a tourist hub. Restaurants around the inner and outer circles all accept cards. Janpath Market is an exception: bargaining and cash are the rule. Palika Bazaar underground market is cash-heavy. Wenger's Deli, United Coffee House, and other iconic spots take cards. Excellent ATM availability throughout. The metro station connects to all major lines.
South Delhi & Khan Market
Delhi's most upscale area. Khan Market is one of the most expensive retail streets in the world, and every shop takes cards. Select Citywalk and DLF Promenade malls are fully card-friendly. Hauz Khas Village restaurants and bars accept cards. Defence Colony and Greater Kailash markets are mostly card-friendly. This is where cashless spending is easiest in Delhi.
Paharganj (Main Bazaar)
The backpacker district near New Delhi Railway Station. Guesthouses may accept cards for room payments but prefer cash for everything else. Street food and small restaurants are cash-only. Market stalls selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs want cash. Exchange offices line the main road. ATMs are available but can be unreliable. Budget ₹500–1,000 per day.
Monument Area (India Gate, Red Fort)
Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb ticket counters accept cards (₹600 for foreigners). Qutub Minar accepts cards. India Gate is free to visit. Vendors selling snacks and souvenirs near monuments are cash-only. Restaurants around Lodhi Garden accept cards. Combine monument visits with a metro ride for the most efficient route.
ATMs in Delhi
For India-wide ATM advice, see the India guide.
Look for these logos. Indian bank ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard.
SBI
HDFC
ICICI
AxisATM Locations
Connaught Place: ATMs from every major bank around the inner circle. Khan Market: Multiple ATMs along the main road. Chandni Chowk: Limited inside the lanes; use the ATM near the metro station before entering. Paharganj: Several ATMs on Main Bazaar road, though some run out of cash. IGI Airport: ATMs in arrivals at Terminal 3 (international). Metro stations: Many stations have ATMs in the concourse area. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
Paying for the Delhi Metro, Buses & Taxis
Delhi Metro
India's best metro system, clean and efficient. Single tokens cost ₹10–60 depending on distance (buy at counters or machines with cash or card). Metro Card (rechargeable) costs ₹150 (₹50 deposit + ₹100 value), rechargeable at any station. Covers most tourist areas: Chandni Chowk, Rajiv Chowk (CP), INA Market, Hauz Khas, Airport (Express Line). The Airport Express line costs ₹60 from New Delhi station to Terminal 3.
Auto-Rickshaws
Metered autos exist but most drivers refuse to use them. Negotiate the fare before getting in. Short rides cost ₹30–80. Longer rides like CP to India Gate run ₹50–100. Always cash. At tourist hotspots, drivers quote inflated prices. Use the Uber/Ola price as a benchmark when negotiating.
Uber & Ola
Both work very well in Delhi with excellent availability. Pay through the app with a linked card. Rides from the airport to central Delhi cost ₹400–700 (cheaper than prepaid taxis). Auto-rickshaws are also available through both apps at metered rates. The most hassle-free transport option for tourists.
Airport Transfer
Delhi Airport Express Metro is the best value: ₹60 to New Delhi station, 20 minutes, no traffic. Prepaid taxi counters in arrivals offer fixed-rate rides (₹500–800 to central Delhi, cash). Uber/Ola from the pickup zone costs ₹400–700 (card via app). Avoid the unofficial taxi touts who approach you in the arrivals hall.
Tipping in Delhi
The India guide covers general norms. In Delhi: Restaurants: 10% if no service charge included. Hotel porters: ₹50–100 per bag. Monument guides: ₹100–300 depending on tour length. Auto-rickshaw drivers: no tip expected. Delivery drivers: ₹20–50. Spa therapists: ₹100–200 at hotels. Always tip in cash.
Prices in Delhi
Delhi offers extraordinary value. Street food is some of the cheapest and best in the world. Even upscale dining is affordable by Western standards. The metro makes getting around remarkably cheap. Delhi is significantly cheaper than Mumbai for most daily expenses.
| Item | Price (INR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Metro ride (average) | ₹20–40 | $0.25–0.50 |
| Street food meal (Chandni Chowk) | ₹50–150 | $0.60–1.75 |
| Auto-rickshaw (short ride) | ₹30–80 | $0.35–0.95 |
| Red Fort entry (foreigner) | ₹600 | $7.05 |
| Uber to airport | ₹400–700 | $4.70–8.25 |
| Mid-range dinner for two | ₹800–1,500 | $9.40–17.65 |
| Coffee at a cafe | ₹150–300 | $1.75–3.50 |
| Khan Market shopping | ₹500–5,000+ | $5.90–58.80+ |
| Airport Express Metro | ₹60 | $0.70 |
| Taj Mahal day trip (total) | ₹2,000–7,000 | $23.50–82.35 |
| Budget hotel (per night) | ₹1,000–3,000 | $11.75–35.30 |
| Chandni Chowk food walk | ₹200–500 | $2.35–5.90 |
USD estimates based on approximately ₹85 = $1. Rates fluctuate.
Day Trips from Delhi
Agra & the Taj Mahal (230 km, 3–4 hours)
India's most famous monument. Taj Mahal entry costs ₹1,100 for foreigners (card or cash at the ticket office, or book online). The Gatimaan Express train gets you there in 100 minutes (₹750–1,500 depending on class). Agra Fort entry is ₹600. Local transport in Agra (rickshaws, tuk-tuks) is all cash. Budget ₹2,000–7,000 for the full day depending on transport choice.
Mathura & Vrindavan (180 km, 3 hours)
The birthplace of Lord Krishna and a major pilgrimage site. Temples are free to enter but donations are expected (cash). The markets around temples sell sweets, handicrafts, and religious items (all cash). Street food is excellent and cheap. Getting there by train costs ₹100–300. Budget ₹500–1,500 for the day.
Neemrana Fort Palace (120 km, 2.5 hours)
A 15th-century heritage fort converted into a luxury hotel. Day visitors can access the zip-lining (₹1,500–2,500) and restaurant (cards accepted). Getting there requires a hired car (₹2,500–4,000 round trip, cash to driver) or Uber. A popular weekend escape that combines well with a stop at the Baoli stepwell.
Delhi Quick Reference
| Destination | Cards? | Cash Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandni Chowk | ❌ Cash only | ₹500–1,500 | Street food, spice market |
| Connaught Place | ✅ Cards accepted | Janpath Market: cash | Restaurants, shops |
| Khan Market | ✅ Cards accepted | Tips only | Upscale shopping, dining |
| Monuments | ✅ Tickets by card | Vendors: cash | Red Fort, Qutub Minar |
| Metro | ✅ Token machines | ₹10–60 per ride | Metro Card recommended |
| Auto-rickshaw | ❌ Cash only | ₹30–100 | Negotiate fare first |
| Paharganj | ❌ Mostly cash | ₹500–1,000 | Backpacker district |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cash in Delhi?
Yes, for many situations. Old Delhi's markets, street food, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are cash-only. New Delhi's restaurants, malls, and hotels accept cards. Carry at least ₹1,000–2,000 when heading out.
How does the Delhi Metro work for tourists?
Buy single-journey tokens at station counters or machines (cash or card). For multiple trips, get a Metro Card for ₹150 (₹50 deposit + ₹100 value). Fares range from ₹10–60. The Airport Express line costs ₹60 to Terminal 3.
Is Chandni Chowk cash only?
Almost entirely. Street food vendors, the spice market, and small shops all operate on cash. A few larger stores may accept cards. Budget ₹500–1,500 for food and shopping.
How much does a Taj Mahal day trip cost?
Entry is ₹1,100 for foreigners (card or cash). Train tickets run ₹500–1,500 return. Hiring a car costs ₹3,000–5,000 round trip. Total day trip: ₹2,000–7,000 per person depending on transport.
Should I use Uber or auto-rickshaws?
Both work well. Uber and Ola offer predictable pricing and card payment through the app. Auto-rickshaws are cheaper for short hops but require cash and negotiation. For the airport, the metro (₹60) is the best option.
Where should I exchange money in Delhi?
Connaught Place has licensed exchange offices with competitive rates. Avoid airport exchanges and hotel lobbies. ATMs from SBI, HDFC, and ICICI offer fair rates. Use a no-fee travel card to minimize costs.
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Country-specific deep dives for Delhi: which card to bring, where the no-fee ATMs are at the airport, and how to dodge the local DCC traps.