Sorting out Canadian dollars and payment options in Himachal Pradesh before you leave makes the trip much smoother. This guide explains the rupee, cards, ATMs, UPI, exchange rates and how much cash to carry in the mountains, with advice tailored to Canadian travellers.
The Indian rupee
India’s currency is the rupee (₹). Notes come in ₹10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. At the time of writing, ₹67 is roughly C$1, but rates change daily. Indian rupees cannot officially be taken out of India in large amounts, so most travellers get rupees on arrival.
Cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in larger hotels; Interac debit cards will not work for purchases in India, so bring a credit card and a debit card on the Plus or Cirrus network. Notify your bank before travel, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Always choose to pay in rupees rather than your home currency when a terminal offers “dynamic currency conversion”.
Stay charged, stay connected
- Best phones and wearables for travel Buyzello
Unlocked, eSIM-ready phones and wearables that work on Indian networks. - Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, Wh ratings and airline rules before you buy a power bank for the trip. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Light earbuds for bus rides, flights and hikes when headphones are too bulky.
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ATMs
ATMs are plentiful in Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kullu and Palampur, but scarce in Spiti, Kinnaur and Lahaul (Kaza and Reckong Peo have a few). Withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000 per transaction, and Indian banks may add a fee. Use ATMs attached to banks during opening hours.
UPI and digital payments
UPI (QR-code payments) is everywhere in India, from taxis to tea stalls. Foreign visitors can use UPI through prepaid wallets designed for inbound travellers (such as UPI One World, available at some international airports). This is not essential, but it is handy.
Exchanging cash
Bring some Canadian dollars as a backup and exchange at banks or authorised money changers, not on the street. Airport rates are poor; exchange only a small amount there if needed. Keep exchange receipts.
How much cash to carry
| Area | Cash needs |
|---|---|
| Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala | Low: cards and UPI widely accepted |
| Smaller villages and homestays | Medium: carry enough for meals and stays |
| Spiti, Lahaul and Kinnaur | High: carry enough for several days |
Typical costs
- Chai: ₹20–40 (about C$1–1)
- Thali: ₹150–300 (about C$2–4)
- Taxi day hire: ₹3,000–4,500 (about C$45–67)
- Mid-range hotel: ₹3,500–8,000 (about C$52–119)
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: 5–10% in restaurants, ₹300–500 (about C$4–7) a day for drivers and guides, and small amounts for porters and housekeeping.
Travel gear we trust
- How to choose a power bank for travel Buyzello
Understand capacity, Wh ratings and airline rules before you buy a power bank for the trip. - Outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping kit for treks and road trips. - How to choose a trekking backpack in India BuyrSkip India
Buying a rucksack locally? This guide covers the brands and sizes Indian trekkers use.
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A simple money plan for Canadian travellers
- Before you leave, tell your bank you are travelling and check foreign transaction and ATM fees.
- Carry two cards on different networks (for example, a Visa credit card and a Mastercard debit card) and keep them in separate places.
- Bring a modest amount of Canadian dollars in cash as an emergency reserve.
- On arrival in Delhi, withdraw enough rupees for two or three days.
- Top up from ATMs in Shimla, Manali or Dharamshala before heading to remote areas.
- Pay hotels by card where possible and use cash for taxis, small cafés and homestays.
Avoiding common money problems
- Card blocks: banks sometimes block cards after an unusual foreign transaction; keep your bank’s overseas phone number handy.
- ATM failures: Indian ATMs occasionally decline foreign cards; try another bank’s machine rather than repeating attempts.
- Large notes: small shops and taxis may struggle with ₹500 notes; break them at hotels and larger stores.
- Damaged notes: torn or heavily marked notes may be refused; check your change.
- Card skimming: use ATMs inside banks or malls, and cover the keypad.
What it costs
Typical daily spend per person on the ground, excluding international flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day (INR) | In Canadian dollars | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500–4,000 | C$37–60 | hostel or guesthouse, local food, buses |
| Mid-range | ₹6,000–10,000 | C$90–149 | good hotel, café meals, some taxis |
| Luxury | ₹20,000–45,000 | C$299–672 | 5-star or heritage stay, private car, fine dining |
Prices are converted at about ₹67 to C$1 and rise in peak season (May–June, Christmas and New Year). Our Himachal trip cost guide has a full breakdown.
Responsible travel tips
Tourism is vital to Himachal’s economy, but it also strains water supplies, roads and waste systems in peak season. You can help by travelling outside the busiest weeks, choosing locally run stays, refusing single-use plastic, and carrying out everything you carry in on treks. Ask before photographing people, dress modestly in villages and at temples, and tip guides, drivers and porters fairly: their income is often seasonal.
Health and safety basics
Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water, eat freshly cooked food and carry a small medical kit with rehydration salts and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads. Above 3,000 m, gain height gradually and descend if headaches or nausea get worse. The emergency number throughout India is 112. Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in India, with stronger warnings for some border areas, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Where to go once you are there
Once the practicalities are sorted, these guides will help you choose where to spend your time:
- Shimla guide: families will love it
- Manali guide: families will love it
- McLeodganj guide: culture lovers will love it
- Kasol guide: backpackers will love it
- Dalhousie guide: families will love it
- Spiti Valley guide: adventure travellers will love it
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Canadian dollars in Himachal Pradesh?
Not for everyday purchases. Exchange or withdraw rupees.
Are cards widely accepted?
In hotels and larger shops, yes. Small shops, taxis and village homestays prefer cash or UPI.
How much does an ATM withdrawal cost?
Your home bank’s foreign fee plus a possible local fee of about ₹100–250.
Is UPI available to tourists?
Yes, through prepaid wallets designed for foreign visitors.
Where should I exchange money?
At banks or authorised money changers in towns.