Money

Is American money accepted or do we need to exchange it?

You will want to exchange your currency into Rupees when you go. (Indian currency is called Rupee)  Most Indians won't take your American cash because they have to carry a Passport to exchange it for Rupees.

The best way to do this is at a Money Exchange.

I did this at the Chennai airport while waiting for my luggage but ATM's are available at the Hotel and the Rising Star drivers will stop at some while your out and about.  

Depending where you depart, your airport might be able to exchange it at the beginning of your trip.  If you decide to do it in Chennai the Currency Exchange is next to the baggage claim.

**You will need your passport to do this.

As of Feb 2014 the conversion rate from American dollars to Rupees is close to 60.5.

Visit Dollars2rupees to see a conversion calculator.

I found it very handy to carry a calculator with my rupees.  The Indians love to spit prices at you with a big smile and I liked to have the calculator ready.

It becomes a fun game of communicating through calculators.  They get out their calculators and show me their price and I’d get out mine and show them my price.  

They want to give you "Best American Price."   With your calculator, you can decided if "American Price" isn't the best! 

How much do you recommend bringing?

Spending money isn’t a must.  You can enjoy the villages without purchasing anything.  Clothes, shoes, and trinkets aren’t that expensive if you bargain right.  A few hundred dollars will be plenty if you are thinking of souvenirs.

You can find ATM’s.  You will probably get hit with a fee from your bank.  
**It might also be a good idea to notify your bank of your India plans so they don’t freeze your account once you start purchasing in India.

Are there shopping opportunities?

Yes, you will have opportunities to shop.  On Weekends you will be tourists.  

On days when you leave Rising Star Campus, to work in Villages, sometimes the drivers  stop at gas stations, grocery stores or at the Junction. (center of villages) 

I loaded up on Ice Cream for the ride (it won't last the ride home).   Other favorites were Henna paint, Mango juice, and soda.

Volunteers love to buy Henna paint then have the "House Mothers" at Rising Star apply it.

If you arrive in Chennai before your session (and you aren’t sleep deprived), or if you are leaving a day after your Session- there are several places to shop.  Chennai is a big city.   Taxi’s are outside the hotel all the time.
Click here for Taxi info.

Still have Questions?  Email Me!