Cash limit for international travel from India: what the rules say
This checker answers the question behind searches such as cash limit for international travel from India: how many rupees you may carry across the border, how much foreign currency you can take before you must fill in the Currency Declaration Form, and how Nepal and Bhutan are treated differently. Enter your amounts and it compares them with the limits in the Reserve Bank of India’s currency regulations.
The rules are those of the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015, made under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, as read on the RBI website on 24 October 2026. This is information, not legal advice. Check with your bank and customs before you fly, because notifications can change and your own case may need permission.
How to use the India Cash & Currency Limit Checker
- Choose whether you are leaving or entering India, and whether you are a resident or a non-resident visitor.
- Pick Nepal or Bhutan if that is where you are going; everywhere else uses the general rule.
- Enter the rupees you carry, split into notes of Rs 100 or less and notes above Rs 100.
- Enter foreign currency notes and other foreign exchange such as travellers cheques; add an exchange rate if you are not counting in US dollars.
- Read the verdict and the notes, then copy the result if you want to keep it.
India Cash & Currency Limit Checker features
Rupee limit
Rs 25,000 per person for Indian currency notes, for residents leaving India and for non-resident visitors entering or leaving.
Nepal and Bhutan
Notes above Rs 100 are limited to Rs 25,000 per individual; notes of Rs 100 or less are not capped in the regulation.
Declaration thresholds
A Currency Declaration Form is needed when foreign notes exceed USD 5,000 or all foreign exchange exceeds USD 10,000, or the equivalent.
Any currency
Enter a rate to turn euros, yen or pounds into the dollar equivalent used by the thresholds.
Private
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The figures, and where they come from
Regulation 3 of the 2015 regulations lets a resident take Indian currency notes out of India, other than to Nepal and Bhutan, up to Rs 25,000 per person, or another amount if the Reserve Bank notifies one. A non-resident visitor who is not a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh may bring in or take out the same Rs 25,000. Regulation 8 deals with Nepal and Bhutan: notes above Rs 100 are limited to a total of Rs 25,000 per individual, while Nepali and Bhutanese currency may be moved without a stated limit. The page of the regulations that I read marks Regulation 8 as substituted with effect from 2 December 2025, so older articles may differ.
For foreign currency, Regulation 5 requires permission to export or import it, and Regulation 6 removes the need for a declaration when foreign exchange in notes, bank notes or travellers cheques does not exceed USD 10,000 and foreign currency notes do not exceed USD 5,000, or the equivalent. Above those amounts, a Currency Declaration Form is filled in on arrival. Exceeding a limit without permission can lead to seizure and penalties under FEMA.
| Case | Limit | Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Resident leaving, rupee notes | Rs 25,000 per person | 3(1)(a) |
| Non-resident visitor, rupee notes | Rs 25,000 per person | 3(2) |
| Nepal / Bhutan, notes above Rs 100 | Rs 25,000 per individual | 8 |
| Foreign currency notes | Declare above USD 5,000 | 6 |
| All foreign exchange | Declare above USD 10,000 | 6 |
What this checker leaves out
It does not decide how much foreign exchange you may buy or send abroad under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme or for a particular purpose, and it does not cover gold, goods or the baggage allowance. Foreign currency leaving India should come from an authorised dealer or bank, so keep your receipts. The thresholds are compared in US dollars; if you use another currency, the equivalent depends on the rate that applies, so leave a margin.
For the cost side of foreign money, the forex markup calculator shows what a card or exchange rate really costs, and the currency converter gives a quick equivalent.
India Cash & Currency Limit Checker FAQ
How much cash can I carry from India to another country?
A resident may take Indian currency notes out of India, except to Nepal and Bhutan, up to Rs 25,000 per person. Foreign currency is a separate rule with declaration thresholds of USD 5,000 in notes and USD 10,000 in total.
What is the limit for Nepal and Bhutan?
Notes above Rs 100 are limited to Rs 25,000 per individual. The regulation does not cap notes of Rs 100 or less. Check the notes you carry are accepted there.
When do I fill in the Currency Declaration Form?
When foreign currency notes exceed USD 5,000, or the total of notes, bank notes and travellers cheques exceeds USD 10,000 (or the equivalent), on arrival in India.
Does the USD 10,000 mean cash only?
No. It is a combined total of foreign currency notes, bank notes and travellers cheques, while the USD 5,000 limit applies to the notes alone.
Can a foreign visitor take rupees out of India?
A non-resident visitor who is not a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh may take out Indian currency notes up to Rs 25,000 per person.
Is this legal advice?
No. It reflects the regulations as read on the date shown. Confirm with your bank, the Reserve Bank of India or customs before travelling.