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Overview
Although there are a few important things to know about using credit cards in India, credit cards are widely used there. Many stores and hotels accept cards, and more importantly, you will find safety and peace of mind knowing that even in the case of a stolen card, your money is safe. So whether you happen to be trekking in Ladakh, working in Mumbai or sightseeing in Rajasthan, here is a guide to using credit cards in India.
Major Cards
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards throughout India. Diners Club and American Express are also widely used, but not to the same extent. Most other cards can be used in major cities and along tourist routes.
Banks Issuing Credits Cards
If you want to obtain a new credit card, there are many banks in India at which you can apply for one. Among these are ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI, Axis Bank, Citibank and ABN AMRO.
Locating ATMs
In major cities throughout India, ATMs are easy to find, and even in most mid-sized cities there are a number of ATMs outside banks and hotels. You may have difficulty finding them in smaller towns, especially if they are off the beaten tourist track. If you're planning on traveling outside the city to anywhere other than a tourist destination, take cash with you.
ATM Service Fees
A small service fee is charged per withdrawal from ATMs in India, so plan on getting enough cash to last for a few days to avoid racking up these fees. Cash is almost always dispensed in rupees.
Lost or Stolen Cards
If you lose your credit card while in India, the first step is no different than it is anywhere else: call the issuing company and/or bank immediately to cancel the card. It is best to bring along more than one card to avoid being stuck without access to your money. Of course, if you decide to have more than one card, don't keep them all in the same wallet or purse.
Safety Precautions
Before your trip to India, create a second bank account and give power of attorney over your accounts to a friend or family member that you trust. This will allow them to make changes to these accounts in case of a lost/stolen card. As an added precaution, bring several cards for each account you have and leave a copy of each in your home country with your designated family member or friend.
Also, before your departure, inform your bank of your upcoming trip and ask them to permit you to withdraw cash from ATMs abroad and to make online purchases (such as booking tickets) while away from home. Otherwise, the bank may assume your account activity to be fraudulent and block access to your account.
