Money & Payments in Bangalore

Good to Know

• Bangalore has mature card infrastructure, but always carry some cash as backup—not all small vendors accept cards, and some have recently begun refusing UPI due to tax registration concerns.
• Most private-sector bank ATMs charge foreign cardholders ₹150–₹300 per withdrawal; use State Bank of India (SBI) or other public-sector ATMs for lower fees.
• When prompted at ATMs, always select 'Decline Conversion' to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion markup fees; let your card network handle the exchange rate.
• UPI is very fast and widely accepted but look for cash alternatives at informal vendors, as some have become hesitant to accept digital payments due to tax department scrutiny.
• Digital payment methods like PhonePe and Google Pay work well in Bangalore if you have a local phone number and bank account; international app-based payment setups may face friction.
• Service charges (5–10%) on restaurant bills in upscale establishments do not require additional tipping, though a small extra gratuity is always appreciated.
• Tipping in Bangalore is more expected than in rural India due to the city's international business culture and tourism industry; service workers depend on tips to supplement wages.