Customs & Cash — India
What travelers need to know about customs & cash in India. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Customs & Cash in India: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
Possessing a satellite phone (e.g. Thuraya/Iridium) or GPS device in India is illegal; travelers have faced fines, detention or arrest.
Fines reported as high as ~$200,000 and up to 3 years in jail.
§ US State Dept — IndiaVerified Jul 22, 2026
Foreigners may not bring Indian rupees into India (only residents returning from abroad may carry up to Rs 25,000), and you must file a Currency Declaration Form if you arrive with foreign cash over US$5,000 or total foreign exchange over US$10,000.
Undeclared currency over these limits can be seized, fined, or lead to prosecution.
§ Indian Customs (CBIC — Chennai Customs Zone)Verified Jul 20, 2026