Finance, Forex and Investments

What is the best way to pay for travel / trip expenses in India?

Are US credit cards widely accepted even at remote destinations? I don't want to carry large amounts of hard currency, and travelers checks are very dated. How can I fund a month(s) long trip without a bank in India and exposing myself to unnecessary risk (fiscal or otherwise)?

Public Comments

1. If you have a VISA or a MasterCard, then you will have no issues in India - You will be able to use these in all the cities and towns in India - You can also withdraw cash from ATMs at times of need. One suggestion - If you are planning to visit a village or a very very small town, then you should keep some cash These places will be very cheap, so again, you will need minimal cash
2. Visa, Masters, Diners club, American Exp. Credit and debit cards are accepted in all the major cities. From Hotel rent to food and shopping you can pay through card. Here other than Card or Cash no other means of money is accepted. In smaller towns and villages you would need hard cash which you can withdraw from ATMs available in Cities by your cards.
3. Credit/Debit cards or why not buy a prepaid debit card on arrival from the State Bank of India(SBI).The bank covers almost the whole of India and over 7500 cash vending machines even in remote places.