Local Tip
Mumbai's auto-rickshaws work only in the suburbs, north of Bandra and Sion, and run on the meter, with a fare chart in each. From the airport into South Mumbai, use a prepaid taxi, an app cab or the Aqua Line metro.
Where to change money in Mumbai
In Mumbai only banks and Reserve Bank of India licensees may buy your pounds, and RBI can penalise unlicensed traders. The licensed chains' branch finders place city offices in Fort, the business district around CSMT station, and in Andheri East near the airport; check opening times online first.
- EbixCash, Terminal 2 international arrivals The airport names EbixCash as its exchange partner in the international arrivals hall, past customs and on the arrivals kerb near Gate B. EbixCash's own list adds a counter by the baggage belts on Level 2.
- EbixCash, Terminal 2 departures The airport also lists EbixCash in the Level 4 check-in area and airside past immigration near gate 69, a last chance to swap rupees back.
Changing money at the airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (BOM) brings international passengers into Terminal 2 at Sahar; Terminal 1 is domestic. The baggage-belt counter sits before customs, and under RBI rules a desk there may only buy foreign notes and must hand you an encashment certificate, worth keeping for changing rupees back. Thomas Cook, a competitor, says Mumbai airport rates are normally higher than city ones. The airport lists ATMs but not their banks. Navi Mumbai International (NMI), open since 25 December 2025, added its first international route, to Abu Dhabi, on 15 July 2026; its website names no exchange counter.
ATMs and cards in Mumbai
Not every Mumbai cash machine accepts every foreign card: ATM Fee Saver (February 2026) found HSBC UK cards working at some HDFC Bank machines but not at others, so pack a second card from a different bank. If a machine offers to convert, decline and stay in rupees; ATM Fee Saver says accepting lets the ATM set the rate and add a percentage. Cards also buy metro tickets: the Aqua Line's WhatsApp ticketing takes UPI free of charge, while card payment carries a small fee.
Paying for transport in Mumbai
The Aqua Line (Metro Line 3), Mumbai's underground metro, has stations at both airport terminals and has run the full 33.5 km from Aarey JVLR to Cuffe Parade since 9 October 2025. The fare chart reported then ran from ₹10 for up to 3 km to ₹60 for 30 to 36 km, though Outlook Traveller quoted up to ₹70. Riders can use a National Common Mobility Card, a paper QR ticket or a WhatsApp e-ticket. For the suburban railway, Andheri (East) is the closest station to Terminal 2, and BEST buses 308 and 321 link the terminal with Andheri (East) and Vile Parle (East). Prepaid taxis and app cabs pick up at both terminals; the Foreign Office advises against flagging taxis down in the street, particularly after dark.
Good to know
- The Foreign Office warns that ticket touts and scammers work tourist areas and says to ignore anyone at a railway station offering tickets or tours, so buy suburban tickets at official counters.
- Both Mumbai airports point arriving international travellers to ATITHI, the Indian customs app, for declaring currency and goods before landing.
Key Areas in Mumbai
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Exchange bureaux, banks and cash machines, as mapped by OpenStreetMap. The map loads only when you ask for it.
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Mumbai travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Mumbai?
A bank or an RBI-licensed dealer. The licensed chains list offices in Fort and Andheri East, and EbixCash runs the Terminal 2 airport counters. Thomas Cook says the airport tends to pay less than city dealers, so many visitors change a little on arrival and the rest later.
Can I take the metro from Mumbai airport?
Yes. The Aqua Line has stations at Terminals 1 and 2 and runs south to Cuffe Parade, with fares from ₹10 rising with distance. Pay with an NCMC card, a paper QR ticket or a WhatsApp e-ticket bought by UPI or card.
How do I pay for an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai?
Pay what the meter shows, checked against the fare chart every auto must carry. Autos are confined to the suburbs, from Borivali down to Bandra on the western side and as far as Sion in the centre, so for South Mumbai take a taxi, an app cab or the metro.
Checked October 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport · EbixCash World Money · Reserve Bank of India · Thomas Cook India · Deccan Chronicle · Telangana Today (PTI)
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