Kolkata - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Indian credit cards are widely accepted, but it is difficult to obtain one. Banks are very difficult to navigate. The opening of banks accounts need to be done through the consulate, even then it takes several months to process. International card acceptance is hit or miss. Amazon India won't even take an American Amazon credit card. The best bet is to get an American Express. Most of the online delivery services will accept the American Express. ATMs are common, but I never used one. Can't say on the safety side, but it's probably better not to use one. - Aug 2021
Yes but food delivery no, they only took local cards. - Dec 2020
Credit cards are being used at more and more establishments in the city, some of them still only take local credit cards though. ATMs are widely available in the city; the consulate also has one on its grounds now. - Sep 2015
ATM machines are reliable and available. - Dec 2010
People use ATMs frequently with little trouble. The hotels take credit cards as do some stores. Cash is still necessary. - Jun 2009
You can use ATMs, credit cards more are more. - Mar 2009
You can generally only use credit cards in hotels, the most upscale restaurants and some stores. It's still a cash economy. - May 2008
