Hyderabad - 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?
Get an AmEx for online purchases. Always carry cash. I felt safe using ATMs, but they would often run out of money at the end of month. - Jun 2024
I can generally use my U.S. visa card in large stores. For Swiggy and other apps, you really need an Indian account. There's an ATM in the consulate that's safe to use, but otherwise I would hesitate except for maybe large hotels. If you want to use cash, it's probably best to cash a check at the Bank of America window in the consulate. Many people use electronic payments like PayTM and GooglePay. - Apr 2024
Credit cards are safe to use, same seems to go for ATMs. However, online purchases with Visa cards may not work at all. Having an Amex is ESSENTIAL, doesn’t matter which one. ATMs are often out of money and have per transaction limits. Patience and persistence. If you get a local bank account, fight through the bureaucracy so you can use “UPI” the local payment system. This can help when the credit card machine is suddenly broken and you haven’t got enough cash to pay your two night hotel bill for three people (this happened). - Jan 2023
Credit cards are taken at hotels and at more upscale stores and restaurants. Generally we used cash whenever possible, both to make transactions easier and to avoid fraud. We primarily used the ATM at the consulate, and at a couple of upscale hotels. - Dec 2020
Not really. You should be able to use your U.S. credit card at Amazon.in. It seems that among local business there's a 50/50 chance your credit card will be acceptable. Some don't accept Amex and some only accept Amex. On online platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, some officers are able to use their U.S. credit cards and others have gotten banned from the platform for trying. It's incredibly inconsistent and frustrating. You should only use ATMs that are in the Consulate or in the lobby of a luxury hotel or other trustworthy location. There is a bank teller inside the Consulate who will cash checks, and this is where the majority of the diplomatic community gets their cash. - Jul 2020
Credit cards are such a problem!!! Many places will tell you they accept credit cards only to not accept "international" credit cards, but this is not consistent. Getting a local credit card is practically impossible. Lots of people pulled out cash from the consulate ATM or by cashing checks at the consulate "Bank of America" (same logo, but unaffiliated). We did not risk taking out money at local ATMs unless doing so with a local checking account. That process took 13 visits to local branches to open and 6 visits to close - deposits have to be done in person, but then you have a way to pay if you don't want to carry cash. Few people (taxis, market vendors, etc.) will make change for bills bigger than 200 rupees. - Jul 2019
Yes and yes. Cash is always important to have on hand as well, of course. - Jan 2019
Safe to use credit cards at the hotels, grocery store and some restaurants that bring the card running terminal to the table. We've got a Bank of America at the US consulate to cash checks and also a safe ATM there. - Nov 2017
ATMs are plentiful and we use our credit card in stores with no problem. - Sep 2016
ATMs are everywhere, but they just might not work at times. Credit cards can be used in most grocery stores, hotels, and higher-end stores. Carry cash, as it's easier. - Mar 2015
ATMs are plentiful and we've used our credit card in stores with no problem. - Jan 2015
No real problems with either. ATMs that accept your card may be scarce and may also have a ridiculously low withdrawal limit. The U.S. Consulate has a Bank of America inside where employees can cash checks. - Nov 2014
No problems overall. - Jul 2014
Most small shops are cash-only, but there are many ATMs all over the city. I haven't had any problem using credit cards or ATMs. - Mar 2012
Many major grocery stores and other retailers accept credit cards and ATM cards. There are ATMs located throughout the city; some will accept cards from American banks and some won't. Smaller retailers and street vendors will only accept cash, and preferably exact change. - Feb 2012
ATMs are widely available, but many places do not take credit cards. - Jan 2011
