Indian currency, the Indian Rupee (INR), is primarily used within India. However, there are some countries and regions where the Indian Rupee is accepted or can be exchanged for local currency due to historical, trade, or diplomatic ties. Here are ten countries and regions where the Indian Rupee has some influence:
1. Nepal:
The Indian Rupee is widely accepted and even used as legal tender in certain border areas of Nepal due to the strong economic and cultural ties between the two countries.
2. Bhutan:
Bhutan’s currency, the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), is pegged to the Indian Rupee. The Indian Rupee is commonly used and accepted in Bhutan.
3. Zimbabwe:
While the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) is the official currency, Indian Rupees are accepted for certain transactions, particularly in the Indian community in Zimbabwe.
4. Sri Lanka:
The Indian Rupee is accepted in certain parts of Sri Lanka due to the historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
5. Mauritius:
The Indian Rupee is sometimes used alongside the Mauritian Rupee (MUR) in business transactions and is accepted at some places in the country.
6. Maldives:
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency, but Indian Rupees are accepted in some parts of the Maldives, especially in the tourism sector.
7. UAE (United Arab Emirates):
While the official currency in the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), Indian Rupees are accepted at some money exchange houses, and there are a significant number of Indian expatriates in the country.
8. Oman:
The Omani Rial (OMR) is the official currency, but some businesses in Oman accept Indian Rupees, particularly in areas with a significant Indian expatriate population.
9. Qatar:
Similar to the UAE and Oman, Indian Rupees are sometimes accepted in Qatar, where there is a substantial Indian expatriate community.
10. Singapore:
While the official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), Indian Rupees can be exchanged at some currency exchange centers due to the sizable Indian diaspora in Singapore.
It’s important to note that the acceptance and exchange rate of Indian Rupees can vary widely within these countries and regions. Travelers should check with local sources and exchange services to determine where the Indian Rupee is accepted and what the exchange rates are before making transactions.