Budget-Friendly Golden Triangle and Tigers, India
Before you Go
Money in India
Cash: India does still used cash often. While cards are widely accepted nowadays, it's always a good idea to have some cash. Things like giving tips to drivers, paying for taxis and rickshaws as you go, and paying for meals in a small restaurant should be cash-based. Try to have a variety of bills if you can - 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s are like gold in India so when you get them, use them wisely!
Almost any time you travel, you should just pull cash out from an ATM in the country you are visiting instead of bringing money with you. If you are American, I recommend a Chase High Yield Checking Account as they pay you back for your ATM fees! It is a dream. Also, the place you visit might run less on cash and more on card, so don't pull out too much ahead of time until you get to know the area.
Credit Cards: The most accepted cards in India are American Express and Mastercard. VISA has recently had many issues in the country, so do not rely on that!
Rate Conversion: Download the Xe app to your phone. It seems to be the most updated conversion rate finder. You can also have multiple currencies running at once, so it is easier to compare.