Table of Contents
- Introduction
- ATMs and Money Exchange in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Must-Visit Places in Havelock
- Local Culture and Food
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach Havelock
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Shopping Guide
- Travel Tips by Traveler Type
- Safety, Health, and Practical Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning a beach escape to Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands? Beyond its sugar-white beaches and lagoon-blue waters, the island’s cash and connectivity realities can shape your trip. This guide explains where to find ATMs, how to handle currency exchange, and the smartest ways to pay—plus a complete travel primer with places to visit, how to reach, budgets, stays, and local experiences.
ATMs and Money Exchange in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
Where to Find ATMs
- Primary ATM clusters are around Govind Nagar/Market (often referred to as Beach No. 3) and near the jetty area. Availability fluctuates.
- Machines can run out of cash on weekends, public holidays, and peak season (December–March). Withdraw when you spot a working machine rather than waiting.
- Port Blair has far better ATM density and reliability; consider withdrawing your main cash there before you ferry to Havelock.
Withdrawal Limits and Fees
- Per-transaction limits in India commonly range from INR 10,000 to 20,000, sometimes lower for international cards.
- Your home bank may charge foreign ATM fees and currency conversion fees. Some Indian ATMs may display local surcharges for foreign cards—review on-screen notices before confirming.
- Carry a backup card. Magnetic-stripe fallback may be disabled; ensure your card supports chip and PIN.
Currency Exchange Options
- Havelock has limited or ad-hoc currency exchange through select resorts or tour desks, often at less favorable rates.
- Best practice: exchange foreign currency into INR on the mainland (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) or in Port Blair (airport counters and authorized money changers in town).
- Bring crisp, newer notes if exchanging cash. Keep receipts of official exchanges.
Digital Payments and Cards
- Cards are accepted at many mid-range and high-end resorts, dive shops, and some restaurants. Small eateries, taxis, and local stalls are often cash-only.
- UPI and wallet payments may be available but depend on network. Connectivity can be patchy in some beach areas.
- International visitors typically cannot use UPI unless they have compatible Indian bank accounts; plan for cards and cash instead.
How Much Cash to Carry
- For a 2–3 day visit, many travelers carry INR 8,000–15,000 per couple for local expenses (meals at small restaurants, scooters/taxis, entry/boat tickets, tips), excluding hotel bills if prepaid.
- If you plan dives or premium activities, add INR 4,000–8,000 per person per dive/session to your cash buffer in case card machines are down.
- Split your cash across a money belt and a day wallet; store the rest in the hotel safe.
Must-Visit Places in Havelock
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Famous for golden-hour sunsets and long, powdery sands.
- Elephant Beach: Snorkeling and water activities; access by permitted boat rides or a short forest trek.
- Kalapathar Beach: Quiet sunrise spot with black rocks and turquoise water.
- Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No. 5): Palm-lined stretches ideal for leisurely swims and kayak sessions on calm days.
Tip: Carry small cash for beach snacks, lockers, and local boat tickets where required.
Local Culture and Food
Havelock blends island life with influences from settler communities. Expect unfussy, fresh flavors and seafood-forward menus.
- Try Andaman fish curry thali, grilled lobster or prawns (season-dependent), coconut-based dishes, and tropical fruits.
- Beach cafés and bakeries dot Govind Nagar and Beach No. 5. Smaller shacks may be cash-only.
- Alcohol is available at licensed outlets and resorts; carry ID and some cash as card machines may be temperamental.
Nearby Getaways
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Laid-back vibe, coral flats, and natural arches; short ferry hop from Havelock.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, museums, and city markets for better shopping and banking facilities.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and North Bay: Day trips from Port Blair for history and snorkeling.
How to Reach Havelock
- Flights: Fly to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport from major Indian cities.
- Ferries: From Port Blair to Havelock via government ferries (typically 2–2.5 hours) or private catamarans (around 60–90 minutes, schedule/season dependent).
- Booking: Reserve private ferry tickets in advance during peak season; carry a printed or digital copy with valid ID.
- On-Island Transport: Autos, taxis, and scooter rentals are common; keep cash and a valid driving license for rentals.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Guesthouses and hostels near Govind Nagar/Market (simple rooms, fan/AC options).
- Mid-Range: Boutique cottages and beachfront stays around Beach No. 5 with in-house cafés.
- Luxury: Upscale resorts near Radhanagar Beach and select private beachfront properties with spas and fine dining.
Payment note: Many properties accept cards, but have cash as backup for incidentals during network outages.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Ferry (one-way, Port Blair–Havelock): Approx. INR 1,000–3,500 per person depending on class/operator and season.
- Local transport: Auto short hops INR 100–300; taxi half-day INR 1,500–2,500; scooter rental INR 500–800 per day plus fuel (cash preferred).
- Meals: Simple eateries INR 200–400 per person; mid-range cafés INR 500–1,000; seafood grills higher depending on catch.
- Activities: Snorkeling/boat to Elephant Beach INR 1,000–3,000; dives typically INR 4,000–6,500 per dive/session.
- Budget traveler: INR 2,500–4,000 per person per day (dorm/basic guesthouse, local food, scooter/auto).
- Mid-range: INR 6,000–12,000 per person per day (nice cottage, cafés, some paid activities).
- Luxury: INR 20,000+ per person per day (upscale resort, private experiences, fine dining).
Shopping Guide
- Souvenirs: Handicrafts, simple beachwear, local spices; selection is limited compared to Port Blair.
- Payments: Small shops often prefer cash. Some accept cards/UPI when networks are stable.
- Eco-note: Avoid buying corals/shells; collection and trade are regulated to protect marine ecosystems.
Travel Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Carry sufficient cash for snacks, short rides, and beach rentals; ATMs may be far from beach zones.
- Choose calm-water beaches (Radhanagar in the morning, Vijaynagar on placid days) and pack sun protection.
- Book ferries and family rooms in advance during holidays.
Honeymooners
- Opt for resorts with on-site dining and card facilities but keep a cash cushion for beach cafés and activities.
- Plan a sunset at Radhanagar and a private dinner; confirm payment modes beforehand.
- Have offline maps and screenshots of bookings in case of spotty internet.
Friends/Groups
- Rent scooters for flexibility; fuel and rentals are typically cash-only.
- Prepay dives or activities online when possible; carry backup cash if POS fails.
- Split bills with cash to avoid network-dependent apps at smaller venues.
Safety, Health, and Practical Tips
- Connectivity: Network varies by area; expect occasional blackspots. Download e-tickets and keep printed copies for ferries.
- Cash safety: Use hotel safes; carry only what you need for the day. Keep emergency reserves separate.
- Marine safety: Observe lifeguard flags and local advice. Jellyfish and strong currents can occur seasonally.
- Environmental care: Reef-safe sunscreen, no littering, and no touching corals during snorkels/dives.
- Emergency: Basic clinics are available on the island; for advanced care, Port Blair is better equipped.
FAQs
Q: Are there ATMs on Havelock Island?
A: Yes, there are a few ATMs mainly around the Govind Nagar/Market area and near the jetty, but machines can run out of cash, especially in peak season. Withdraw in Port Blair when possible and carry a cash buffer.
Q: Can I exchange USD/EUR on Havelock?
A: Exchange options on Havelock are limited and rates may be poor. It’s best to exchange foreign currency in Port Blair or on the mainland before traveling to the island.
Q: Do restaurants and hotels accept cards?
A: Many mid-range and upscale hotels and some restaurants accept cards, but network outages can interrupt POS terminals. Smaller eateries and local transport usually take cash only.
Q: Is UPI reliable on Havelock?
A: UPI works at many places but depends on mobile signal quality, which can be inconsistent. Always keep cash handy as a fallback.
Q: How much cash should I carry for 2–3 days?
A: A practical range is INR 8,000–15,000 per couple for local expenses (excluding prepaid hotels). Add more if you plan multiple dives or private boat trips.
Conclusion
Havelock Island rewards travelers with world-class beaches and relaxed island living, but cash preparedness is essential. Withdraw in Port Blair, carry a sensible cash reserve, and treat cards and UPI as conveniences rather than guarantees. With money matters sorted, you can focus on sunsets at Radhanagar, snorkeling at Elephant Beach, and easygoing meals by the sea.
