Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quick Overview: Cash, Cards, and UPI in Andaman
- Where to Find ATMs by Island
- Currency Exchange in Andaman
- Estimated Costs and Money Fees
- How to Reach Andaman and Why It Matters for Money
- Accommodation and Payment Acceptance
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture and Payment Tips
- Tourist Circuits and Money Planning
- Activities and When You’ll Need Cash
- Festivals and Peak Times for Cash Demand
- Sample Itineraries with Money Plan
- Budget Tips for Managing Money
- Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Safety, Packing, and Practicalities
- FAQs
- Validation
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are paradise for sea lovers—but when it comes to money, they still work a little “old-school.” Connectivity can be patchy, ATMs run dry on busy days, and many small businesses prefer cash. This guide condenses everything you need to know about ATMs, currency exchange, cards, and UPI in Andaman so you spend more time on the beach and less time hunting for cash.
Quick Overview: Cash, Cards, and UPI in Andaman
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Foreign currencies are not accepted in routine transactions.
- ATMs: Reliable in Port Blair; limited and sometimes cash-starved on other islands.
- Cards: Accepted by larger hotels, dive shops, and some restaurants; smaller vendors prefer cash/UPI.
- UPI: Increasingly accepted, but depends on 4G signal; expect drops on ferries and remote beaches.
- Best practice: Withdraw enough INR in Port Blair for your onward islands; carry small denominations (Rs 10/20/50/100) for autos, snacks, and entry fees.
Where to Find ATMs by Island
Availability changes with season, demand, and network uptime. Withdraw during weekday mornings for best success.
Port Blair (South Andaman)
- Coverage: Best on the islands. Multiple ATMs and bank branches across town.
- Typical areas: Aberdeen Bazaar (city center), Junglighat, Phoenix Bay, Haddo, Goal Ghar, Garacharma/Dollygunj.
- Banks you’ll see: SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank, PNB, IDBI.
- Airport: Often has at least one ATM; may be out of cash during peak arrivals.
- Tip: If you’re connecting directly to Havelock/Neil, withdraw here before boarding ferries.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Coverage: 2–4 ATMs in/around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar market and near the jetty.
- Reality check: Machines can run out of cash on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- What to do: Bring enough cash for your entire stay; card acceptance is decent at bigger resorts and dive shops.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Coverage: Usually 1–2 ATMs near Bharatpur Jetty and main market.
- Plan: Withdraw in Port Blair or Havelock; treat Neil as cash-light backup.
Middle & North Andaman (Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur)
- Coverage: A few ATMs near bus stands and main markets; Diglipur typically has the best spread up north.
- Outages: Common. Withdraw whenever you see a working machine.
- Baratang: Very limited facilities; carry cash from Port Blair/Rangat.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
- Coverage: A small number of bank branches/ATMs in Hut Bay market.
- Tip: Come prepared with cash due to sporadic availability.
Nicobar Group
- Access note: Tourist access is restricted; financial services are not relevant for standard itineraries.
Currency Exchange in Andaman
- Where to exchange: Primarily Port Blair—major bank branches in/around Aberdeen Bazaar handle forex; limited services may be at the airport and select hotels.
- Authorized money changers: Look for RBI-authorized dealers; avoid unlicensed street exchange.
- Documents: Passport, valid Indian visa/permit; you may be asked for travel details.
- Rates: Banks/authorized dealers usually offer better rates than hotel desks/airports.
- Best practice: If arriving from mainland India, convert to INR before you fly; choice and rates are better.
- Emergency transfers: Money transfer agents exist in Port Blair; use only reputable, authorized services.
Estimated Costs and Money Fees
- ATM fees (domestic Indian cards): After your bank’s free monthly quota, expect roughly Rs 17–21 + taxes per withdrawal at non-home bank ATMs.
- ATM fees (international cards): Operator fee often Rs 200–300 per withdrawal, plus your bank’s foreign transaction fees (typically 2–4%) and FX markups.
- Card payments: Some merchants levy 1–2% surcharge for cards; international cards may incur 3–5% by your issuer.
- Currency exchange margins: Banks/authorized dealers ~1.5–4% over mid-market; airports/hotels higher.
- Daily spend guidance (per person, mid-range):
- Meals: Rs 800–1,500
- Local transport/ferries: Rs 150–700
- Activities (snorkel/boat/permits): Rs 500–2,000 (diving Rs 3,500–6,000+)
- Entry fees/misc.: Rs 50–300
- Cash to carry: For outer islands, plan Rs 3,000–6,000 per person per day depending on activities; couples might carry Rs 15,000–25,000 for a 2–3 day Havelock/Neil segment.
How to Reach Andaman and Why It Matters for Money
- By air: Fly into Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (seasonal/connecting).
- By sea: Occasional government ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam; long sail times, limited cabins, cash-heavy processes.
- Ferries onward: Government and private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Government counters often prefer cash/UPI; private ferries allow online card payments—screenshots/e-tickets help if data drops.
- Money tip: Withdraw in Port Blair upon arrival; airport taxis, SIM kiosks, and some ferry counters may prefer cash.
Accommodation and Payment Acceptance
- Port Blair: Mid-range and upscale hotels typically accept cards and UPI; small lodges often prefer cash.
- Havelock/Neil: Resorts and dive shops accept cards; homestays and beach shacks lean cash/UPI.
- North/Middle & Little Andaman: Expect cash-first. Confirm payment mode before booking.
- Deposits: Some properties take cash security deposits or require cash at check-in if machines or network fail.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture and Payment Tips
- Food: Seafood joints and beachfront cafes often accept UPI; smaller dhabas may be cash-only. Keep change for coconuts, snacks, and chai.
- Shopping: Aberdeen Bazaar and Sagarika Government Emporium for handicrafts; most accept cash/UPI, limited card terminals.
- Culture: Village experiences and boatmen/guides typically prefer cash; tip in small notes.
- Eco-fees: Some islands/parks collect entry or camera fees in cash at gates.
Tourist Circuits and Money Planning
Classic South Andaman Loop (Port Blair – Havelock – Neil – Port Blair)
- Withdraw major cash in Port Blair before Havelock.
- Top up on Havelock if you find a working ATM; don’t rely on it.
- Carry sufficient small notes for autos, snacks, and tips on Neil.
Middle/North Andaman Circuit (PB – Baratang – Rangat – Mayabunder – Diglipur)
- Carry extra cash from Port Blair; top up only when you see a functioning ATM (often Rangat/Diglipur).
- Expect card acceptance to be scarce; UPI works where network is stable.
Little Andaman (Hut Bay)
- Bring cash from Port Blair for transport, food, and stays.
Activities and When You’ll Need Cash
- Diving/snorkeling: Big dive centers accept cards; small operators prefer cash/UPI for boat fees and gear rentals.
- Permits and park entries: Often cash at counters (e.g., Jolly Buoy/Red Skin seasonal entries).
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are cash-first.
- Island tours and guides: Many independent guides accept UPI, but cash seals the deal in patchy network zones.
Festivals and Peak Times for Cash Demand
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan) and holiday periods (Oct–Apr high season): ATMs see heavy use; withdraw early mornings.
- Monsoon weeks (May–Sep): Network downtimes can affect ATMs/UPI; carry higher cash buffers.
Sample Itineraries with Money Plan
3 Days: Port Blair + Havelock
- Day 1 (PB): Withdraw Rs 15,000–20,000 for two people. Pay hotel by card if possible, save cash for ferries/food.
- Day 2 (Havelock): Use cash for autos, beach snacks, entries. Card for dives if accepted.
- Day 3 (PB): Top up cash if heading to Neil/Baratang next.
5–6 Days: PB – Havelock – Neil
- Withdraw most in PB on Day 1. Keep a sealed reserve for Neil.
- Attempt ATM on Havelock weekday morning; if dry, rely on your reserve.
8–10 Days: North Andaman Extension
- Carry a larger cash float from PB (e.g., Rs 25,000–40,000 for two, depending on activities).
- Top up in Rangat/Diglipur if you spot a stocked ATM.
Budget Tips for Managing Money
- Withdraw on weekdays, morning hours; avoid late evenings/weekends.
- Split cash between wallets and bags; keep a waterproof pouch on beach days.
- Use UPI when signal allows; download offline QR/collect requests, but don’t depend on them.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) on card terminals—pay in INR.
- Carry small notes; many vendors struggle to change Rs 2,000/500 early morning.
- For international cards: Enable international usage before travel; know your daily ATM limit and bank helpline.
Traveler-Specific Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
Families
- Pack extra cash for snacks, diapers, medicines in case pharmacies don’t take cards.
- Keep a day-pouch with Rs 1,000–2,000 in small notes for quick buys.
Honeymooners
- Confirm card acceptance with your resort and dive center in advance.
- Keep a private reserve for surprise dinners, beach transfers, and tips.
Friends/Groups
- Use a shared expenses app; settle up with UPI when signal is good.
- Nominate one “cash custodian” per day to simplify payments.
Safety, Packing, and Practicalities
- ATM safety: Use well-lit, bank-attached ATMs; shield PIN; keep withdrawal slips.
- Card care: Salt air/sand can damage magstripes—use protective sleeves.
- Waterproofing: Dry bags and waterproof phone pouches help keep cash/QRs usable.
- Receipts: Photograph receipts; intermittent data can delay SMS alerts.
FAQs
Q: Are ATMs widely available across the Andaman Islands?
A: Port Blair has many ATMs and banks. Havelock and Neil have a handful that can run out of cash. North/Middle Andaman and Little Andaman have few machines with sporadic availability. Always withdraw extra in Port Blair.
Q: Is UPI reliable in Andaman?
A: UPI is commonly accepted, but it depends on mobile data. Expect dropouts on ferries, beaches, and remote stretches. Carry cash as backup.
Q: Can I pay in USD/EUR?
A: No. Routine transactions require Indian Rupees. Exchange foreign currency in Port Blair at banks/authorized money changers or withdraw INR at ATMs with an international card.
Q: How much cash should I carry to Havelock and Neil?
A: For a couple, Rs 15,000–25,000 usually covers 2–3 days of meals, local transport, and small activities. Bring more if diving or booking private boats.
Q: Where is the best place to exchange currency in Andaman?
A: Port Blair—especially bank branches around Aberdeen Bazaar. Airport/hotel rates are typically worse. If possible, arrive with INR obtained on the mainland.
Validation
- Anchored sections provided and linked in the Table of Contents.
- Includes practical travel info: how to reach, accommodation, estimated costs.
- Covers local experiences, tourist circuits, activities, festivals, itineraries, and budget tips.
- Traveler-specific guidance for families, honeymooners, and friends included.
- FAQs section with clearly formatted Q/A pairs present.
Conclusion
In Andaman, cash still does the heavy lifting beyond Port Blair. Withdraw what you need before sailing to the outer islands, lean on cards at larger hotels and dive shops, and use UPI when the signal cooperates. With a sensible cash buffer, small denominations, and a few timing tricks, your island days will be about turquoise waters—not empty ATMs.
