Table of Contents
- Introduction
- ATMs in Port Blair: Locations, Limits, Fees
- Money Exchange in Port Blair: Where and How
- Digital Payments, Cards, and UPI
- Cash Planning for Island Hopping
- Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food
- Shopping in Port Blair
- Nearby Getaways
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs and Budgets
- Travel Tips and Money-Safety Essentials
- Traveler-Specific Money Tips
- FAQs: ATMs and Money Exchange in Port Blair
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, blends serene beaches, poignant history, and vibrant island life. Because you’ll likely use Port Blair as a base before heading to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), or Baratang, it’s also the most reliable place to withdraw cash and exchange foreign currency. This guide focuses on ATMs and money exchange in Port Blair, along with practical travel tips, budgets, and essential city highlights.
ATMs in Port Blair: Locations, Limits, Fees
Where you’ll find ATMs
- Veer Savarkar International Airport (arrival/departure areas often have ATMs).
- Aberdeen Bazaar and MG Road: the densest cluster of ATMs and bank branches.
- Phoenix Bay, Junglighat, Goal Ghar, Delanipur, Dollygunj, and Garacharma: scattered ATMs in busy neighborhoods.
Common banks include State Bank of India (SBI), Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Overseas Bank.
Availability and reliability
- ATMs are typically 24/7, but cash-outs can happen on weekends, holidays, and late nights.
- Connectivity issues occasionally impact withdrawals; try another machine or a different bank if a transaction fails.
- Airport and Aberdeen Bazaar ATMs are the most consistent for replenishing cash.
International card compatibility
- Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard; some accept Maestro/Cirrus.
- RuPay is for Indian-issued cards; not usable for foreign cards.
- If one bank declines your card, try another—acceptance varies by network.
Withdrawal limits and charges
- Per-transaction limits are often INR 10,000–20,000; you may make multiple withdrawals to reach your daily cap.
- Expect combined fees (issuer + network) of roughly INR 200–500 per withdrawal for foreign cards, plus your bank’s FX markup.
- Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Choose to be charged in INR for better rates.
Smart ATM use
- Withdraw in daylight from bank-attached ATMs where possible.
- Shield your PIN, take your receipt, and store cash discreetly in separate pouches.
- For large amounts, split withdrawals over multiple days to reduce risk.
Money Exchange in Port Blair: Where and How
Where to exchange currency
- Airport: Seasonal or limited-service counters may operate; hours can vary.
- Banks in town: SBI and select private banks (Axis, HDFC, ICICI) offer forex services at main branches.
- Authorized Money Changers (AMCs): Some travel desks and hotels partner with RBI-authorized changers—ask for licenses and proper receipts.
Documents required
- Foreign travelers: Passport with valid Indian visa and arrival stamp.
- Indian residents: PAN and valid ID as required by the bank.
- Always ask for an encashment certificate when converting foreign currency.
Rates, hours, and best practices
- Bank hours are generally Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00; Sat half-day; Sun closed. Hours can vary by branch.
- Airport and hotel counters may have convenience markups; banks usually offer better rates.
- Compare 2–3 quotes if time permits and count cash at the counter before leaving.
Note: Rules for who can exchange and limits can change. Check the latest requirements at the branch or official bank websites.
Digital Payments, Cards, and UPI
- Cards: Mid-range and upscale hotels, many restaurants, and dive shops accept Visa/Mastercard; smaller shops and taxis often prefer cash.
- UPI/QR: Widely used across India. Acceptance in Port Blair is good, but mobile data can be patchy in spots.
- Foreign visitors: Tourists generally cannot use UPI without an Indian bank account; some NRE/NRO and select international-linked accounts may work—confirm with your bank.
- Connectivity: Carry some cash as backup—card machines and QR payments can fail during network dips.
- Always decline DCC on card terminals and pay in INR for fairer conversion rates.
Cash Planning for Island Hopping
- Withdraw most of your cash in Port Blair before heading to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), Baratang, or remote beaches.
- Suggested carry (guide only):
- Havelock (2–3 days): INR 15,000–25,000 per couple for food, local transport, activities, and contingencies.
- Neil (1–2 days): INR 8,000–15,000 per couple.
- Baratang day trip: INR 3,000–6,000 per person including transport and entry fees.
- Keep small denominations (INR 10/20/50/100) for tuk-tuks, market snacks, and ferries.
- Government counters and smaller operators may prefer cash; private ferries may accept cards/UPI but don’t rely on it.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair
- Cellular Jail (Light & Sound Show): A moving window into freedom history.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Easy beach escape close to town.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (Ross Island) & North Bay: Ruins, deers, and snorkeling.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and nature trails.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum: Compact, informative stops.
- Mount Manipur National Park (Mount Harriet): Views across the bay.
Local Culture and Food
- Cuisine: Fresh seafood (crab, lobster, fish curry), along with South Indian and Bengali influences.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Plenty of dosa-idli joints and thalis around Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Drinks: Government-run ANIIDCO outlets sell liquor; carry cash and ID.
- Etiquette: Island life is unhurried—confirm service charges/taxes and payment mode before ordering.
Shopping in Port Blair
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Souvenirs, spices, handicrafts, and island wear.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Fixed prices, better quality assurance; cards more likely accepted.
- Important: Do not buy coral, shells, or turtle products—many are illegal. Ask for bills and avoid wildlife-derived items.
Nearby Getaways
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar, Elephant Beach (snorkeling).
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, natural bridge.
- Baratang: Mangroves, limestone caves; early start day trip from Port Blair.
- Diglipur (North Andaman): Ross & Smith twin islands—best with extra days.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (plus seasonal/connecting services). Airport: Veer Savarkar International (IXZ).
- By Sea: Government passenger ships operate from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam on limited schedules (multi-day voyages).
- Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, local buses, and scooter rentals. Many prefer cash; some accept UPI/cards depending on connectivity.
- Permits: Entry rules and island access for foreigners can change; check the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for current guidelines. Restricted/tribal areas remain off-limits.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500): Guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar and Phoenix Bay; cash often preferred.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–6,500): Boutique hotels and seafacing stays; cards commonly accepted.
- Premium (INR 7,000–15,000+): Resorts and business-class hotels; strong card acceptance and better Wi‑Fi.
Confirm payment modes while booking, especially if you plan to settle the bill at checkout.
Estimated Costs and Budgets
- Backpacker: INR 1,800–3,000 per day (local food, buses/tuk-tuks, budget stay, basic activities).
- Mid-range: INR 4,500–8,000 per day (nice hotel, restaurants, ferries, guided snorkeling).
- Comfort: INR 9,000–15,000+ per day (resort stays, private cabs, premium activities).
- ATM/FX: Plan for 1–3 withdrawals per week; factor INR 200–500 per ATM use for international cards plus your bank’s FX spread.
Travel Tips and Money-Safety Essentials
- Withdraw in Port Blair before island hops; top up on your return.
- Carry a mix of high-value notes and small change for ferries and markets.
- Store emergency cash separately; keep photos of key documents.
- Use bank-attached ATMs and avoid isolated machines at night.
- Confirm if your hotel takes cards and whether a service fee applies.
- Have offline maps and screenshots of bookings in case data drops during payments.
Traveler-Specific Money Tips
Families
- Budget extra for snacks, water, and quick cabs between sights.
- Choose hotels with confirmed card acceptance; keep cash for attractions and ferries.
Honeymooners
- Set aside cash for private transfers, candlelight dinners, and last-minute activities.
- Carry a backup card; avoid DCC and keep emergency cash for network blackouts.
Friends/Groups
- Split expenses via UPI if you have Indian accounts; otherwise rotate who pays and settle in cash.
- For scooter rentals and fuel, cash is fastest—keep small notes handy.
FAQs: ATMs and Money Exchange in Port Blair
Q: Are there ATMs at Port Blair airport?
A: Yes, ATMs are usually available at Veer Savarkar International Airport. If a machine is out of service or cash, use the clusters in Aberdeen Bazaar soon after arrival.
Q: Can I use international debit/credit cards in Port Blair?
A: Visa and Mastercard work at many ATMs and mid-range to premium hotels/restaurants. Smaller shops and taxis prefer cash. If one ATM declines, try another bank.
Q: Where can I exchange foreign currency in Port Blair?
A: Major bank branches in town (e.g., SBI) offer forex services. Airport/hotel counters may operate with higher markups. Always carry your passport and ask for an encashment certificate.
Q: Is UPI widely accepted? Can foreign tourists use it?
A: UPI is widely accepted in Port Blair, but network issues can interrupt payments. Tourists without Indian bank accounts typically cannot use UPI; some NRE/NRO setups may work—check with your bank.
Q: How much cash should I carry to Havelock or Neil?
A: As a guide, carry INR 15,000–25,000 per couple for 2–3 days in Havelock and INR 8,000–15,000 for 1–2 days in Neil. Adjust for diving, private transfers, and dining preferences.
Conclusion
Port Blair is your most dependable hub for cash withdrawals and currency exchange in the Andamans. Withdraw at the airport or Aberdeen Bazaar, use bank branches for better forex rates, and keep a cash buffer for ferries, markets, and network dropouts. With smart money planning and a mix of card, cash, and offline backups, you’ll explore Port Blair and the surrounding islands with confidence.
