Quick Answer
Wise is the best banking solution for most remote workers in India. Real exchange rates, 0.35–0.65% conversion fees, Visa/Mastercard ATM access nationwide. Main limitation: cannot receive INR transfers from Indian bank accounts directly.
Fees
Currency conversion: 0.35–0.65% to INR. Significantly cheaper than bank wires (2–4%) or airport exchange (3–6%).
ATM withdrawals: 2 free/month up to £200 equivalent. 1.75% fee after the free allowance.
UPI payments: Cannot link Wise to Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm — these require a local Indian bank account.
Setup Before You Arrive
1. Create account at wise.com at least 2 weeks before departure
2. Complete full identity verification
3. Order physical debit card (1–2 weeks shipping)
4. Fund in your home currency
5. Convert to INR before landing for best rates
Bottom Line
Wise covers 90% of what you need. Add an NRO account at HDFC or ICICI only if you need to receive rupee payments or use UPI.
Next steps: How to Open a Bank Account in India
*Last updated: April 2026*