What Currency Is Rupees?

"Rupees" refers to several national currencies including those of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Learn what it means and where it’s used.

What Currency Is "Rupees"? (UK Guide to Rupee Currencies Around the World)

The word “rupees” refers to several national currencies used across South Asia and parts of Africa. If you're booking travel, handling remittances, or browsing foreign prices, it’s important to understand that "rupees" is not tied to a single country. This guide explains what “rupees” are, where they’re used, and what UK travellers and senders should know.

What Does “Rupees” Mean?

“Rupees” is the plural form of "rupee", which is the name of the official currency in multiple countries. The term originated from the Sanskrit word “rūpya”, meaning “wrought silver.”

Several countries use a version of the rupee, each with its own value, code, and central bank.

Countries That Use the Rupee

Country Currency Name Symbol ISO Code

India Indian rupee ₹ INR

Pakistan Pakistani rupee ₨ PKR

Sri Lanka Sri Lankan rupee Rs LKR

Nepal Nepalese rupee रु NPR

Mauritius Mauritian rupee Rs MUR

Seychelles Seychellois rupee SR SCR

Each of these currencies is different and not interchangeable, despite sharing the name "rupees."

Are All Rupees Equal?

No. Each rupee has a different:

  • Exchange rate

  • Banknote design

  • Symbol and ISO code

  • Monetary authority

For example:

  • ₹100 INR ≠ ₨100 PKR

  • LKR, MUR, and NPR all have significantly different values and inflation rates

Always verify the country and currency code (like INR or PKR) before exchanging or sending money.

Tips for UK Travellers

  • Use a multi-currency travel card like Wise, Monzo or Starling to avoid fees and handle conversions in local rupees

  • If exchanging money, know the ISO code (e.g. INR vs LKR) to avoid confusion

  • Avoid bringing rupees back to the UK—many are non-convertible or hard to re-exchange

  • Never assume one rupee is worth the same as another

FAQs

Is “rupees” a global currency?
No. It’s a shared name among several distinct currencies. Always check the country and code.

Can I use Indian rupees in Sri Lanka or Nepal?
No. Only the local version of the rupee is accepted in each country.

Can I exchange rupees in the UK?
You can typically exchange INR, PKR, and LKR in major UK cities. NPR, MUR, and SCR may be harder to source.