11 Road Trip Essentials for Hassle-Free Travel in India

9. Cash, FASTag & Local Payments

Cash still matters in many roadside situations. Keep small-denomination notes for dhabas, toll helpers and rural purchases where card or UPI acceptance can be inconsistent. Activate and top up your FASTag before leaving; it’s the quickest way through toll plazas and reduces stoppage time. Carry a backup payment option like a debit or credit card, and ensure your bank’s international limits are correctly set if you’re using a co-branded card. Note that mobile networks may drop in some areas; avoid relying solely on UPI for emergency payments. Keep a small, hidden emergency cash stash in addition to the main wallet to cover unexpected needs. A short list of local contacts—garage numbers, hotel reservation confirmations and emergency contacts—on paper helps when phone service is poor. Ready payments and organised cash reduce time wasted at small stops.