Sending Money from California to India
How NRIs in California can send USD to INR. Bank options, fees, limits, regulatory notes, and the easiest way to transfer with Root.
For Indian-Americans in California sending money to India, navigating the USD to INR corridor can be both frequent and financially significant. With a large NRI community concentrated in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, efficient, low-cost remittances are essential. This guide explains how to use Root for fast, secure transfers from California to India, including key regulatory considerations, transfer steps, and FAQs tailored to your needs.
California hosts a dense concentration of Indian professionals, especially in Silicon Valley, where companies like Google, Apple, and startups employ thousands of NRIs. Cities like San Jose, Fremont, and Irvine have thriving Indian communities, making cross-border money transfers a regular financial activity for many families.
Quick Facts
Transfer Fee
$0 — Root charges zero fees
Exchange Rate
CHECK_LIVE (interbank rate)
Transfer Time
1-4 business days
State Regulation
Root is licensed as a Money Transmitter in California
How to Send — Step by Step
Download and Sign Up on Root
Create your account using your U.S. ID and California address. Verify your identity through the in-app process to start sending.
Add a Recipient in India
Enter the recipient's name, Indian bank account number, and IFSC code. Ensure accuracy — incorrect IFSC can delay or fail the transfer.
Enter Amount in USD or INR
Choose how much you want to send. Root shows the live exchange rate and estimated delivery amount in INR.
Pro tip: Send larger amounts during favorable rate windows to maximize value.
Review & Confirm Transfer
Check all details, including account numbers and IFSC. Confirm the transfer using your authentication method.
Track Your Transfer
Receive real-time updates via email and app notifications. Funds typically arrive in 1–4 business days.
Rules & Regulations
TCS Applies on Large Remittances
5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies in India on cumulative remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year under the LRS. This is collected by the remitting entity in India — not deducted by Root — but recipients may need to report it. Keep records of all transfers for compliance.
PAN & NRO Account Requirements
Indian banks may require the recipient’s PAN for transfers above ₹50,000 per transaction. Root currently supports NRO and regular savings accounts; NRE support is coming soon. Avoid sending to dormant accounts.
Prohibited Uses Under FEMA
FEMA regulations prohibit remittances for purposes like gambling, lottery, or real estate purchases by non-residents without RBI approval. Ensure your transfer complies with both U.S. and Indian regulations to avoid rejection.
Send Money from California to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery. Built for NRIs in California.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from California to India using Root without fees?
Yes, Root charges zero transfer fees for sending money from California to India. You only get the interbank exchange rate, so more of your USD becomes INR.
How long does it take to send money from San Francisco to Mumbai via Root?
Transfers from San Francisco to Mumbai typically take 1–4 business days. Processing starts immediately, but Indian bank settlement times may vary by city and bank.
Do I need to pay U.S. Excise Tax when sending money to India?
No, the proposed 1% U.S. Excise Tax on international wire transfers was not enacted as of early 2026. You are not required to pay this tax when using Root or any other service.
What happens if I enter the wrong IFSC code for a bank in Chennai?
If the IFSC code is incorrect, the transfer may be rejected or delayed. In some cases, funds return to the sender within 5–7 business days. Always double-check the IFSC, especially for common bank names with multiple branches.
Is there a limit on how much I can send from California to India?
As an NRI, you are not restricted by India’s LRS ($250,000 annual limit), which applies to resident Indians. However, Root may apply internal limits based on verification level or transaction history.