Why is USDT More Expensive in India Than the Global Rate?
Many crypto users in India notice that USDT (Tether) often costs more than $1 when converted into INR. While globally it stays close to the $1 mark, in India, it’s not unusual to see ₹2–₹5 difference per USDT.
Reasons for the Price Difference
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Demand & Supply Imbalance
In India, USDT is one of the most used cryptocurrencies for trading and remittances. Demand is high, but supply is limited because of restrictions on direct fiat-to-crypto channels. When more people want to buy than sell, the price naturally rises. -
Regulatory Barriers
Indian banks have limited direct support for crypto. This creates a “premium” in the P2P market, as users rely on informal sellers or third-party exchangers. -
Liquidity Issues
Unlike large global exchanges, Indian platforms sometimes have less liquidity, so prices swing more quickly. -
Risk Premiums
Sellers often add extra margins to cover risks like payment delays or fraud in P2P transactions.
What Can Users Do?
If you want to avoid paying unusually high premiums, it’s best to:
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Compare rates across multiple platforms.
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Use reliable exchangers that publish transparent fees.
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Prefer TRC-20 USDT for cheaper transfers compared to ERC-20.
Many Indian traders point to platforms such as Changebuz.com, where the exchange fee is a flat 1.5%. That level of transparency can help reduce hidden costs compared to P2P markets where prices vary.
Final Thoughts
The higher price of USDT in India is not unusual — it reflects the local demand-supply gap and regulatory environment. While the premium may never disappear completely, users can minimize costs by choosing exchangers with clear fees and stable liquidity.