Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting India. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
Best SIM Provider
Jio
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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Essential Apps
UberWorks in all major cities
OlaIndia's largest ride-hailing app — cars, autos, and bikes
RapidoBest for auto-rickshaws and bike taxis
Notes for Visitors
- UPI payments require an Indian bank account — tourists will rely on cash and cards
- Uber and Ola work with international cards
- International SIM recommended for data — Jio and Airtel offer tourist SIMs at airports
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a tourist SIM at the airport (Jio or Airtel). Requires passport and photo. Activation can take a few hours. Data is incredibly cheap — unlimited plans for under $5/month.
- eSIM available through Airalo and Saily
- Jio has the best overall coverage and cheapest data
- WiFi available in hotels and cafes but can be slow
WiFi Reliability
Hotel and café WiFi varies widely. Major chains offer decent speeds. Coworking spaces in tech hubs have reliable high-speed connections.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
India is rapidly going digital with UPI payments everywhere. Cards accepted at malls, hotels, and chain restaurants. Cash still essential for street food, local shops, auto-rickshaws, and rural areas.
ATM Tips
ATMs widely available (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis). Max withdrawal usually ₹10,000-20,000. Use ATMs inside bank branches for safety. Some ATMs run out of cash in smaller towns.
Tipping Culture
Not mandatory but appreciated. Restaurants: 10% if no service charge. Hotels: ₹50-100 per bag. Drivers: round up. Tour guides: ₹200-500/day.
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe) is the dominant payment method but requires an Indian bank account
- Many small shops prefer cash or UPI over cards
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Available at all major airports. Fixed rates by zone. Pay at counter inside terminal.
Available at most airports. Use designated pickup areas.
Airport metro lines available in select cities. Cheap and avoids traffic.
Local Transport
Most convenient option in cities. Available for cars, autos, and bikes.
Iconic three-wheelers. Negotiate fare or insist on meter.
Excellent in Delhi, growing in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai.
Mumbai's lifeline. Extremely crowded during rush hours but efficient.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
India requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Left
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 100 hwy
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Renting a car in India
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in India across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- Use Uber/Ola instead of auto-rickshaws after dark
- Dress conservatively, especially outside tourist areas
- Kerala, Goa, and Rajasthan tourist areas are generally safer for solo women
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with someone
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018. Urban areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have growing LGBTQ+ scenes. Public displays of affection are uncommon for all couples. Rural areas remain conservative.
- Mumbai and Delhi have visible LGBTQ+ nightlife
- Discretion advised in smaller towns and rural areas
- Goa is relatively progressive and welcoming
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is limited and inconsistent. Major airports and newer hotels have some facilities. Public transport, sidewalks, and historic sites are generally not wheelchair-accessible.
- Delhi Metro has elevators and ramps at most stations
- Major international hotels have accessible rooms
- Newer malls generally have accessibility features
- Historic forts and temples often have steps and uneven surfaces
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Crowded train stations (New Delhi, Mumbai CST)
- Major tourist sites (Taj Mahal, Jaipur)
- Busy markets and bazaars
- Crowded buses and local trains
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Prepaid Taxi Overcharging
Drivers at airports or stations quote inflated prices or claim your hotel is closed to take you elsewhere.
Prevention: Use official prepaid taxi counters or Uber/Ola. Confirm hotel booking before traveling.
Gem/Carpet Export Scam
Friendly locals offer to show you a 'special deal' on gems or carpets that you can resell for profit.
Prevention: There is no profit. Never buy anything based on promises of resale value.
Free Tour Guide Scam
Someone offers a 'free' tour at monuments then demands a large payment or takes you to commission shops.
Prevention: Politely decline unsolicited guides. Hire official guides from tourism offices.
Rigged Meters
Auto-rickshaw drivers with tampered meters or who refuse to use the meter.
Prevention: Insist on the meter or agree on fare before starting. Use Uber/Ola when possible.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
India's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
10-24°C (50-75°F)
Low rainfall
Warming up, still pleasant
Mar – May
22-36°C (72-97°F)
Low rainfall
Very hot in most regions
Jun – Aug
25-33°C (77-91°F)
Very High rainfall
Full monsoon. Heavy rains across the country.
Sep – Nov
20-32°C (68-90°F)
Medium rainfall
Post-monsoon, pleasant. Festival season (Diwali, Dussehra).
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, D, M
India uses Type C, D, and M plugs. European plugs (Type C) work in many outlets. US/UK travelers need an adapter. Power outages are common — carry a portable charger.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English is an official language and widely used in business, tourism, and urban areas. Hindi is the most commonly spoken language. South India uses English more than Hindi.
Essential Phrases
Namaste
Hello (formal greeting)
nah-mah-STAY
Dhanyavaad
Thank you
dhan-ya-VAHD
Kitna?
How much?
KIT-nah
Haan / Nahi
Yes / No
haan / nah-HEE
Kripya
Please
KRIP-yah
Maaf kijiye
Excuse me / Sorry
mahf kee-JEE-yeh
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
India is arguably the best country for vegans. Many traditional dishes are plant-based. Look for 'pure veg' restaurants. South Indian cuisine offers many naturally vegan options.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
India has the largest vegetarian population in the world. 'Pure veg' restaurants are everywhere. Many regions have predominantly vegetarian cuisines. Clearly labeled on menus.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice-based dishes are common, especially in South India. Many dishes use chickpea flour (besan) instead of wheat. However, wheat (roti/naan) is staple in North India — ask specifically.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires pre-clearance tracking, localized clinical validation, and advanced government import licenses.
Timeline
30-45 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
Medium if permit missing
Regulatory Framework
Advance Government No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Import Permit.
Key Constraints
Banned from commercial flight cabin spaces on specific airlines. Supplementary vaccine sets required.
Pet Culture
Highly structured or fragmented urban terrain. Best within dedicated expat pockets and private developments.
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Cultural Tips
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples
Use your right hand for eating and greeting — the left hand is considered unclean
Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites
Head wobble (side-to-side) generally means 'yes' or 'I understand'
Bargaining is expected at markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers
Namaste with hands together is a respectful greeting
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Indian 'spicy' is on another level entirely. Start mild and work your way up.
Traffic rules are more like suggestions. Horns are a language of their own.
When someone says '5 minutes,' think 30. Time is flexible.
Chai is not just tea — it's a way of life and a conversation starter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drinking tap water — always use bottled or filtered water
Not bargaining at markets — prices are often inflated for tourists
Underestimating distances — India is massive, plan travel time carefully
Eating street food too eagerly on day one — let your stomach adjust first
Wearing revealing clothing at religious sites
Expecting everything to run on time — patience is essential
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in India
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
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