Before You Go
1. E-Visa is easy: Apply 4-30 days before arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in. 30-day single entry costs $25. Don't use third-party sites that charge extra.
2. Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccines, but strongly recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters. Consult a travel clinic 6 weeks before departure.
3. Travel insurance is non-negotiable: Medical evacuation from remote areas can cost $50,000+. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if trekking.
4. Download offline: Google Maps offline for your cities, Ola/Uber apps, Google Translate Hindi/local language pack, and WhatsApp (India runs on WhatsApp for bookings/communication).
5. Get a local SIM immediately: Jio or Airtel at the airport — ₹500-700 for 30 days of unlimited data. You'll need it for UPI payments, ride-hailing, and maps.
Health & Stomach Safety
6. The "Delhi Belly" protocol: Drink only bottled/filtered water (check seal is intact). Avoid ice in drinks at street stalls. Eat at busy places with high turnover. Peel fruit yourself. Carry Imodium, ORS sachets, and a course of Azithromycin (get a prescription from your travel clinic pre-trip).
7. Street food strategy: India's street food is incredible — don't skip it entirely out of fear. Rules: eat where locals queue, avoid pre-cut fruit, choose freshly fried/cooked items (golgappa, freshly fried samosa, just-off-the-tandoor naan). Your stomach usually adjusts in 2-3 days.
8. Pharmacies are everywhere: "Medical stores" on every block sell most medications without prescription and at very low cost. Useful for antibiotics, electrolytes, antihistamines.
Money, Scams & Transport
9. UPI is king: India is nearly cashless in cities. Get Google Pay or PhonePe linked to your local SIM — even auto-rickshaws accept QR codes. Keep ₹2,000-3,000 cash as backup for rural areas.
10. Common scams to know: "My shop is just around the corner" (tourism commission redirect), fake tourist office near New Delhi station, "temple is closed today" (guide scam), inflated taxi meters. Always verify with Google Maps, book official taxis from airport prepaid counters.
11. Train travel is amazing: Book IRCTC trains 60-120 days ahead for reserved berths. Second AC (2A) or Third AC (3A) is comfortable and safe. Overnight trains save hotel nights. Alternatively, use Vande Bharat Express for premium day trains between major cities.
12. Ride-hailing solves everything: Ola and Uber work in all major cities. Always cheaper and safer than negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers, especially at night or at tourist spots.
Culture & Etiquette
13. Dress conservatively at religious sites: Cover shoulders and knees at temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. Remove shoes before entering. Some temples ban leather — leave belts and bags outside.
14. Left hand/right hand: Use your right hand for eating, giving/receiving items, and greeting people. The left hand is considered unclean.
15. Tipping guide: Restaurants — 10% if no service charge is included. Hotels — ₹50-100 per bag for porters, ₹200-500/day for housekeeping at upscale hotels. Drivers — ₹200-500 per full day. Tour guides — ₹500-1000 per day. Rounding up auto fares is appreciated but not expected.
