India Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know for Your First Time in India

India is a beautiful country with so many things to do and so much to see. However, it can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if it’s your first time in the country! Keep reading for all of the most important India travel tips for your first time visiting this country. Don’t forget to check out my other India posts as well!

India Travel Tips

You Must Have an India Visa

Always know the entry requirements before traveling to a new country. You cannot get your visa on arrival in India, it must be done ahead of time. Luckily, you can now apply for a visa online at the official India e-visa website.

For more info, check out my post: Applying for an India Visa.

Get a Prepaid Sim Card

You can actually get a prepaid SIM card for your phone before you even leave the airport. It takes a few hours to activate, but it will definitely come in handy on your trip. WiFi can be hard to find in India and it isn’t the most reliable. And, a SIM card only costs just over 10 USD and lasts for more than 80 days.

For more info on getting a SIM card when you arrive in New Delhi, check out my Indira Gandhi Airport post.

Dress Modestly

In India (mostly as a female) you will receive a lot of unwanted attention from the men. Honestly, this will happen whether you dress modestly or not. But, it may help avoid a bit of the unwanted attention. While there is no dress code, it is required for you to cover up your shoulders and legs before entering certain holy/religious places (mosques, temples, etc.).

Check Business Hours Ahead of Time

If you want to visit the Taj Mahal (as most people do) you must keep in mind that it is closed on Fridays. The last thing you want to do is plan one day in Agra for the Taj only for it to be closed. Always check business hours for the places you want to see while planning your trip.

Be Smart With What (and Where) You Eat

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‘Delhi Belly’ aka food poisoning is very common in India. Always make sure to drink only from sealed bottles of water and eat where the food is freshly cooked. Sanitary practices in India are not nearly the same as what you’ll find in the US and may be a bit shocking. It would be smart to bring some medications for upset stomachs, headaches, etc. with you on your trip just in case. Also, though street food is usually the best, it’s also the most common cause of food poisoning in India. Check reviews before eating out but always eat at your own discretion.

Safety

I don’t say this to deter anyone from traveling to India, but it honestly is the only country I have ever traveled to where I felt at any point like I was unsafe. It’s very important that you stay aware of your surroundings at all times, be wary of who you talk to, and avoid walking or using public transportation late at night or very early in the morning. Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you (or at least make sure it’s in a very safe place, cross body bags are good) and don’t walk with your phone in your hand. Locals on motorbikes (especially in Delhi) will drive by and grab your phone right out of your hand. Make note of the emergency phone numbers when you arrive and keep them handy just in case.

Prices are Much Higher for Foreigners in India

Don’t be surprised to see that the price you’re being charged for entry fees is more than 10x what locals pay. I was told (by a local) that this is because while they need to make money, they can’t charge the same for locals because then they would never actually come.

Take Advantage of the Tours

I personally am not a big fan of guided tours as I would prefer to do things at my own pace. However, India can be very overwhelming at times (for many reasons) so having a tour guide can really help ease you into things and allow you to get used to your surroundings if it’s your first time here. Group tours can also be a great way for solo travelers to meet other people along the way.

Always be Aware of Scammers

Unfortunately, India is pretty well known for taking advantage of tourists. It could be something as simple as not giving you back the correct amount of change, which actually happens often. They know that you are new here and not completely familiar with the money yet, so it’s easy for them to give you less than the correct amount of change without you noticing. Always count your change and make sure it’s the correct amount.

Another common scam is when they tell you that your train has been cancelled and you must book another ticket with their tour company. Or, they will say that they can’t take you to certain touristy places in their tuk tuk so you must pay for a taxi for the day. If you ever doubt what you’re being told, leave and ask someone else. Never trust a stranger telling you that you have to buy something from them or go somewhere other than where you’re wanting to. It’s almost always a scam.

Agree on an Amount Before Entering a Taxi or Tuk Tuk

This is another common scam in India. If you just take off in a taxi or tuk tuk without agreeing on a price first, they can (and will) try to charge you however much they want which typically is a ridiculously high amount. Always ask the amount before you even get in and make sure they agree on a price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price, either.

Visit More than Just the Touristy Spots

One of the best India travel tips I can give is to visit the less touristy spots. Yes, the touristy spots are always the most popular, but that doesn’t make them the best. I try to always wander off at least once and find something new and interesting on my own. I usually find all of the best places this way!

Be Prepared for Some Very Wild Traffic

In India, they drive on the left side of the road. However, it’s not uncommon at all for drivers to be on the wrong side of the road, in between lanes, or basically just driving however they want. Crossing streets when you’re walking can be a nightmare but just walk with confidence and trust that they will go around you.

Wear a Mask or Scarf

Not for fashion, but to protect yourself from the dust and pollution. Pollution levels are worse in India than any other country in the world. Every day while we were in India the air quality was labeled either “Very Unhealthy” or “Hazardous” which is, obviously, not good. After spending the entire day outside I would struggle to breathe properly by the end of the day. I used a scarf to cover my face most of the day but it still was pretty rough. The pollution in India is no joke.

What are some of your best India travel tips? Share in a comment below!

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Don’t forget to check out these other India posts:

• A Trip to the Taj Mahal
• The Best Places to Visit in Delhi
• Agra, India Travel Guide
• Sheroes Hangout in Agra, India
• The Best Places to Visit in Jaipur
• Indira Gandhi International Airport
• Applying for an India e-Visa
• Train Travel in India