Visiting India – Everything You Need to Know Beforehand

Visiting India is a once in a lifetime travel experience that few destinations can compare to. India is a vibrant and diverse country that offers a sensory explosion of color, culture, and history, making it an irresistible destination for any adventurous traveler. With that being said, navigating India as a tourist can be challenging at times, as the country is so large and diverse with varying levels of infrastructure and transportation – not to mention the language barrier, safety concerns, and cultural differences. Thus, it is extremely important to plan your trip carefully and be prepared for some differences from what you might be used to. With some research, careful preparation, and flexibility, it is possible to navigate India easily and have a rewarding and unforgettable travel experience!

Having spent a total of two months in India now, I’ve compiled all my experiences into the ultimate survival guide to help you navigate India like a pro, so you can experience the trip of a lifetime!

Visa and Travel Documents

Visa requirements for India vary depending on the purpose and length of your visit, as well as your country of origin. As visa requirements are constantly changing, be sure to research whether you need a visa and what type. There is a tourist visa, business visa, employment visa, and medical visa. Thankfully, all of these can be covered simply by purchasing an e-Visa.

Citizens of over 150 countries are eligible for an e-Visa, which can be easily obtained online before traveling to India. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes, and is valid for up to 60 days. I applied for my 30 day e-Visa here and it cost me $25 USD.

Although India does not issue tourist visas to Pakistani nationals, it is completely safe for non-Pakistani visitors to visit India while traveling from Pakistan.

Make sure you have a valid passport, and when in doubt, it’s always best to check with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country for specific visa requirements and application procedures!

What Tourists Struggle with the Most

Based on my personal experiences and observations, here are some things I have noticed tourists in India may struggle with the most:

1. Culture Shock: India can be an intense shock to the nervous system for those not used to the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, the noise, the smells, the mannerisms, and the different customs and practices.
2. Transportation: The traffic and transportation systems in India can be overwhelming for visitors, especially in crowded cities. Honks are loud and incessant, and though there are technically traffic lights and rules, locals don’t typically follow them. It’s important to plan transportation in advance and be prepared for delays and challenges. Luckily, trustworthy ride-sharing apps such as Uber are accessible.
3. Language Barrier: While English is taught and widely spoken in India, there are still heavy language barriers in some areas, even the cities, and especially in more rural parts. Additionally, the broken English and accent can sometimes be difficult for native English speakers to understand.
4. Food and Water: The Indian cuisine can be spicy and overwhelming for many unaccustomed visitors, and drinking tap or unfiltered water is also a concern. It’s important to be careful about what and where one eats to avoid getting food poisoning.
5. Scams and Safety: Unfortunately, scams and safety concerns are quite prevalent in India, and visitors need to be aware of potential dangers and take necessary precautions.

*Please do not let these concerns deter you from experiencing India! This is an all-encompassing list, and when it comes to traveling ANY foreign country, it is much better to be prepared than to be sorry. India is a beautiful country that everyone should explore at least once, and by being aware of these challenges and taking steps to prepare for them, I guarantee you will have a much more enjoyable and safe travel experience!

Overview of Indian Culture and Etiquette

For someone visiting India for the first time, it’s important to have a basic understanding of Indian culture and traditions. Though there are many different religions, languages, and customs, here are the most common cultural practices that are important to know:

• Respect for elders and authority figures
  • This is especially important! Often times, security guards can give tourists a hard time with regards to taking photos and videos and it may feel unfair. Sometimes, they will ask for extra tip, and sometimes they will not budge no matter how much you plead or explain. For example, one time, a security guard was convinced that my friend and I were a romantic couple and that we were shooting engagement photos without a license or permission. There was zero evidence to base this accusation on, and he wanted us to delete our photos. This felt unfair as there were many other tourists with cameras, and so under such circumstances, one’s first instinct is to argue.
  • But the rule of thumb is to always speak politely and with manners. Things can escalate quickly if you begin to argue or yell loudly. I have seen tourists get arrested for this! We spoke to the security guard nicely, and he eventually apologized for the misunderstanding.
• Traditional dress and modesty in public spaces
  • Dressing modestly is important in India, especially in public spaces and religious sites. India is a conservative country with a strong emphasis on modesty and respect for cultural traditions, so it’s important for tourists to dress appropriately to avoid offending locals or attracting unwanted attention.
  • For women, I recommend wearing clothing that covers the shoulders, upper arms, and knees, and to avoid low-cut tops or short and tight-fitting clothing. Long skirts, dresses, or pants are good options, and a scarf or shawl can be useful for covering the head or shoulders (and also makes for a good photo prop). For men, it’s recommended to wear long pants and shirts that cover the shoulders.
  • It’s also important to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites or participating in cultural events (such as Holi or Diwali). In many cases, you may be required to cover your head or remove shoes before entering certain areas. By dressing modestly and respecting local customs, you can show appreciation for Indian culture and have a more positive travel experience!
• The importance of religion and spirituality
  • Religion and spirituality play a significant role in Indian culture, and are deeply ingrained in the daily lives of many Indians. India is a diverse country with a rich religious history, and is home to several major religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Christianity, among others. If you have time, or it interests you, I definitely recommend in participating in meditation and yoga retreats!
• Food
  • It’s important to be mindful of your tolerance for spicy foods. Indian cuisine is known for BOLD flavors and fragrant spices. And let me tell you, if you think you kow what hot and spicy is…Indians INVENTED hot and spicy! Whew! I generally have high spice tolerance and even I found some dishes to be quite fiery. You can try to ask for non-spicy or less spicy, but it’ll still be rather intense if you are not used to eating such flavors normally
  • Street food is also a big part of the Indian food scene, with vendors selling a range of tasty snacks. However, I would not recommend the street food scene to tourists unless you know your stomach can handle it, or if you are accustomed to eating street food in other countries. Many travellers to India have gotten sick from eating street food, so pack some charcoal pills just in case!
  • Be cautious about the cleanliness of utensils as well, to avoid any food-borne illnesses. Generally, I feel much more comfortable if street food and beverages are served in disposable cups and plates, that way I know the vendors are not reusing dirty dishes.
  • Indian food is very carb heavy – the main dish is almost always paired with either rice or a form of bread such as chapati, roti, naan, etc. This is something to keep in mind if you have a gluten allergy or any dietary restraints.
  • Much of the Indian population is vegetarian, and there are many delicious vegetarian dishes available! Some of my favorites are chana masala, saag paneer, and aloo gobi.
• The famous head wobble
  • The head wobble is a gesture used in India that can be confusing for visitors who are not familiar with it. In general, the head wobble is a non-verbal way of communicating agreement, acknowledgment, or understanding. It can also be used to express gratitude or to show respect. So if you ask a local a question, and he or she responds with a head wobble, just know that it generally means “yes” “ok” or “it’s fine.”
• The hustle and bustle of cities
  • Put simply – Indian cities are very loud. Haha. You will hear nonstop honking, and other intense sounds of traffic. Traffic lanes and rules are pretty much nonexistant, which means you need to be on high alert when walking on the streets or crossing one. Additionally, you’ll often find animals such as goats wandering around, and cows like to stand still in the middle of streets! This can all feel very foreign and jarring at first, but I promise it gets easier after a few days!
• Other cultural differences
  • Squat toilets are rather common in bathrooms, but western toilets are becoming more and more prevalent, especially in larger cities.
  • The concept of time is much more flexible in India so don’t expect everyone to be punctual! My local Indian friends joke about Indians operating on “Indian Standard Time”
  • Expect to bargain aggressively in markets. Merchants will definitely be marking up the prices rather extensively.
  • You will be approached and hassled in markets as the vendors and shopowners can be very aggressive with their sales tactics. Don’t worry – you won’t be grabbed or cursed at, but do expect many loud voices and constant calls for your attention. If you are not interested, keep your head looking forward and ignore the calls, or simply say “no, thank you” firmly.
  • Trash is everywhere. This is a bleak reality, though I am starting to notice more progressive movements towards keeping cities clean.
  • Locals will stare and ask to take photos with you. This is a very common practice with foreigners, so it’s pretty much unavoidable. If you are not comfortable with it, you can always politey decline to have your photo taken.

Transportation and Getting Around

Getting around in Indian cities can be overwhelming and confusing for tourists, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be a relatively hassle-free experience. Here are some tips for getting around in Indian cities:

1. Uber and Ola: Uber is widely used in India, as well as Ola, which is India’s version of Uber. Both apps are reasonably priced, and comparable to one another. You can check both when booking a ride to see which one has a lower price at the time of booking.
2. Take a rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Indian cities and you can easily spot them by their yellow and green colors (yellow on the top half, and green on the bottom half) They are the cheapest option for getting around, though be prepared for a bumpy and windy ride! They can be hailed from almost anywhere, and you can even book them directly on Uber or Ola. If you do not book with Uber or Ola, be sure to always negotiate the fare before getting in.
3. Public transportation: Public transportation is affordable and widely available. Options include buses, trains, and metro systems. If you are traveling between cities you can book a train on the Indian Railways website here, or take a flight. Spicejet, Air Asia, Indigo, and Air India are popular and trustworthy airlines. Trains are a cheaper alternative to flights, but of course, the travel duration is much longer. Overnight trains offer a decently comfortable fold out bed with a clean pillow and blanket, and there are both non-AC and AC options depending on which ticket class you purchase. Keep in mind – buses and trains are often delayed
4. Hire a driver: Hiring a driver for a day or more can be a convenient and affordable option if you plan to be doing a lot of sightseeing. Many hotels can arrange for a driver, or you can use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola. Additionally, if you take a ride with a driver that you find very pleasant, you can always ask him if he is willing to be your driver for the rest of the day or days.
5. Walk: Walking is a great way to explore Indian cities at a leisurely pace. Just be aware of traffic and pedestrian safety.
6. Avoid driving yourself: Driving in Indian cities can be chaotic and stressful, with narrow streets, heavy traffic, and unpredictable drivers. Unless you’re a confident and experienced driver, it’s best to avoid driving yourself!

Plan your route in advance and leave plenty of time to account for traffic and unexpected delays!

Money and Currency

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). The rupee is available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 2000 notes. At the time of this blog post, 1 Indian Rupee = 0.012 U.S. Dollars.

In India, cash is king. Always ALWAYS carry cash with you when traveling in India. ATMs are widely available and can be easily found in Indian cities, and while most major credit and debit cards are accepted at larger stores and malls, many taxi drivers and small shops do not accept credit cards. You will also need cash for smaller transactions such as tipping, boat/ferry fees, and entrance fees for smaller tourit sites.

I would avoid exchanging money at hotels, as they may offer lower exchange rates.

Bargaining

Bargaining is a common practice in India. In fact, it’s necessary, especially when shopping in markets and bazaars (but not for food). The initial price quoted by vendors is often much higher than the actual value of the item, even more so when they see you are a foreigner, so it’s imperative that you negotiate to get a better deal. Here are some tips for bargaining:

1. Start low: Begin by asking the price of the item you are interested in, and then offer a price that is significantly lower than the vendor’s initial price, but still reasonable.
2. Research the value: If possible or time permits, do some research to understand the fair market value of the item you’re interested in. Asking a local can also help give you a better idea of what you should be paying.
3. Be respectful: Bargaining is a normal practice in India, but it’s important to be respectful and not overly aggressive. Remember that vendors are trying to make a living. Keep a calm and friendly demeanor while haggling, as getting angry or upset will not help your cause.
4. Consider the big picture: Sometimes, it’s not really worth haggling over a few rupees! A few rupees may be immaterial to you but significant for Ithe vendor.
5. Walk away: If the vendor is unwilling to come down to a price that you feel is fair, don’t be afraid to walk away. When I’ve done this, most of the times the vendor will finally agree to the price I offered.

My best advice is to treat bargaining in India as a fun and rewarding experience! Remember to be respectful and not overly aggressive. You’ll walk away with plenty of treasures in no time!

How to Avoid Food Poisoning

India is notorious for inflicting many tourists with the much dreaded “Traveler’s Diarrhea” or “Delhi Belly”. To avoid having your trip ruined by being stuck to a toilet, here are some tips to help you avoid getting sick.

1. Choose safe food and drinks: Avoid street food (unless you are adventurous and have an iron stomach) and avoid raw or undercooked food. Stick to reputable restaurants and food vendors, and choose freshly cooked food. Food cooked over heat is safest.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before eating or handling food.
3. Water: Drink bottled water, and avoid tap water. If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to avoid filtered water also. Avoid drinks with ice unless you know the ice was made from clean water.
4. Be cautious with fruit and vegetables: Be cautious of salads and fruits that may have been washed in tap water. I would avoid raw vegetables, and stick to fruits that can be peeled, such as bananas and oranges.
5. Pay attention to food hygiene: Watch out for signs of poor food hygiene, such as dirty utensils or a lack of refrigeration.
6. Take probiotics: I do believe taking probiotics every day singlehandedly saved me from getting sick! Taking probiotics increases the good bacteria in your stomach and can help improve gut health and reduce the risk of food-related illnesses.
7. Bring medication just in case: Bring medication for traveler’s diarrhea and nausea. I like to bring charcoal pills with me on the off-chance I do get food poisoning as they help clear your gut more quickly!

By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting sick, so you can thoroughly enjoy the delicious flavors of Indian cuisine!

Safety and Security

Like most countries, India is generally a safe country if you are careful and know how to minimize dangers and risks. Here are some tips for staying safe in India:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: In a country that is as bustling and chaotic as the cities in India, it is extremely important to pay attention to your surroundings.
2. Dress conservatively: Dressing conservatively can help you avoid unwanted attention and respect local customs. As a foreigner, you will already be receiving plenty of ogling and outright staring regardless of what you are wearing, so it is better to not add a revealing outfit on top of that.
3. Avoid traveling alone at night: Overnight trains are fine as long as you keep track of your belongings, but it is best to avoid walking alone at night, if you are taking transportation, use Uber or Ola.
4. Use reputable transportation apps: To avoid scams and safety issues, use Uber or Ola.
5. Be cautious with your belongings: Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
6. Research before you go: Research your destination before you go to familiarize yourself with any safety concerns, entry rules, or any other regulations or fees. Not researching leaves you vulnerable to getting scammed or lost.
7. Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, always trust your instincts!

Scams

Unfortunately, like many tourist destinations around the world, India has its fair share of scams. Here are some of the most common scams that you may encounter in India:

1. Fake tour guides: Some people may approach you claiming to be tour guides and offer to take you to various tourist attractions. They may then take you to overpriced shops or demand a higher fee than agreed upon. My advice is to never go along with these people because you never know.
2. Overcharging: As mentioned above, taxi drivers and shopkeepers will overcharge tourists, especially those who are not familiar with local prices. Always negotiate and agree on a price before buying something, and use Uber or Ola to avoid taxi scams.
3. Pickpocketing and theft: Crowded areas like markets and public transportation are prime spots for pickpocketing and theft. Always keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
4. Fake charity schemes: Scammers may approach you asking for donations for a fake charity or orphanage. It’s best to donate to reputable organizations or directly to those in need.
5. Hotel booking scams: Some scammers may pose as hotel staff or travel agents and offer to book accommodation at a lower price. Always book through reputable channels and confirm directly with the hotel.
6. Fake tickets: Be cautious when buying tickets for attractions, shows or events from street vendors, as they may be fake. Always book from the official ticket window, or online if you can.
7. Unsolicited help or gifts: Many scammers may offer to help you with your bags or directions and then demand payment. Similarly, they may offer you a gift such as a bracelet and claim it is “free” and insist you take it, but then demand payment once you do

Be aware of these scams and don’t fall for them!

Health and Vaccinations

Protect yourself from insects! Wear insect repellent if you are prone to getting bit as mosquitos are extremely rampant in India. Although vaccinations are not necessary to enter the country, you may want to consult with your healthcare provider before traveling to India if you want extra safety cushion.

Language and Communication

Learning some basic phrases in Hindi can really help you communicate more effectively for basic needs. Here are some common phrases I picked up that I feel are helpful to know when visiting India:

1. Namaste: This is a common greeting in India that means “hello” or “welcome”. It is often accompanied by a slight bow or hands pressed together in front of the chest.
2. Shukriya: This means “thank you” in Hindi.
3. Accha: This word can mean “okay”, “good”, or “fine” depending on the context. You will hear this very often.
4. Kitna hai?: This means “how much does it cost?” and can be useful when shopping.
5. Kahan hai?: This means “where is it?” and can be useful when asking for directions.
6. Aap kaise ho?: This means “how are you?” or “what’s yup?'” and is a common casual greeting.
7. Chello: This means “let’s go” and is often used when going somewhere or starting a journey.
8. Khana hai: This means “I am hungry” and can be useful when looking for a place to eat.
9. Paani: This means “water” and can be useful when asking for bottled water.

When all else fails, I found google translate to be very helpful as well :p

To Summarize: Do’s and Don’ts in Indian culture

Do’s:

1. Respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting religious sites.
2. Ask for permission before taking someone’s photo, especially women and children.
3. Remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
4. Respect elders and those in positions of authority.
5. Always bargain in markets and street shops to get the best prices.
6. When eating street food, verify that the vendor is not reusing unwashed silverware and cups
7. It is okay to wear traditional Indian clothing for photos, locals will compliment you and love that you are showing appreciation for their culture.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t show public displays of affection.
2. Don’t wear revealing clothing.
3. Don’t wear shoes inside temples or mosques
4. Don’t ask for beef or openly discuss wanting to eat it, as cows are considered sacred in Hindu culture.
5. Don’t point, or use your finger to beckon someone, as it is considered impolite.
6. Don’t drink tap water, or else you drink at risk

Conclusion

Now you are ready to travel India like a pro! Again, do not let these precautions unsettle you or deter you from visiting India. Travel to any country always comes with its own risks and dangers, and it is always better to be prepared. India is a country of incredible diversity, beauty, and complexity that has captured the hearts and imaginations of travelers for centuries. With its rich history, fascinating culture, delicious cuisine, and warm and welcoming people, India is truly a destination like no other. So if you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, visit India and experience all the wonder and magic it has to offer!