19 Best Tips For Traveling To India For First-Time Visitors

India can be overwhelming, busy, and confusing at times. It takes time to adjust to the frenetic energy and learn how to stay healthy, safe, and sane. Despite its challenges, India is rewarding with remarkable sights, unique experiences, delicious food, incredible nature, and a rich cultural heritage. If you follow our best tips for traveling to India, you will not face any hassle while traveling.

Pro Travel Tips When Traveling To India: Ultimate Travel Guide

In this article, we will help you to get the most out of your trip by discussing the best tips for travel to India. Stay connected with us and make your checklist to travel to India!

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting India

Avoid Trying to Cover Too Much Ground

A crucial tip for traveling in India is to limit the number of stops on your itinerary and spend more time in each location, rather than attempting to cover too much ground during your trip. The sensory overload in busy Indian cities requires time for rest and recovery.

Overextending yourself can lead to burnout and fatigue. Instead, focus on exploring fewer destinations in greater depth for a more enjoyable trip and more opportunities to connect with the local people.

Prepare for Cultural Shock

Upon arrival in India, it’s almost certain that you will experience cultural shock. Rather than resisting it, prepare yourself and acknowledge that things will differ from what you are used to at home. Keep an open mind and leave your expectations behind.

Pack Traveler’s Diarrhea Medication

Unfortunately, many travelers to India encounter the infamous “Delhi Belly.” Despite your efforts, your body may not be accustomed to the diverse bacteria in Indian water and food. Carrying traveler’s diarrhoea medication with you is wise before you need it.

If you face any stomach issues and if it persist for over three or four days, seek medical attention as you may require an antibiotic.

Explore Beyond the Cities

While India’s major cities like Delhi and Mumbai are exhilarating, it’s also worthwhile to venture outside and visit some of the smaller villages. The slower pace of life and the authentic cultural experiences in these villages can provide a different perspective on India’s diversity.

Dress Modestly and Cover Yourself

Despite the warm weather in India, it is important to avoid wearing revealing clothing such as mini skirts or low-cut tops. This is because India is a conservative destination and dressing in a revealing way may attract unwanted attention.

Additionally, when visiting religious sites like temples, it is considered disrespectful to dress inappropriately. It is advisable to pack lightweight long pants, shirts that cover your shoulders, and a shawl or sarong to cover up. It is one of the best tips for traveling to India.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering a Temple

It is customary for many temples to require visitors to remove their footwear before entering. Therefore, it is recommended to wear easily removable shoes such as sandals.

If you are concerned about the safety of your shoes outside the temple, you can either keep them in your backpack or give a small amount of money to the temple attendant to watch over them.

Obtain a SIM Card or eSIM for Your Phone

Having access to your phone while traveling in India can greatly simplify your trip. It allows you to navigate with Google Maps, read restaurant reviews, and quickly check travel websites for the best tips for traveling to India. Upon arrival, acquiring a SIM card with data for your phone should be a priority.

Finding a local SIM card in India can be challenging, so purchasing an international SIM card like TravelSim is a convenient option. TravelSim can be used in multiple countries, making it useful for travelers visiting places other than India.

Don’t Be Afraid For Local Pharmacy

Some travelers may avoid going to a local pharmacy when they are ill due to nerves, but there is nothing to fear. In India, pharmacies are inexpensive and welcoming, providing antibiotics and other medications without a prescription. Seeing a doctor is often affordable and of good quality.

Learn Haggling

Best tips for traveling to India also include Haggling. Haggling is a common practice in India, but it may seem unfamiliar to those from cultures where it is not the norm. It’s important to remember that it’s a friendly negotiation, not a battle. Vendors often start with high prices, expecting customers to counter with lower offers.

It is essential to haggle because prices are negotiable, and not doing so could result in overpaying. If a seller won’t lower the price, walking away may prompt them to reconsider. Foreigners may end up paying more, so it’s best not to stress over small differences.

Beware of Pickpockets

When you find yourself in a crowded public area, stay vigilant to ensure the safety of your personal belongings. Avoid keeping your wallet, passport, or phone in your back pocket – instead, place them in your front pocket or a pocket with a zipper.

Refrain from wearing excessively expensive jewellery or accessories – opt for simplicity and only carry essential items.

Carry Hand Sanitizer and Toilet Paper

Carrying hand sanitizer and toilet paper is essential for your trip to India. Public washrooms often lack these basic hygiene supplies, making it difficult to maintain cleanliness. Hand sanitizer helps you keep your hands germ-free, especially before eating or after touching surfaces in public places.

Toilet paper is not commonly provided in many restrooms, which can be inconvenient. Bringing your own ensures you are prepared for any situation.

Beware of the Common Travel Scams

There are several recurring travel scams to be cautious of to avoid being deceived. For instance, a typical scam involves a taxi driver claiming to be unfamiliar with your hotel, even if it’s well-known.

They may also insist that your hotel has closed or relocated to steer you towards another hotel where they receive a commission. To prevent falling for this scam, be prepared with your hotel’s address and phone number to verify its location.

Be Cautious of Counterfeit Ticket Offices

In major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, fake train ticket stations and tourist information offices may attempt to sell you worthless tickets for your journey. It is wise to have a phone with a SIM card so you can verify the legitimacy of the company online. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t Count on Punctuality

Keep in mind that things operate on “Indian Time.” Trains may not depart as scheduled, friends may be late, and tasks may take longer than anticipated. Plan for delays and bring a book to pass the time while waiting for things to eventually fall into place.

 Couples – Avoid Public Displays of Affection

When traveling to India with your partner, it’s best to refrain from showing affection in public such as hugging, kissing, or holding hands. These public displays of love are not culturally acceptable in India and may be viewed unfavourably.

It is important to show respect for the local culture by keeping your affections private.

Inspect Water Bottle

Inspect the bottled water carefully before making a purchase. Unfortunately, some store owners may refill water bottles with tap water and reseal them for resale. To avoid getting sick, always check the water before buying. Most bottled water will have a plastic seal, so if it’s broken, avoid purchasing it.

Count Your Changes Diligently

Count your change diligently. This advice applies globally. Always double-check your change when making purchases or payments, as mistakes are common and you may receive the incorrect amount back.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance

Traveling without insurance is risky, and this applies to India as well. With travel insurance, you will be covered for medical treatment, theft, lost luggage, cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. This will provide peace of mind and assurance that you will be taken care of no matter what happens during your trip.

Carefully Walk On The Sidewalk

Be cautious when walking on Indian streets as there may not be a proper sidewalk. The streets are crowded with cows, motorbikes, rickshaws, people, and stray animals.

If there is a sidewalk, it may be poorly maintained with potential hazards. Therefore, it is important to watch your step and be aware of your surroundings.

How to Prepare for Travel to India?

It may be tricky to find what to bring when traveling to India. However, we are providing some key tips for preparing for travel to India:

Visa and Documentation

• Apply for your Indian visa well in advance, as processing can take several weeks
• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages
• Carry photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents in case of loss or theft

Health and Safety

• Get recommended vaccinations like hepatitis A and typhoid at least 4-6 weeks before travel Pack a basic first aid kit with medications, bandages, antiseptic, etc.
• Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation
• Register with your embassy or consulate and provide them with your itinerary

Cultural Awareness

• Learn some basic Hindi phrases like “namaste” and “dhanyavaad” to be polite
• Research cultural etiquette like covering up in religious sites and removing shoes
• Be aware of local laws and customs, especially around photography, alcohol, and dress
• Maintain an open mind, patience and a sense of humour when dealing with the chaos

Packing Tips

• Pack lightweight, breathable, and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees
• Bring a power adapter and chargers for your electronics
• Carry copies of your prescriptions and a doctor’s note for any medications
• Pack a small flashlight, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer for when facilities are basic

What to Wear For a Trip to India?

You may have difficulty while making a packing list for India. Here are the key tips to make a list of what to wear on a trip to India:

What Clothing To Bring To India?

• Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon
• Bring a mix of casual and slightly dressier outfits
• Include long pants, skirts, and shirts that cover your shoulders and knees
• Avoid tight, revealing, or short clothing that may attract unwanted attention
• Bring a light jacket, shawl, or scarf to cover up for cooler weather or religious sites

What Shoes To Bring To India? 

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good traction
• Sandals or flip-flops can be worn for warm weather and beaches
• Sturdy hiking boots may be useful if planning outdoor activities
• Avoid brand-new shoes that may cause blisters during lots of walking

The key is to pack modest, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable while also being respectful of Indian cultural norms. 

Layering with a light jacket or scarf provides flexibility for different weather and situations. And be sure to wear practical, broken-in shoes to handle India’s diverse terrain.

What not to Bring to India?

Here are the key tips on what not to bring to India:

Valuables and Electronics

• Avoid bringing expensive jewellery, watches, or other valuables that could attract unwanted attention or get lost
• Pack light and limit large, bulky luggage that can be difficult to manage
• Bring only essential electronics and chargers, as power requirements may differ
• Avoid packing excessive toiletries, medications, or other items that can be easily purchased locally

Prohibited Items

• Do not attempt to bring in prohibited items like drugs, weapons, ivory, or wildlife products
• Certain electronics like satellite phones and radio transmitters also require special permits
• Carefully review the list of restricted and prohibited goods before packing to ensure compliance

Cash and Currency

• Carry only the minimum amount of cash needed for your trip, as excessive amounts can be risky
• Be aware of India’s limits on importing and exporting currency, which are strictly regulated
• Use credit/debit cards whenever possible and notify your bank of your travel plans

By following these best tips for traveling to India, you can avoid any issues with Indian customs and focus on enjoying your incredible journey. 

Staying within the rules will make your travel experience much smoother.

Traveling to India offers a unique and enriching experience, filled with remarkable sights, delicious food, and vibrant culture. While the journey can be challenging, these best tips for travelling to India will help you navigate the complexities and make the most of your trip. By planning carefully, staying aware of common pitfalls, and keeping an open mind, you’ll be well-prepared to embrace all that India has to offer.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)