India has been one of the best travel decisions I have made until now. Vibrant and exhilarating cultural capital has not disappointed me in any way. However, it’s important to note that to enjoy India you should keep in mind a couple of things.
Such as 1) staying connected with a good SIM card. 2) Always carry a bottle of water with yourself 3) Uber around 4) Get a good mosquito repellent 5) Be cautious with food and others.
To keep your trip enjoyable and stress-free I have come up with a couple of essential travel tips and a full checklist below to make it easy for you. The most important one is never to forget you are traveling to amazing India.
1. Stay Connected: Invest in a GOOD SIM Card
It goes without saying that when traveling abroad internet connection is a must. Getting lost without an internet connection for solo travelers would not be a good idea in India. Wi-Fi connection is also not readily available at most public spots even around Delhi and even less going further to rural areas.
What do you do? Buying a SIM card at the airport would be the best solution. International arrival terminals will have a SIM card booth. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the booth it was closed. The next option is to buy one in the city. You will find street vendors below in the central areas. However, in most cases, street vendors would require an Indian phone number. Luckily I had an Indian friend with me. If you don’t, try asking the people around if they would help you out. It worked for my friend.
The two most popular SIM vendors in India are Airtel and Jio and most of the time you will have both options available. I took Jio while some of my friends had Airtel. I must say I had more issues with my connection versus some of my friends so I would recommend trying the latter one if you can. Jio still worked pretty okay most of the time.
How much is it you might wonder? Street price is cheaper ranging from 300 to 400 rupees. Airport prices can go up to 1000 rupees. If you are a first-time traveler and in particular traveling alone you would like to be connected from the moment you step out of the airport get one at the airport for sure.
2. Bottled Water is Essential – Carry One Around Anywhere You Go
Staying hydrated in India is crucial. I went in August when temperatures in Delhi could reach 40 degrees. The heat and humidity can be unforgivable. For drinking or washing your face bottled water is a must.
Some travelers would go as far as recommending avoiding ice in your drinks and anything that could potentially originate from tap water however, I haven’t had any issues personally. Ice coffee in a popular coffee shop or an iced tea occasionally made no impact on my health.
The good news is that bottled water is pretty much available everywhere. I would highly recommend getting at the hotels you are staying at versus purchasing on the street. However, as long as the cap is intact and the store looks decent trust your instinct and give it a try.
3. Uber Around – Master transportation by hopping on a Rikshaw
India’s hustling transportation system can be overwhelming. However, If you have been to some other parts of South East Asia such as Vietnam, Delhi won’t surprise you much.
I like a bit of a crowd and the best thing about is that the busy streets of India no matter where you go are dominated by rikshaws. Riding a rickshaw is probably one of my best experiences in India. The first one for all travelers feels like anything you do the first time. Overwhelming before it starts. Then you cannot get enough of it.
India drivers are probably some of the best you will experience anywhere and rikshaw drivers are a different level. They will manage to get you anywhere and it’s one of the best ways to get immersed in the city.
It’s pretty simple to order a rikshaw via Uber. Uber is very pretty distributed across India. So download the app and enjoy the trip. If you still prefer something more close to home for European travelers Delhi has a great subway system, clean and safe with pretty good connections throughout the city.
4. No Street Food
Street food is a big part of Indian culture, rich with spices, and flavors hard to resist. I think it goes without saying for most travelers that street food is to be avoided when traveling in India.
I would go as far as to recommend primarily eating at very good restaurants, trusted hotel chains, and food chains such as McDonalds, Dominos, and others. When eating Indian food make sure you eat moderately, managing your spices.
Fermented foods such as idli dosa are always a good choice for your stomach when you are not sure what to get. Being kind to your stomach will pay off long-term during your trip.
5. Mind Your Valuable – Especially around touristy spots
India is a beautiful country. Most of the time foreigners distracted by the beauty of it will be the main targets of pickpocket. I don’t think you need to be 100% of the time alerted. However, know that main attractions gather the highest amount of petty thieves as well.
Petty theft can happen in the form of giving you a magnet in one hand and taking money with the other hand. I was lucky during my trip. I met amazing people from hotel staff to tour guides who gave me numerous tips to avoid this.
Keeping one eye monitoring your valuables is the best way to enjoy traveling anywhere in the world. India is no exception.
6. Dress Appropriately – Cotton Shirts, Pants, Long Skirts and Scarfs
What to wear in India will be an entire post of its own. I adore Indian clothing, the colors, the material, and the richness of texture. It’s a big part of the experience itself.
However, I wouldn’t say you need to wear Indian clothes to blend in. Wearing Indian clothes such as kurtas will help you stand out less (or more in some cases) with the crowds and Indian people do like foreigners who respect their traditions.
You can still be respectful by wearing your clothes. Be mindful that Indian culture values modesty so it’s a good idea to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites. Long skirts, light jumpy pants, and tops with sleeves are always a safe bet. Don’t forget to carry a scarf when needed to cover your shoulders.
7. Carry a Hand Sanitizer or Alchohol Tissues
It’s often the case that public restrooms may not always have soap or toilet paper. Be wise and carry your own. Hand sanitizer also helps throughout the day as you will be touching a lot of things during your adventures.
After COVID-19 I at least have made it a habit to carry one with me and it can be helpful when jumping into the restaurants from streets.
8. Get a Travel Insurance
Before you leave make sure you have considered getting travel insurance. It can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected medical emergencies or trip cancellations.
My time in India passed without any major health concerns. However, traveling around India can put a strain on the body in terms of different food options, moving, and changing AC to a non-AC environment.
Getting good travel insurance can give you some peace of mind and there are many options online to choose from. I used a local Japanese one but here you have a couple of good web sources to choose from.
9. Connect with Locals – They Can Lend You a Hand in Need
Some of the best memories always come from interactions with locals. Indians are very open to strangers and in particular, excited to meet foreigners. It’s not uncommon to be asked quite frequently on the streets to take pictures together.
Indians are known for their warmth and hospitality and locals can be a great help in giving you recommendations. Be wary of who you are asking for advice but also trust your best instinct when connecting with people.
One of my friends had struggled to find a SIM card. He confided in a driver on her way from the airport to the hotel. He generously offered to stop at a kiosk and help her out by giving his own contact so she could get a SIM card.
10. Exchange Rupees After You Get to India, Not Before
If you were not aware, foreigners are not allowed to carry Indian currency to the country. Indian residents are allowed to do a certain amount without declaring it. If you do, you will need to declare it. Y
The currencies easiest to exchange are the US dollar, Pounds, Sterling, and Euros. Exchange offices are also available at the airports and some hotels.
However, ATMs usually offer better exchange rates. I would recommend you to be careful with ATMs and choose ones at the airport or close to a bank. Some ATMs can scam you if you are not careful.
There are also specific banks that accept international card transactions such as SBI, HSBC, ICIC, IDBI, and Citibank India.
11. Relax and Absobr the Rich Indian Culture
India can be overwhelming. Moving from distant locations, the heat and the crowd can take a toll on you if you are not recovering regularly.
Remember most importantly that while it’s important to be cautious, India is generally a safe destination. Most people are friendly and welcoming. You are on vacation which I hope most are if you are reading this post.
Find a tranquil spot, read a book, or simply sit in a coffee shop, find a beautiful location, and watch the world go by. You are at the center of thousands of years long culture. Absorb it to the fullest.