Entry & docs
Visa & documentation
e-Visa
Available for 150+ nationalities. Types: Tourist (30/90/365 days), Business, Medical. Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- • Upload passport photo + face photo
- • Fee $10–$100 by nationality
- • Approval in 72 hours
Passport rules
6+ months validity from arrival, 2 blank pages. Original required at immigration.
Restricted zones
Andaman, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, parts of NE need permits. Apply separately.
Money
Currency & payments
Indian Rupee (INR ₹)
ATMs everywhere in cities. Notes: ₹10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 2000. Rural: cash preferred.
Cards & UPI
Visa/MC widely accepted. UPI (PhonePe, GPay) works with any Indian bank account.
Exchange
Best rates at forex kiosks in metros. Airports 3-5% worse. Avoid hotel counters.
Communication
Language & connectivity
22 official languages
Hindi + English widely understood. South India: English > Hindi. Every state has its own.
Mobile data
Jio/Airtel tourist SIM at airports. ~₹500 for 84 days, 1.5 GB/day.
Wi-Fi
Cafés, hotels, metros have free Wi-Fi. Rural: patchy 4G/5G — get a local SIM.
Health & safety
Stay healthy, stay safe
Water
Bottled water only (Bisleri, Kinley). Avoid ice in local stalls. Sealed cap = safe.
Food
Cooked, hot & fresh = safe. Raw salads, unpeeled fruit, street chutneys = risky.
Medical
Private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Medanta) are world-class. Insurance essential.
Emergency
112 = all-emergency. 100 = police, 108 = ambulance, 101 = fire.
Solo female tips
Cover shoulders/knees at temples & rural areas. Prepay Uber/Ola. Trust your gut.
Getting around
Uber/Ola in 40+ cities. IRCTC trains — book 60 days ahead. Auto: use meter or fix fare.
Culture
Etiquette that opens doors
Greetings
Namaste (palms together) with elders and in temples. Handshakes OK in business.
Shoes off
Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and many small shops.
Photography
Ask before photographing people. Some temples/museums restrict cameras.
Right hand
Eat and pass items with right hand. Left hand is considered unclean.
Tipping
10% at restaurants (if service not added), ₹50-100 for porters, ₹100-200/day for guides.
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. Some temples require men in dhotis.