First Time in India? A Practical Travel Guide for International Visitors
India is a destination that rewards curiosity, but a little preparation can make the journey more comfortable. For first-time visitors, the pace of travel, food, transport, hospitality and cultural customs may feel different from what they are used to.
With more than three decades of experience creating journeys across the Indian subcontinent, WizTrek brings together the practical details that can make your trip smoother, from visas and health preparation to money, connectivity, transportation, safety and local etiquette.
This guide is designed to help you arrive informed, travel comfortably and focus on experiencing India.
Before You Travel to India
Before departure, a few practical preparations can make your time in India considerably easier. Requirements can vary by nationality and may change, so always check the latest official guidance before travelling.
Passport & Visa
Your passport should meet the validity and blank-page requirements applicable to your trip, and you must have the appropriate Indian visa before arrival. Check the latest requirements through the official India e-Visa portal before booking or travelling.
e-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders should complete India’s e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. The e-Arrival Card is separate from your visa and is free to submit through the official Indian immigration portal. Keep your submission details accessible after completing the form.
Health & Medical Preparation
Speak with your doctor or travel-health service before your trip about recommended vaccinations, medications and any personal health considerations. If you take prescription medication, carry an adequate supply, keep it accessible in your hand luggage, and carry details of the medication and prescription with you. Travelers entering India after visiting a yellow-fever-risk area should also check the applicable vaccination requirements.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, including appropriate medical and emergency coverage. Keep your policy details and emergency contact information easily accessible throughout your journey.
What to Pack
India's climate varies considerably between regions and seasons, so pack according to your itinerary. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a universal power adapter are useful essentials. For visits to temples and other religious sites, modest clothing and a scarf or shawl can be helpful.
Before you fly:
Check your passport and visa
Arrange travel insurance
Prepare prescription medication
Check the weather for your destinations
Pack a universal adapter and appropriate clothing
Arriving in India
Your arrival is often the point when India starts to feel real. Give yourself time to complete immigration and baggage formalities, collect your belongings, and settle into the rhythm of your first day rather than trying to fit too much into the itinerary.
At the airport, keep your passport, visa and other travel documents easily accessible. Once you have cleared immigration and customs, your local representative or WizTrek team will help you with the onward transfer where included in your itinerary. For current customs requirements and allowances, refer to the CBIC's International Traveller Guide.
Your First Day
After a long international journey, allow your body time to adjust. Stay hydrated, have a relaxed meal and avoid over-scheduling your first few hours. India's climate, traffic and pace can take some getting used to, particularly if this is your first visit.
Staying Connected
Wi-Fi is widely available at airports and hotels, but a local SIM or eSIM can be useful when travelling between destinations. International visitors can explore eSIM options before departure or check current local SIM requirements with their provider.
A useful arrival checklist:
Keep travel documents accessible
Confirm your onward transfer
Carry some local currency
Connect to Wi-Fi or activate your SIM/eSIM
Keep your first day comfortably paced
Staying Healthy in India
A change in climate, food, water and daily routine can sometimes affect how you feel during a trip. A few simple precautions can help you stay comfortable while travelling, particularly during the first few days.
Water & Food Hygiene
Drink bottled or reliably filtered water and check that bottles are properly sealed. When choosing food independently, use good judgement around preparation and hygiene, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly, especially before eating.
Managing the Heat & Sun
India's temperatures vary widely by region and season. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing and plan breaks when travelling through warmer areas. If your itinerary includes higher-altitude destinations, allow time to adjust.
Medication & Personal Health
Carry any regular prescription medication you need for the duration of your trip, preferably in your hand luggage, along with the relevant prescription or medication details. It is also sensible to discuss your itinerary with your doctor before departure if you have specific medical requirements.
Pollution & Mosquitoes
Air quality can vary between cities and seasons, while mosquito exposure is more relevant in some regions than others. Travelers can consider carrying suitable personal protection and should follow current medical advice for the destinations on their itinerary.
If you feel unwell: inform your guide or travel representative early rather than waiting for symptoms to become more uncomfortable.
Food & Drink in India
Food is an important part of travelling through India, with each region offering its own ingredients, cooking styles and specialities. For first-time visitors, enjoying the cuisine is largely about knowing what suits you and taking sensible precautions.
Indian food can include dairy, nuts, gluten and a wide range of spices, so communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions clearly when ordering. WizTrek can accommodate dietary requirements as part of hosted journeys, but it is still important to mention them whenever you are eating independently.
For drinking water, stick to sealed bottled water or reliably filtered water, including when ordering beverages where the source of the water may not be clear. If you are prone to stomach sensitivity, introduce unfamiliar foods gradually rather than changing your diet dramatically on the first day.
When eating outside your itinerary, choose establishments where food is freshly prepared and handled hygienically. Street food can be tempting, but travelers with sensitive stomachs may prefer to begin with more established restaurants and gradually explore.
Keep in mind:
Check ingredients if you have allergies.
Choose sealed or filtered drinking water.
Introduce unfamiliar foods gradually.
Tell restaurants about dietary requirements before ordering.
Money, Currency & Tipping in India
India uses the Indian Rupee (₹). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, established restaurants and larger stores, but carrying some cash remains useful for smaller shops, local markets and certain transport or service providers. ATMs are available in most cities, while currency exchange is possible at authorised exchange counters and airports.
It is best not to rely on a single payment method. Keep a reasonable amount of cash for everyday purchases and use cards where accepted. If you exchange foreign currency, retain your receipts as they may be useful when reconverting currency or for departure formalities.
Tipping in India
Tipping is customary within India's tourism industry, although it is not mandatory. The amount generally depends on the quality and type of service. At restaurants, check your bill before adding a tip, as a service charge may already have been included.
For group journeys, a group kitty can make gratuities easier to manage. Travelers can contribute at the beginning of the trip, allowing the tour leader to coordinate tips for guides, drivers and other service providers.
Useful payment options:
Carry some Indian Rupees for smaller purchases.
Keep a backup card or payment method.
Check restaurant bills for an existing service charge.
Use ATMs operated by established banks where possible.
Getting Around India
India is a large country, and the best way to travel between destinations depends on the route, time available and the experience you want. Longer distances are often best covered by domestic flights, while private vehicles offer greater flexibility for regional journeys.
Between Destinations
Domestic flights: The most practical option for covering long distances between major cities.
Private vehicles: Ideal for shorter regional journeys and multi-stop itineraries.
Trains: A useful option on selected routes and an experience in themselves.
Travel time matters more than distance. Traffic, road conditions and city congestion can make a journey considerably longer than the distance on a map suggests.
Getting Around Cities
For independent outings such as visiting restaurants, markets or other attractions:
When using app-based transport, confirm the fare and payment method through the app before starting the journey.
Using Trains
For rail journeys, bookings and travel information are available through IRCTC, India's official railway booking platform.
Domestic Flight Baggage
Baggage allowances vary by airline and fare, so check the current allowance directly with your airline before departure. Excess baggage is generally charged by the airline at the airport.
A Few Practical Tips
Allow extra time for road journeys.
Use established transport apps where available.
Keep your hotel address accessible when travelling independently.
Avoid unsolicited transportation offers, particularly around airports and major tourist areas.
Check your domestic flight's baggage allowance before leaving for the airport.
Staying Connected in India
Staying connected is generally straightforward, with Wi-Fi available at most airports and hotels. For reliable access while travelling between destinations, however, a local SIM or eSIM can be more convenient than relying entirely on international roaming.
SIM & eSIM Options
Local SIM: Indian mobile networks such as Jio, Airtel and Vi offer prepaid connectivity options.
eSIM: Travelers with compatible devices can arrange an eSIM before departure through providers such as Airalo.
Hotel & Airport Wi-Fi: Useful for basic connectivity, but coverage may not be consistent throughout your journey.
International Roaming: Convenient if you prefer to keep your existing number, but check your provider's international rates before travelling.
Before You Travel
Check whether your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible if you plan to use a local connection. Keep your primary number active if you need it for banking, two-factor authentication or other essential services.
Electricity & Adapters
India uses 230V electricity at 50Hz, with Type C, D and M plug configurations commonly found. Travelers should carry a universal adapter if their devices use a different plug type.
Pack a universal adapter.
Check your device's voltage compatibility.
Carry a portable power bank for longer travel days.
Understanding Indian Culture & Etiquette
India's cultural norms can vary significantly between regions, communities and religious sites. You do not need to know every custom before you arrive; being observant, respectful and willing to adapt will take you a long way.
Interacting with Locals
International visitors may occasionally be approached by people who are curious about where they are from or may ask to take a photograph together. This is generally friendly curiosity rather than a cause for concern.
Accept or decline requests according to your comfort.
Be polite when declining photographs or conversations.
Follow your guide's advice in busy tourist areas.
Visiting Religious & Heritage Sites
Many temples and religious sites have specific customs that visitors are expected to follow.
Dress modestly where required.
Remove footwear when requested.
Follow photography restrictions.
Observe local rituals without interrupting them.
Ask your guide if you are unsure about a particular custom.
Public Behaviour
Social norms around personal and public behaviour can differ from those in Western countries. Public displays of affection may attract attention, particularly in more conservative settings.
The simplest approach is to observe how people around you behave and adapt accordingly.
Staying Safe in India
India is generally well suited to organized travel, but as with any major destination, basic awareness is important. Crowded markets, transport hubs and popular tourist sites can be busy, so keep your belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings.
Protect Your Belongings
Keep your passport and important documents secure.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Keep bags and valuables close in crowded areas.
Use hotel safes where available.
Cards & ATMs
When using an ATM or paying by card:
Use established bank ATMs where possible.
Keep your PIN covered when entering it.
Do not allow your card to be taken out of sight.
Check your transaction before confirming payment.
Be Cautious With Unsolicited Offers
Be wary of unexpected offers for unusually cheap transport, accommodation or shopping deals, particularly around airports and major tourist areas. If an offer seems too good to be true, it is best to decline and use a trusted provider instead.
Note: For organized journeys, your WizTrek team or local representative can advise you on transportation, shopping and other situations where local guidance is useful.
Apps That Can Make Your India Trip Easier
A few apps can make everyday travel in India simpler, particularly when you are exploring independently between planned activities. Download the essentials before departure and make sure your phone has a reliable data connection.
Getting Around
Uber — Useful for booking rides in many Indian cities, with fare estimates and driver details available through the app.
Ola — Another major ride-hailing option, with availability varying by city.
Google Maps — Helpful for directions, locating restaurants and attractions, and estimating travel times.
IRCTC Rail Connect — The official Indian Railways app for checking and managing train bookings.
Flights & Airports
Your airline's official app — Useful for checking flight status, baggage information, check-in and schedule changes.
DigiYatra — India's digital airport-processing platform; availability and participating airports can vary, so check the current requirements before relying on it.
Money & Payments
Your bank's app — Keep it installed so you can monitor transactions, receive payment alerts and manage your cards while travelling.
Your card provider's app — Useful for checking international transactions and temporarily locking a card if necessary.
UPI/payment apps — Digital payments are widely used in India, but international visitors should check eligibility and setup requirements before relying on UPI as their primary payment method.
One Important Tip
Download essential apps before you leave home. Some services may require account verification, an OTP, a local number or an internet connection, so setting everything up in advance is easier than trying to do it after landing.
Essential Numbers & Travel Resources
Keep a few important contacts accessible throughout your trip. India’s national emergency number is 112, while the Government of India’s tourist helpline is 1363.
For broader destination information, the official Incredible India travel portal provides current information on destinations, weather, tourism information centres, currency and travel planning.
Save Before You Travel
112- National Emergency Number
1363- Tourist Helpline
Your hotel and accommodation details
Your travel insurance emergency number
Your country's Indian Embassy or High Commission
Keep These Details Accessible
Save important information both on your phone and offline, particularly your passport details, visa information, flight bookings, accommodation addresses and local emergency contacts. This is especially useful if you lose connectivity or need assistance while travelling independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting India
1. Do I need a visa to visit India?
Most international visitors require a visa to enter India. Eligibility, visa categories and application requirements vary by nationality and purpose of travel. Check the latest requirements and apply through the official India e-Visa portal before your journey.
2. Is India safe for first-time travelers?
India is well suited to organized travel, but travelers should use the same basic precautions they would in any busy international destination. Keep passports and valuables secure, be aware in crowded areas, use trusted transportation and follow the guidance of your local representative or WizTrek team.
3. What should I eat and drink in India?
India offers an enormous variety of regional cuisines, so there is plenty to explore regardless of dietary preferences. Drink sealed bottled or reliably filtered water, choose food that is freshly prepared, and inform restaurants about allergies or dietary restrictions before ordering.
4. How should I get around India?
The best option depends on your itinerary. Domestic flights are practical for longer distances, while private vehicles are often more convenient for regional travel. Within cities, apps such as Uber and Ola can be useful where available, while Google Maps helps with navigation and journey planning.
5. Should I carry cash in India?
Yes. Cards are widely accepted at hotels, established restaurants and larger stores, but cash remains useful for smaller shops, markets and certain local services. Carry some Indian Rupees while keeping a card or alternative payment method available as a backup.
Ready for India?
A well-prepared journey leaves more room for what matters: experiencing India at your own pace. Keep the practical essentials in mind, stay open to local customs and leave some space for the unexpected. With the right preparation and trusted local support, navigating India becomes far simpler, and the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
WizTrek brings more than three decades of experience to the journeys we create, helping travelers move through India with thoughtful planning, local knowledge and the flexibility to experience each destination beyond the expected.
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