Q: What should foreigners wear in India?

General: Light, loose cotton clothes work best for India's heat. Avoid tight or revealing clothing in public. Religious sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Many temples provide scarves/wraps at the entrance. Hill stations: Carry warm layers — temperatures drop sharply after sunset. Deserts (Rajasthan): Light full-sleeve clothes + scarf to protect from sun and sand. Complete guide: What to Wear in India for Foreigners

Q: What is illegal in India that foreigners might not know?

Drugs: Possession or use of narcotics carries severe penalties including imprisonment. Photography: Photography near military installations, government buildings, and some temples is strictly prohibited. Currency export: Taking Indian Rupees (INR) out of India beyond a small limit is illegal. Drone use: Requires prior permission from DGCA. Unauthorised drone flights are illegal. Littering: Heavy fines apply in many cities and heritage sites. Wildlife products: Buying/selling animal skins, ivory, or wildlife products is a criminal offence. Full guide: What is Illegal in India for Tourists

Q: What emergency numbers should foreigners save before visiting India?

National Emergency: 112 Police: 100 Ambulance: 108 Fire: 101 Women Helpline: 1091 Tourist Helpline (24x7, 12 languages): 1363 or 1800-11-1363 Anti-Poison Helpline: 1800-116-117 Full list: Emergency Helplines for Tourists in India

Q: Is food and water safe for foreigners in India?

Water: Always drink sealed bottled water or use a certified water filter. Avoid tap water, ice cubes at street stalls, and fresh juices unless freshly prepared in front of you. Food: Freshly cooked hot food from busy, clean stalls is generally safe. Avoid pre-cut fruit, raw salads at low-hygiene places, and reheated food. First week: Introduce spicy food gradually. Carry ORS (oral rehydration salts) and a basic antidiarrheal as precaution. Full guide: Food & Water Safety in India

Q: What scams should foreigners watch out for in India?

Overpriced auto/taxi: Always use Uber/Ola or agree on fare before boarding. Meters are often rigged. Fake tour guides: Only hire licensed guides at official ticket counters of monuments. Gem/carpet export scam: Strangers who claim you can resell gems abroad at a profit are scammers. Temple 'priest' scam: People who apply tilak unsolicited then demand large donations. 'Closed attraction' scam: Someone tells a famous monument is closed today and offers an 'alternative'. It is almost always a lie. Drugged food/drinks: Never accept food or drinks from strangers on trains or buses. Full guide: India Travel Scams to Avoid

Q: When is the best time to visit India?

North India / Rajasthan: October–February (cool, ideal for sightseeing) Hill stations (Shimla, Nainital, Ranikhet): March–June for greenery; Dec–Feb for snow Rishikesh / Uttarakhand: September–June (avoid monsoon July–August for rafting) South India (Mysore etc.): October–February Avoid May–June everywhere in the plains — temperatures can reach 45°C+

Q: How do I travel between cities in India?

Trains: The best and cheapest way. Book on IRCTC (Indian Railway website) or apps like Ixigo and Confirmtkt. Book 60–90 days ahead for popular routes. Flights: IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet cover all major cities. Cheap fares are available if booked early. Buses: State and private AC buses connect most cities. Good for short distances (3–5 hours). Cabs: Hired cars with drivers are convenient for Rajasthan road trips and hill areas.

Question 1

Do I need a visa to visit India?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. The easiest option is the Indian e-Visa, which can be applied online before travel. It is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Check the official Indian government e-Visa portal for eligibility in your country. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa. Always carry both digital and physical copies of your visa and passport.

Question 2

Is India safe for foreign tourists?

Accepted Answer

India is generally safe for tourists when you take basic precautions. Stick to well-known tourist areas, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and use trusted transport apps like Uber or < b> Ola. Keep digital copies of all important documents. Women travellers should avoid isolated areas after dark and use verified cab services. Read our complete guide: Is India Safe for Foreigners?

Question 3

What are the cultural rules foreigners should follow in India?

Accepted Answer

Remove footwear before entering temples, mosques, and many homes.
Dress modestly at religious sites — cover shoulders and knees.
Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items (the left hand is considered unclean).
Avoid pointing feet towards people or religious idols.
Greet with Namaste (palms pressed together) — widely appreciated by locals.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon in most areas.

Full guide: Indian Culture & Etiquette for Foreigners

Question 4

What should foreigners wear in India?

Accepted Answer

General: Light, loose cotton clothes work best for India's heat. Avoid tight or revealing clothing in public.
Religious sites: Cover shoulders and knees. Many temples provide scarves/wraps at the entrance.
Hill stations: Carry warm layers — temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
Deserts (Rajasthan): Light full-sleeve clothes + scarf to protect from sun and sand.

Complete guide: What to Wear in India for Foreigners

Question 5

What is illegal in India that foreigners might not know?

Accepted Answer

Drugs: Possession or use of narcotics carries severe penalties including imprisonment.
Photography: Photography near military installations, government buildings, and some temples is strictly prohibited.
Currency export: Taking Indian Rupees (INR) out of India beyond a small limit is illegal.
Drone use: Requires prior permission from DGCA. Unauthorised drone flights are illegal.
Littering: Heavy fines apply in many cities and heritage sites.
Wildlife products: Buying/selling animal skins, ivory, or wildlife products is a criminal offence.

Full guide: What is Illegal in India for Tourists

Question 6

What emergency numbers should foreigners save before visiting India?

Accepted Answer

National Emergency: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 108
Fire: 101
Women Helpline: 1091
Tourist Helpline (24x7, 12 languages): 1363 or 1800-11-1363
Anti-Poison Helpline: 1800-116-117

Full list: Emergency Helplines for Tourists in India

Question 7

Is food and water safe for foreigners in India?

Accepted Answer

Water: Always drink sealed bottled water or use a certified water filter. Avoid tap water, ice cubes at street stalls, and fresh juices unless freshly prepared in front of you.
Food: Freshly cooked hot food from busy, clean stalls is generally safe. Avoid pre-cut fruit, raw salads at low-hygiene places, and reheated food.
First week: Introduce spicy food gradually. Carry ORS (oral rehydration salts) and a basic antidiarrheal as precaution.

Full guide: Food & Water Safety in India

Question 8

What scams should foreigners watch out for in India?

Accepted Answer

Overpriced auto/taxi: Always use Uber/Ola or agree on fare before boarding. Meters are often rigged.
Fake tour guides: Only hire licensed guides at official ticket counters of monuments.
Gem/carpet export scam: Strangers who claim you can resell gems abroad at a profit are scammers.
Temple 'priest' scam: People who apply tilak unsolicited then demand large donations.
'Closed attraction' scam: Someone tells a famous monument is closed today and offers an 'alternative'. It is almost always a lie.
Drugged food/drinks: Never accept food or drinks from strangers on trains or buses.

Full guide: India Travel Scams to Avoid

Question 9

When is the best time to visit India?

Accepted Answer

North India / Rajasthan: October–February (cool, ideal for sightseeing)
Hill stations (Shimla, Nainital, Ranikhet): March–June for greenery; Dec–Feb for snow
Rishikesh / Uttarakhand: September–June (avoid monsoon July–August for rafting)
South India (Mysore etc.): October–February
Avoid May–June everywhere in the plains — temperatures can reach 45°C+

Question 10

How do I travel between cities in India?

Accepted Answer

Trains: The best and cheapest way. Book on IRCTC (Indian Railway website) or apps like Ixigo and Confirmtkt. Book 60–90 days ahead for popular routes.
Flights: IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet cover all major cities. Cheap fares are available if booked early.
Buses: State and private AC buses connect most cities. Good for short distances (3–5 hours).
Cabs: Hired cars with drivers are convenient for Rajasthan road trips and hill areas.

Question 11

How many days do I need to explore major Indian cities?

Accepted Answer

Jaipur: 2–3 days (Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, bazaars)
Udaipur: 2–3 days (Lake Pichola, City Palace, sunset views)
Jaisalmer: 2 days + 1 night desert camp (fort, dunes, camel safari)
Rishikesh: 2–3 days (rafting, yoga, aarti, temples)
Amritsar: 1–2 days (Golden Temple, Wagah Border, local food)
Nainital: 2 days (boating, Snow View Point, Mall Road)

Question 12

What currency is used in India and how do I manage money?

Accepted Answer

India uses Indian Rupee (INR). ₹1 = 100 paise.
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Carry some cash for small shops, autos, and rural areas.
Most hotels, malls, and restaurants accept credit/debit cards and UPI payments.
Exchange currency at authorised banks or forex counters at airports — never with street money changers.
Inform your bank before travel to avoid international transaction blocks.

Question 13

What mobile SIM card should I get in India?

Accepted Answer

Foreign tourists can buy a local Indian SIM at the airport or from a telecom store. You will need your passport and visa as proof of identity. The top networks are Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea). Jio and Airtel offer affordable tourist packs with generous data (1–2GB/day) for ₹200–₹500 for 28 days. This is far cheaper than international roaming.

Question 14

What are the must-visit places in Rajasthan?

Accepted Answer

Jaipur — Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Udaipur — Lake Pichola, City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort
Jaisalmer — Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Gadsisar Lake
Jodhpur — Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace
Pushkar — Brahma Temple, Pushkar Lake, Camel Fair
Bikaner — Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple

Question 15

What are the best hill stations near Delhi for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Shimla — 350 km (~7 hrs). Colonial hill town with Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and toy train rides.
Nainital — 300 km (~6 hrs). Beautiful lake town with boating, Snow View Point, and the famous Naina Devi Temple.
Ranikhet — 350 km (~8 hrs). Peaceful military cantonment with pine forests and Himalayan panoramas.
Rishikesh — 240 km (~5 hrs). Yoga capital with river rafting, bungee jumping, and the Ganges.

Question 16

What activities can I do in Rishikesh?

Accepted Answer

Adventure: White-water river rafting (Grade 1–4), bungee jumping (83m), flying fox, cliff jumping at Shivpuri
Spiritual: Yoga & meditation at ashrams, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat every evening at sunset
Sightseeing: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Best time: September to June. Avoid water activities during the July–August monsoon.

Question 17

What makes Jaisalmer special for foreign tourists?

Accepted Answer

Jaisalmer is called the Golden City — its sandstone fort and buildings glow golden at sunrise and sunset. Unique experiences include an overnight camel safari at Sam Sand Dunes, sleeping in a desert camp under stars, exploring the living Jaisalmer Fort (one of the world's few inhabited forts), and visiting the intricately carved Patwon Ki Haveli. Best time: November to February.

Question 18

Is Amritsar worth visiting for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Amritsar is one of India's most emotional and culturally rich destinations. The Golden Temple offers free langar (community kitchen) that serves over 100,000 meals daily — open to all religions and nationalities. The Wagah Border ceremony at sunset is a powerful display of patriotism. Jallianwala Bagh tells a key chapter of Indian independence history. The Amritsari food (kulcha, lassi, dal makhani) is legendary.

Question 19

What is Pushkar famous for?

Accepted Answer

Pushkar is one of India's most sacred cities and home to the only Brahma temple in the world. The Pushkar Lake has 52 ghats where rituals are performed daily. Every November, Pushkar hosts the famous Pushkar Camel Fair — one of the world's largest camel fairs and a massive cultural event. The town has a strong backpacker scene, with cafes, rooftop bars, and a laid-back vibe. Best visited: October to March.

Question 20

How do I get around within Indian cities?

Accepted Answer

Uber / Ola: Most reliable. Fixed fares, GPS tracked, available in all major cities.
Auto-rickshaw: Cheaper but always agree on fare upfront or insist on the meter.
Metro: Available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Kochi. Very cheap and efficient.
Local buses: Cheapest option but crowded. Keep valuables secure.
Rented bikes/scooters: Great for hill stations and smaller towns.

Question 21

What to do and avoid (Dos and Don'ts) in India?

Accepted Answer

Do:

Carry small denomination notes for autos, local markets, and tips.
Book trains and buses in advance, especially during peak season.
Learn a few basic Hindi phrases — locals appreciate the effort.
Bargain respectfully at local markets — it is expected and normal.

Don't:

Touch someone's head — it is considered sacred.
Step over food or people sitting on the ground.
Point at religious items or people with your feet.
Accept food/drinks from strangers on overnight trains.

Full guide: Do's and Don'ts in India for Tourists

Question 22

What vaccinations are recommended before visiting India?

Accepted Answer

Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria, and Rabies (if visiting rural areas).
Required by law: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
Consult your doctor or a travel medicine clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Carry a small medical kit: antidiarrheal, antihistamine, ORS, bandages, and hand sanitiser.

Question 23

What is the best way to stay connected to the internet in India?

Accepted Answer

Buy a local Jio or Airtel SIM on arrival — it needs your passport and visa. Tourist packs start from ₹200 for 28 days with 1–2GB/day data. Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafes, and railway stations. Google Maps works excellently across India and is your best navigation companion. Download offline maps before visiting hill stations or desert areas where the signal may be weak.

Question 24

Is tipping expected in India?

Accepted Answer

Restaurants: A 10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory. Many bills already include a service charge.
Hotel staff / porters: ₹50–₹100 per service is appropriate.
Tour guides: ₹200–₹500 per day depending on quality of service.
Auto/Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare is common. Not mandatory.
Street food: No tipping expected.

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