Visas and entry
Almost every foreign national needs a visa for India. Many nationalities can apply online for an e-Visa in tourist, business or medical categories, typically several days before travel and with a passport valid at least six months beyond arrival.
Eligibility lists, fees, permitted entry airports and validity periods change regularly. Check the official e-Visa portal for your own passport before you book flights, and print your approval — some airlines still ask for it at check-in.
- Protected/restricted area permits still apply to parts of the Northeast, Ladakh border areas, Andaman islands and Sikkim.
- Keep a digital and paper copy of your passport, visa and insurance.
Money
- The currency is the Indian rupee (₹, INR). It is a restricted currency — you generally cannot buy it meaningfully before arrival.
- Airport ATMs and bank ATMs in cities are the simplest way to get cash; notify your bank of travel dates.
- Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and mid-range restaurants upward; cash rules markets and small towns.
- UPI is how India pays day to day. Some banks now allow inbound travellers to use UPI with an international number — check current NPCI guidance.
Phones and internet
- An eSIM bought before departure is the fastest option and works immediately on landing.
- A local prepaid SIM (Airtel or Jio) is cheaper for longer trips but needs passport, photo and address verification.
- Coverage is very good in cities and along highways, patchy in high Himalaya and parts of the Northeast.
Trains, flights and roads
| Mode | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (AC chair car) | Delhi–Agra, Delhi–Jaipur, Kochi–Alleppey | Fast, comfortable, book early via IRCTC |
| Train (AC 2/3-tier) | Overnight hops | Bedding provided in AC classes; carry a padlock |
| Domestic flight | Anything over ~700km | Cheap when booked ahead; carry printed ID |
| Private car + driver | Rajasthan, Kerala, hill states | Standard for tourism; expect 40–50km/h averages |
| App taxi / auto | Inside cities | Metered in-app, no haggling |
Electricity, time and connectivity
- 230V, 50Hz. Plug types C, D and M — bring a universal adaptor.
- India runs one timezone, IST (UTC+5:30), with no daylight saving.
- Power cuts happen; most decent hotels have a backup generator.