Visas and entry
In short: 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…
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
In short: 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.…
- 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
In short: 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.
- 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
In short: 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.
- 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.