Getting ready to travel abroad can be an exciting time. But there are some important preparations to do first to make sure your trip is as enjoyable as possible – especially when it comes to visiting a country as diverse as India. So what’s important to know before you go for India travel?

From staying safe in major cities and buying the right type of travel insurance, to knowing which local authorities to turn to if you need a helping hand, here are our top travel tips for international travelers to India.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

Get the right India travel insurance

No matter whether you’re visiting on your own, or with a guide, one of the best pieces of travel advice we can share is always to get insurance before booking your trip. Under Indian law, travel insurance for visitors isn’t mandatory, but it can help protect you if something goes wrong. 

India is a safe, beautiful place to visit. But if you fall ill during your trip, lose personal belongings, or your flights or hotel stays are canceled, travel insurance can be your best friend.

Be sure to report any pre-existing medical conditions when filling out your application to comply with regulations. 

Respect local wildlife and landscapes

Some of India’s best tourist sites are its rural and forested areas, along with places of national significance.

Many of these rural areas will be restricted or protected areas, governed by local laws and individual park regulations. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with these rules before you visit.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

While most of the time wearing regular clothes, shorts or dresses will be okay, it is always advisable to pack a pair of full-length trousers or long skirt, along with a top that covers your shoulders in case you need them. When visiting temples, covering your knees and shoulders is mandatory so keeping a scarf and sarong in your day bag is always a good idea.

It’s not uncommon to see cheeky macaques in the streets, or cows wandering the roads. It’s a good idea to read up on the animals you’re likely to see, and learn how to appreciate and respect them from afar.

Never try to get too close to a wild animal, or attempt to feed them; this will help to keep both of you happy and safe. 

It is easy to get overwhelmed with the crowd, animals everywhere and people on the road. Remember to take it slow and go on your own pace. Prepare your mind in advance to expect the unexpected.

Be prepared for the weather

Many parts of India have distinct seasons, with hot summers and mild winters in the south, and warm summers and freezing winters in the mountainous north. However, the weather here can change with little or no warning, which means it’s important to be prepared for any eventuality. 

For example, even if you’re traveling outside of monsoon season – June to September – you may still experience wet weather. And even if you visit India during the winter season, you can still experience extensive sun exposure.

Our travel advice? Monitor local media and keep an eye on the weather forecasts so you can pack and dress appropriately.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

Focus on you

While you may think the wonderful tourist destinations are the most important part of your trip to India, there’s something that’s even more important: your health. As with all countries around the world, there are health risks in India that you should be aware of. Protect yourself so you can stay safe and healthy. 

Some of the biggest risks are environmental, like sun exposure. Bugs can be an issue, too, but the trick is to use insect repellent and pack some bite-relief cream in your luggage. If you forget to pack it, don’t worry. You’ll be able to pick some up easily in shopping centers, or at the shops inside train stations.

‘Delhi Belly’ is a very common scenario with travelers to India. Indian curries are delectable, however having too much in a short period of time can cause stomach upsets, especially if you are not used to spice or rich food. 

Try to eat from trusted places, rather than experimenting with food from street side vendors. Street food is definitely tempting, but follow your local guide’s recommendations as to which vendors to purchase from – hygiene plays a major factor in keeping Delhi Belly at bay.

No matter how many precautions you take, you likely will get some level of Delhi Belly during your trip. Make sure you have brought medication to settle your stomach with you so that it doesn’t stop you from seeing everything India has to offer.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

Learn the land

India’s best tourist attractions are spread out all over the country, from Jharkhand in east India, to Andhra Pradesh, to union territory destinations like Delhi in northern India. It’s almost impossible to see everything on a single trip, even if you try to maximize your time by using overnight trains. 

Our advice is to learn the land, study the maps, and try to plan a trip that gives you the most value. For example, don’t try and squeeze in an afternoon visit to Kashmir if you’ve spent the morning in Odisha… it can’t be done. This is why using reputable and professional guides who will give you honest and helpful advice is essential. 

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

If you are a solo traveler, or are traveling without a tour operator, and are planning to go from one state to another by train, please keep in mind there is a good chance of not getting a reserved seat or a 1st class carriage. India has a huge network of trains but because of the massive population the tickets get booked up well in advance, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary and book the tickets as soon as you know where you want to go.

Schedule pre-travel vaccines

The Indian Government does not require any mandatory vaccinations for travelers from the United States. However, it’s often a good idea to schedule some shots to be on the safe side. It’s recommended to get vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B before your trip.

It’s also a good idea to visit your doctor to get a prescription for malaria medicine, and protection against other mosquito-borne diseases.

Always read the guidelines and follow your doctor’s advice, but in general, a course of malaria medication should typically be started a few days before your trip.

Research road safety

India is one of the most crowded places on earth… and it can be even busier during sporting and other types of events, celebrations, or religious ceremonies. This means that the roads can often be quite hectic.

It’s important to know that cars drive on the left in India, and running red lights is common. 

Our travel advice is to research road safety and driving etiquette in India, especially if you’re thinking about hiring a car. If you do decide to drive, you’ll need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) as you won’t be able to use your regular US license. An IDP is usually valid for 12 months.

Make sure you have the right documents

Don’t leave home without having the right documents. To visit India as a US citizen, Indian authorities require you to have the proper visa and a valid passport. Passport validity, in this instance, means it should be in date, and machine-readable. Otherwise, you could be denied entry. 

If you’re visiting as a tourist, you’ll need an e-tourist visa. Or if you’re here for medical tourism or medical care, you’ll need an e-medical visa. You’ll also need a Pakistan visa if you plan on crossing the India Pakistan border at Wagah, an exit visa if you overstay, or an OCI if traveling on dual citizenship.

Don’t change your money before travel

Changing currency before a trip is usually the norm. But it’s actually against the law to take Indian rupees out of the country, so you’ll need to change your money when you arrive. This means you should plan to take some cash, travelers cheques, or a bank card with you in your carry-on bag. 

The good news is that you can change money practically anywhere. This includes at the airport when you land, in Indian and international banks, in major hotels and resorts, and at ATM’s.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

Buy a local SIM card

Having access to mobile internet services can be a huge help in India. It ensures you’re able to keep an eye on local media, check out any transport disruptions, and keep in touch with friends and family back home. Roaming fees can be expensive, so it’s usually much cheaper to buy a local SIM card. 

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can pick up a local SIM at the airport shops when you arrive at major transportation hubs. You can also visit local markets, or ask at your hotel or resort. Most places will request a copy of your passport and visa, so be sure to have these documents handy.

Eat and drink healthily

In India, it’s not always a case of ‘don’t drink the water’. More and more hotels and restaurants in tourist areas are installing water purifiers, which means you’re often good to go. But we recommend asking to be sure, and if you can’t be sure, stick to bottled water and peelable fruits and veggies like bananas. 

On the subject of eating and drinking, remember that some Indian states have a legal drinking age of 18, while alcohol laws in other states ban alcohol altogether. In some places, you’ll need to apply for a permit to buy alcohol.

We recommend checking local rules, having a good time, and not overdoing it wherever you are in India.

Photo credit: Ankita Jaiswal

Know where to go for help

Our final travel tip is simply to know where to go for help. You can seek local advice from pharmacies, hotels, local police, and other local authorities. Dial 112 to reach police in an emergency, or request consular assistance for issues such as a lost or stolen passport, or emergency finance. 

And don’t forget: if you’ve booked your India travel through a tour operator like us, we’re always here to help. We want you to have a fantastic time, make incredible memories, and leave India feeling like it’s your home away from home. So if you need us for anything, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask.