In general
Documents and visa
You need a passport with at least 6 months' validity and 2 blank pages. A visa is MANDATORY: for tourism you apply for the e-Visa online (official site indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days ahead; it allows entry only by air, from the main airports). In addition, before arrival, the e-Arrival Card must be filled in online (within the 72 hours before). A return ticket and sufficient funds are also required. Entering without a valid visa is a serious offence.
Currency
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR), which is NOT convertible outside India and may not be exported: change or spend it all before leaving. Cards are accepted in city hotels, restaurants and shops, and ATMs are widespread, but you always need cash for markets, tips, rickshaws and small purchases. India remains very cheap.
Language
The official languages are Hindi and English (23 languages are spoken in all). English is very widespread in tourism, hotels, transport and the cities: communicating is generally easy. Learning a few words and a smile open many doors in a hospitable country.
Health and vaccines
No mandatory vaccines (yellow fever only if arriving from a risk country, not from Europe). However, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria and antimalarials (for long rural stays in the monsoon) are recommended - to discuss with your doctor. Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are endemic (south and east, monsoon season). Health insurance with repatriation is essential: public healthcare is poor, but the big cities have excellent private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max).
Water and food
Tap water is NOT drinkable: drink only sealed bottled water, no ice, avoid raw vegetables and fruit you can't peel, and eat food well cooked and served hot (even in big hotels). Traveller's tummy ('Delhi belly') is very common: bring probiotics and basic medicines. Indian cuisine is among the richest in the world, and a paradise for vegetarians.
eSIM and connectivity
A travel eSIM (e.g. Airalo) is the most convenient way to have internet and maps straight away. Local SIMs (Airtel, Jio, Vi) cost very little but require a passport, a photo and activation time. Roaming from Europe is expensive. Note: in Kashmir local prepaid SIMs do not work and the network is limited.
Electricity
Power is 230V / 50Hz, with type C, D and M sockets (type D is the large three-round-pin plug typical of India). Standard European plugs (type C) fit many sockets, but a universal adapter is strongly recommended to be sure you can charge anywhere.
Time zone
India has a single time zone for the whole country: UTC+5:30. There is no daylight saving time, so the offset from Europe shifts by an hour between summer and winter.
Climate and when to go
The climate is tropical, with pre-monsoon heat that can reach 48 degrees. The monsoon brings heavy rain from June to September (with flooding and disruption). The best period for almost the whole country is October to March, with pleasant temperatures. In winter, though, New Delhi suffers from very severe air pollution: an anti-smog mask is useful.
Banned: vaping and satellite phones
Two bans many ignore that can cost you arrest: in India it is FORBIDDEN to bring, use or sell e-cigarettes and vaping products (a fine and up to a year in prison); and it is FORBIDDEN to bring in or use satellite phones and satellite/GPS devices (confiscation, penalties and arrest - foreigners have been put on trial). Leave both at home.
Good to know
Visa, e-Arrival and entry
To sort before you go: the online tourist e-Visa (at least 4 days before arrival, valid only for air entry), the online e-Arrival Card (within 72 hours of arrival) and a passport valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages. Always carry copies of your documents. Strictly respect the visa expiry date: overstaying can lead to detention and being placed on a 'blacklist'.
Tourist scams
The most common scam: taxi drivers or fake 'government tourist offices' telling you your hotel is full or the city is unsafe, to divert you to overpriced lodgings and tours. Simple defence: book your hotel before arriving, use prepaid airport taxis or apps (Uber, Ola), and call the hotel directly to confirm. Always agree the price before getting into rickshaws and non-metered taxis.
Safety, especially for women
India is generally welcoming, but the authorities report a rise in sexual violence, including against foreign women. Maximum caution is advised: it's better not to travel or move around alone, especially at night and in isolated places; use the women-only carriages on the metro and trains; dress covered and modestly. In general, beware of pickpocketing and petty crime in crowded places.
Drugs and alcohol
Drug law is extremely harsh: possession of even small amounts can cost up to 10 years in prison, with no distinction between soft and hard drugs, and repeat offences can carry the death penalty. Alcohol rules vary from state to state: in some (Gujarat, Bihar, partly Kerala) it is banned or restricted, with 'dry days'. Avoid cheap homemade alcohol (methanol risk).
Driving and transport
Do NOT drive yourself: traffic is chaotic, roads dangerous, driving is on the left, the blood-alcohol limit is ZERO and foreign insurance is not valid (you need an Indian policy). The best choice is a car with driver (cheap and common), or trains and domestic flights for long distances. Avoid night travel on rural roads. In the city, taxis and apps or the picturesque rickshaws (agreed fare).
Respect, religion and etiquette
India is deeply religious: remove your shoes entering temples and mosques, cover shoulders and knees, respect cows (sacred to Hindus) and rituals. Use your right hand to eat and pass things; avoid public displays of affection. Do NOT photograph airports, bridges and military sites (it's an offence). Some areas (the Kashmir Valley, the Andaman Islands, part of the north-east) are advised against or require special permits.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Single emergency number (also from a foreign mobile)
- 100 — Police. Ambulance 102, Fire brigade 101
- +91 11 26114355 — Your country's embassy in New Delhi (for Italian citizens: Embassy, emergency +91 9810158737; Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore)
- 1800 11 1363 — 24/7 freephone of the Indian Ministry of Tourism for travel information and advice
💡 Sort the visa first: online tourist e-Visa (at least 4 days ahead, air entry only) PLUS the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours, with a passport valid 6 months and 2 blank pages. Drink only bottled water (never ice), use a car with driver rather than driving yourself, and do NOT bring an e-cigarette or satellite phone: they are banned in India. Best time to go: October to March.