India

Travel tips for India: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. India runs on UPI, but tourist UPI apps (like Mony) are tedious to set up and don't work with the personal accounts used by many drivers and small vendors. Cards work at hotels and large stores, but you will need cash for rickshaws and daily spending.

Try the food

Biryani (बिरयानी): A fragrant mixed rice dish layered with marinated meat or vegetables and aromatic spices.
Masala Dosa (मसाला दोसा): A thin, crispy fermented crepe made from rice and lentils, filled with a spiced potato curry.
Butter Chicken (बटर चिकन): Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato gravy.

Say it in Hindi

Hello: नमस्ते (Namaste)
Thank you: धन्यवाद (Dhanyavad)
Please: कृपया (Kripaya)
Excuse me: माफ़ कीजिए (Maaf kijiye)
How much is this?: यह कितने का है? (Yeh kitne ka hai?)
The bill please: बिल ले आइए (Bill le aaiye)
Yes / No: हाँ / नहीं (Haan / Nahin)
Goodbye: अलविदा (Alvida)

Essentials

Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Left side
SIM tip: Purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport upon arrival using your passport and visa, or download an eSIM like Airalo before traveling to avoid registration hassles.

Etiquette

Always use your right hand for eating, passing objects, and shaking hands, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.