15 things to know before you go.
India is a unique and rewarding destination, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s what you should know before your trip:
1. Airport-style security at metro stations, hotels, and more
If you’re used to breezing through the London Underground or New York subway, you may find India’s airport-style security at metro stations, hotels, and even some shops to be inconvenient, especially when carrying cameras, batteries, or power banks. At Indian metro stations, expect bag scans and metal detectors at every entrance. Western women may be surprised to find a separate security check behind a curtain. Be prepared to queue for these checks, and remember that hotels and shops may require similar procedures, which can be annoying if you’re carrying heavy luggage or returning frequently to your hotel.
2. Some metro line changes aren’t in the same area
Unlike in cities like New York or Madrid, changing metro lines in Delhi often means exiting one station, walking for up to 10 minutes, and passing through another round of security to access the next line. Plan accordingly to allow extra time for transfers.
3. Uber, payments, and Tuk Tuks
Although Uber and other online taxi services are available in many cities, unless you cannot find a taxi or tuk tuk (auto rickshaw), I personally would refrain from using them, as they usually cause more headaches than they are worth. Some drivers may claim that the app isn’t working for them, while others might say that the app doesn’t include taxes or other fees. For example, in Agra, we tried to get an Uber with a quoted price of around 800 rupees. When the driver arrived, he said he wanted 2,000 rupees because he had to pay taxes, and once we agreed on the price, he asked us to cancel the ride anyway-which could negatively affect your Uber profile. Always agree on the price before getting into a taxi or tuk-tuk to avoid any surprises.
Tip: For budget travelers, look for electric tuk tuks, which may offer cheaper fares.
We all like having a driver waiting for us at the airport, especially if we land late at night. But personally, I don’t think it’s worth the planning or stress, especially if you don’t have data. These airport pickups are often more expensive than the taxis or tuk tuks waiting outside the airport and, in true India style, may not show up, or you might spend an hour trying to find each other. So, check the typical price for your destination and haggle when you get there.
4. Getting receipts for purchases
When buying travel cards or other products, always ask for a receipt. Some staff may quote higher prices or claim their system can’t provide receipts, but insist on one, especially for larger purchases.
5. Hotel reviews differ from other countries
Read between the lines. There is a discrepancy between hotel reviews and reality in India. The standard of acceptable quality is very different in India compared to even neighboring countries. You can check several websites for reviews, but you still don’t really know what you might end up with. So don’t expect too much and embrace the differences!
If you want to minimize surprises, make sure to filter reviews by people’s origin and look for hotels with a rating of 9+, and try staying at chain hotels and restaurants, as their standards tend to be more in line with the West. But even then, you cannot be fully sure, as there are instances where you might find fake reviews.
6. Double-check if places are open
We traveled in the off-season, and many places-especially by the sea-were temporarily closed on Google Maps, yet their websites said they were open, and vice versa. Before making any plans, be sure to message or call to confirm your desired activities are available. We even encountered a hotel listed as temporarily closed that was fully open, so don’t rely solely on Google Maps and their opening hours.
7. Top attractions might require less time to explore
Many vendors and drivers struggle to break large notes. Always carry plenty of smaller denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100) for tips, street food, and most importantly, tuk tuks.
8. Delhi crowds and traffic: less severe than perceived
Delhi’s reputation for chaos is partly deserved, but crowds are manageable outside peak times. Avoid markets on Sunday evenings, when Old Delhi is busiest.
9. Bring old shoes
India’s streets can be dusty, muddy, or uneven. Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty-or even ruined.
9. How to understand Indian trains?
Indian train stations can be confusing. Platforms are often very crowded, and carriages can be difficult for foreigners to understand. Arrive early, and once there, check your train’s platform (and re-check, as it can change at short notice). Look at the small screens on the platform, as these show the coach numbers. If you’re unsure about your carriage, locate a conductor who can check on his phone. When the train arrives, it should have a small sign indicating its destination. Apart from that, the platform usually doesn’t display the train’s destination.
10. Bring motion sickness tablets
Road travel in India can be fast and bumpy. Drivers often overtake aggressively. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring tablets and sit near the front of the vehicle.
11. Power sockets
India uses a mix of plug types. Bring a universal adapter, as some places accept all plug types, while in the North, usually only one type is accepted.
12. Guides
Use certified guides-but even then, they may just take you to their top photography spots.
Hiring a certified guide can enhance your experience, but even official guides may steer you to their favorite photo spots or shops for commissions. Be clear about your interests and don’t feel pressured into anything.
13. Early or late transportation
Many drivers are reluctant to travel late at night or early in the morning, especially for long distances. Plan accordingly and book in advance if you have an early flight or train.
14. Backpacking trips
If you are interested in going backpacking, I would not suggest India as your first destination. There are many other Asian and South American countries that will be much easier to navigate and get accustomed to. Also, if you are interested in making some backpacker friends along the way, you are not very likely to find many.
15. Staring & selfies
Lastly, but probably the most important on this list, is to be mentally prepared for the number of stares and selfie requests you may receive, especially if you are a white woman. White people are not seen very frequently in North India, so people will often stare and may ask to take selfies or pictures without permission. On Reddit, some have described their experience as “being a zoo animal.” Some people may even chase you down the street, hoping to get a picture, while others might put their camera in your face and record you, as some people do not understand the phrase ‘no thank you’. Especially as a woman, be careful and don’t be afraid to say no.
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