Before You Fly
- Apply for your e-Visa 2–3 weeks before — it usually arrives in 72 hours but allow buffer.
- Get vaccinated — Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus update. See your travel doctor 6 weeks ahead.
- Comprehensive travel insurance — non-negotiable.
- Photocopy your passport and email yourself a scan.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps offline area for each city).
Money
- The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). 1 EUR ≈ 90 INR (Apr 2026).
- Withdraw rupees at the airport ATM on arrival.
- Carry small denominations (₹100, ₹200) for tips.
- Cards work in hotels and good restaurants; cash for everything else.
- Tipping: ₹100–200 for porters, 10% in restaurants if not included.
Dress and Behaviour
- Cover shoulders and knees in temples and mosques.
- Remove shoes before entering any temple, gurudwara or home.
- Right hand for eating and giving money — left is considered impure.
- Public displays of affection are uncommon — be discreet.
- Always ask before photographing people, especially women.
Food and Water
- Bottled water only — including for brushing teeth in budget hotels.
- Skip ice and salads except at 5-star hotels.
- Try street food only with your guide.
- Vegetarian food in India is some of the best on Earth — embrace it.
- Carry Imodium and electrolyte sachets just in case.
Practical
- Get an Indian SIM at the airport — Airtel/Jio, ~€10 for 28 days.
- Power sockets are Type C/D/M — bring a universal adaptor.
- Indian time is GMT+5:30 — odd half-hour offset.
- Trust your guide and concierge — they know India better than any guidebook.
- Slow down. India is not Europe — pace your itinerary, build in rest.
What to Pack
- Light cottons + one warm layer (Dec–Feb mornings are cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes + slip-ons for temples
- Scarf/shawl for women (covers shoulders in temples)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Small medical kit — Imodium, plasters, paracetamol
- Hand sanitiser and tissues (often no toilet paper)
- Universal adaptor + power bank
The Single Best Tip
Book a private tailor-made tour for your first India trip. Trying to figure out trains, hotels, scams and language alone is exhausting. With a private guide and driver, you get to focus on the wonder — which is what you came for.