20+ Tips For Traveling Through India

Traveling in India is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. The country is bursting with culture, history, flavors, and unforgettable moments waiting around every corner.

But at the same time, India can be overwhelming, chaotic, and even frustrating if you’re not prepared. That’s part of what makes it such an adventure — you never really know what to expect.

If you’re planning a trip to India, or if you’re feeling a little nervous about how to handle the intensity of traveling there, I’ve got you covered.

These are some of the most important tips and pieces of advice I’ve learned that will help make your journey smoother, safer, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

India isn’t always the easiest place to travel through, but if you go in prepared, it just might become one of your favorite destinations.

Practical Essentials

Get an Indian eSIM or local number

One of the first things you should do when you arrive in India is set yourself up with a local number. A lot of bookings, from trains to ride-hailing apps to even certain visa-related information, require an Indian number.

Without it, simple tasks like booking transportation can quickly turn into a headache. If an eSIM does not work for you, at least have a trusted local contact who can help when needed.

Having an Indian number makes life on the road much smoother and will save you a lot of stress.

Always carry cash

India is still very much a cash-first country. Locals often use QR scan payments linked to their Indian bank accounts, but foreigners cannot access this system.

Small shops, markets, and rickshaws rarely accept cards, and even in cities card machines often “don’t work.” Make sure you have a debit or credit card that works at ATMs so you can withdraw rupees along the way.

Try to keep smaller bills on you too, since vendors do not always have change for larger notes.

Download the right apps

A few apps will make your life in India much easier. Uber, and sometimes Ola, is the safest and most reliable way to get a car or bike ride in big cities, and it saves you from the hassle of haggling with rickshaw drivers.

Zomato and Swiggy are delivery apps that can bring you anything from a hot meal to a phone charger straight to your hostel door. They are especially helpful if you are tired, unsure where to eat, or just do not want to leave your accommodation.

RedBus is a must-have for booking buses. You can check schedules, buy tickets, find your boarding point, and even track your bus in real time. It is much more convenient than trying to figure things out at the bus station.