In this post, we’ve put together some tips to keep in mind if you’re traveling to India for the first time!
Exotic, colorful, and fascinating, India is a country that captivates and enchants with its magic. But, like any extraordinary destination, there are certain factors that can ruin your trip and are often terrifying for first-time travelers.
Be careful with the food
Indian cuisine is one of the richest and oldest in the world, with a variety ranging from dishes created for royalty to finger-licking street delicacies. To enjoy it to the fullest and avoid getting sick, you need to follow certain rules.
If you’re eating on the street, the rule is to eat where the locals eat; an empty stall isn’t usually a good sign. Also pay close attention to the hygiene of the establishment and trust your instincts. Limit your intake of spicy and fatty foods, and under no circumstances eat beef (remember that the cow is a sacred animal and consuming it is illegal in several states).
If you feel sick, seek medical attention. What may seem like a simple stomach bug could be cholera, diphtheria, or something even more serious. Better safe than sorry!
Drink bottled water
This doesn’t just mean drinking bottled water, but also avoiding raw foods (like salads and juices) and drinks with ice (at informal establishments).
If you want to be 100% safe, don’t brush your teeth with it either. Before drinking it, check that the bottle’s seal isn’t broken and that it’s from a well-known brand.
Get the necessary vaccinations
To avoid complications during your trip, it is highly recommended that you get or boost certain vaccinations. The most common ones are for yellow fever, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus, among others.
If you’re traveling to certain areas, you may need a prescription for malaria pills.
Do your research to avoid being scammed
As in any tourist destination, scams are commonplace. To avoid them, the best thing you can do is always research everything beforehand. From taxi drivers who “can’t find your hotel” and take you to another one, to products with inflated prices, it’s essential to know where, how, and how much everything will cost. Don’t hesitate to ask locals and don’t be afraid to haggle!
Invest in a SIM card
In India, it’s really easy and inexpensive to buy a SIM card. If you’re staying more than a couple of days, it’s a useful and necessary investment to get around more easily and stay safer. Finding Wi-Fi isn’t always easy.
It’s easy to get lost—download the Maps Me app!
In India, every city is different; you’ll encounter completely different realities. That’s why it’s important to have a rough idea of what your next destination will be like. Search online, check out the must-see destinations in India, and read what people are saying about the places you want to visit—it’s very important to do your research!
Respect local customs
Much of Indian society is quite conservative, and it’s essential to respect their beliefs, whether or not you agree with them. If you’re a woman, avoid showing your shoulders, cleavage, and legs, and don’t smoke in public; this will save you a lot of discomfort and even keep you safer. Also, don’t walk alone at night and avoid drinking too much. For couples, it’s recommended to avoid being overly affectionate in public.
Be prepared to see the less magical side of the country
Of all the travel advice we can give you for India, this is probably the most important. Although India is an extraordinary country in many ways, it is also a country with extreme poverty, alarming gender-based violence, and terrible social inequality. If you’ve never been, prepare yourself to face a painful reality, ranging from groups of children begging for money to hundreds of people sleeping on the streets
That said, you can be sure that the experience will change you for the better.
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