India travel hacks

India is a country that attracts people with its exotic charm and warm climate. It can shock some people and make others fall in love with it forever. Megacities bustle alongside ancient ruins, while majestic palaces stand next to poor shacks. Wild jungles contrast with sultry deserts and high mountains. Nigeria has a long history of successful partnerships with this vibrant Asian country, and it’s a great opportunity to explore new horizons. People come to India to improve their health, sunbathe under the gentle sun, swim in the ocean, have fun at festivals, and dance at rave discos. It is a popular tourist destination because it offers budget-friendly vacations. Like any other country, India has its own unique way of life and peculiarities in the mentality of its locals. To help you feel comfortable when traveling in India, we’ve compiled some useful tips in this article that will help you on your trip. To stay connected and feel safe in India, you have to get a reliable Esim service. A mobile data eSIM will give you a great opportunity to stay connected anywhere in the country.

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Before the trip

1. Dress properly. Women will feel comfortable in light-colored shirts covering the shoulders and elbows and trousers or skirts below the knee, while men can wear shorts and T-shirts. However, for visiting temples, it is best to wear long trousers.
2. The sockets in India mostly follow the European standard, but it is advisable to check the region you will be visiting as some areas still use British standards.
3. It is a good idea to bring high-quality hand sanitizers with you.
4. The availability of ATMs and the ability to pay with a card depend greatly on the city you are in. It is best to research this information in advance. Generally, it is advisable to have some cash on hand when traveling to India. It can be difficult to obtain Indian rupees outside of India, so having dollars with you is the easiest option for exchanging money. Another convenient option is to withdraw money from your card immediately upon arrival at the airport.

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Transportation

1. The most popular form of urban transport in India is the rickshaw. They can be easily found on the streets. Another option is to use applications such as Uber and its local equivalent Ola, which provide a variety of taxi options, including mopeds and rickshaws. The cost of a trip in a rickshaw is approximately half that of a taxi ride.
2. When buying train tickets, it is important to note that, in major cities and resort areas, there are often special windows or even separate halls where tickets can be purchased for foreigners. These windows allow you to buy tickets with dollars, and the change will be given in rupees. It is always a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time as they are often sorted for convenience, ensuring that you get them in good time and avoiding any last-minute rush.
3. Another thing to know about trains in India is the different classes of carriages. There are eight classes in total. The most comfortable classes are AC 2nd Class (equivalent to a reserved seat) and AC Chair Car (air-conditioned seating).
4. The night bus is also a popular option for long journeys in India. These buses can be very comfortable, with foldable seats or even fully reclinable sleeping berths.

Food

1. In India, food is traditionally quite spicy. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to specify how spicy you want your dish to be and ask the chef to make it less spicy if necessary.
2. The most reliable drinking water in India is typically sold in single-use plastic bottles at cafés.
3. In India, food is often vegetarian. In the more traditional northern regions, you are unlikely to find meat dishes in restaurants. However, the further south you travel, the more common meat becomes. Seafood plays a significant role in the cuisine of the southern part of the country.
4. In some states, alcohol is legally not available for sale.

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Things to know

1. Before entering temples, mosques and Sikh temples, it is important to remove your shoes. In some places, there are special shoe covers available for a small fee. 
2. It is recommended not to bring leather items as they may be considered an insult. Taking photos inside churches is often prohibited, so it is best to ask permission before taking any pictures. 
3. Experience the true essence of India by visiting small villages. Leave crowded cities behind to recover and immerse yourself in a slow pace of life. Here, in this serene environment, you will discover famous Indian hospitality.
4. It is also important to seek permission from local people if you want to photograph them. Tourists are usually treated kindly and may even be allowed to participate in religious ceremonies. 
5. When visiting sacred places, be mindful of your attire (avoid short skirts, shirts or shorts). Women are expected to cover their heads in Sikh temples and mosques. 
6. Traditionally, it is customary to leave donations in the collection box.
7. Namaste is a traditional Indian greeting, and its usage is well-received among Indians. However, if you’re male, urban men may prefer a handshake.
8. Tourists are welcomed as honored guests in private homes, and any ignorance of Indian customs will be met with understanding and tolerance. If you would like to try eating with your hands, please remember to use only the fingers of your right hand.
9. Try not to point the soles of your shoes at anyone, as this can be seen as disrespectful.
10. Avoid pointing with your index finger, using outstretched hands, or chin gestures.
11. When communicating, try not to shout or get angry, as this will only make others want to avoid communicating with you.
12. Be prepared for crowded public transportation and some annoying questions. Remember that locals are simply interested in getting to know you and their questions come out of polite curiosity.
13. Be prepared for possible delays and unexpected waiting times due to traffic congestion and other factors. Allow extra time for transportation and plan your schedule accordingly. It is recommended to run errands and do shopping in the morning, as many shops and businesses may close for lunch during the afternoon.

Health

There are qualified English-speaking doctors available in all major cities. You can also seek medical advice from a doctor at your hotel. Hospitals meet all necessary requirements. All tourists traveling abroad should have medical insurance coverage. 

First and foremost, please read the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. If you require medical assistance, contact one of the phone numbers listed in your insurance document and inform the insurance company immediately. Your insurance will cover costs if your illness is covered under your policy, as per the terms of insurance.

Take precautions to avoid stomach problems during your first visit to India. Drink only bottled water and avoid salads and ice, as they can cause stomach upset. Enjoy street food cautiously, focusing on fresh fruit that has been properly peeled and well-prepared dishes.

Think seriously about what interests you more: snow-white beaches or mystical temples. What would you like to do? An elephant ride or shopping? Read all the useful information about different regions of the country and create your own unique route through beautiful and fascinating India.