Is it safe to drink tap water?

No. Always drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Use a filtered bottle to reduce plastic waste.

How do I deal with constant haggling?

Be polite but firm. Smile, say 'No thank you,' and keep walking. If you are taking an auto-rickshaw, always agree on the price before you get in.

Yes. While cities have moved toward UPI (digital payments), tourists almost exclusively rely on physical cash for daily transactions.

Budgeting for a Trip to India

You can comfortably experience India on $30 to $40 per day by staying in hostels or budget guesthouses, eating primarily at local dhabas, and using trains for long-distance travel. Avoiding Western-style luxury and booking transport in advance are the keys to keeping your costs low.

Book trains in advance. Use the IRCTC website or the ixigo app to book AC 3-tier or Sleeper class trains. Tickets sell out weeks in advance; booking early saves you from needing to pay inflated prices for last-minute flights.
Prioritize local transport. Download the Uber or Ola apps for city transport to avoid haggling with auto-rickshaw drivers. For short distances, stick to the metro or local buses, which usually cost less than 50 cents.
Eat where the locals eat. Look for busy 'dhabas' (roadside eateries) where the menu is vegetarian-heavy. A meal of dal, rice, and roti typically costs between $1.50 and $3.00.
Stay in verified social hostels. Use apps like Zostel or HostelsWorld to find dorm beds. These will cost between $7 and $12 per night and offer a safer environment with reliable Wi-Fi.
Use an NRE/NRO account or ATM strategy. Use a debit card that refunds international ATM fees. Withdraw large amounts at once to minimize the flat fee charged by local banks (usually $3–$5 per transaction).

Is it safe to drink tap water?: No. Always drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Use a filtered bottle to reduce plastic waste.
How do I deal with constant haggling?: Be polite but firm. Smile, say 'No thank you,' and keep walking. If you are taking an auto-rickshaw, always agree on the price before you get in.
Do I need cash?: Yes. While cities have moved toward UPI (digital payments), tourists almost exclusively rely on physical cash for daily transactions.