Is it safe to drink tap water in India?

No, stick to bottled water, filtered water, or water purification tablets. Even locals often drink bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.

How much should I bargain for goods and services?

Start at 30-50% of the asking price for souvenirs. Auto-rickshaw rides: offer 60-70% of their first quote. Accommodation: ask for 20-30% off walk-up rates. Don't bargain for food or train tickets.

Do I need to tip in India?

Tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or add 5-10%. Give porters $0.50-1 per bag. No need to tip auto-rickshaw drivers unless they help with bags.

Can I use ATMs everywhere in India?

ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas but scarce in rural areas. Many charge $2-4 per withdrawal. Carry cash for small towns. SBI and HDFC ATMs have the widest networks.

How to Travel India on a Budget

Travel India comfortably on $20-30 per day by staying in hostels or guesthouses, eating at local restaurants, using trains for long distances and buses for short trips, and booking accommodations as you go rather than in advance.

Book flights during shoulder season. Fly to India between April-June or September-November. Avoid December-March (peak season) and monsoon months vary by region. Book 2-3 months ahead for best deals. Delhi and Mumbai have the most competitive flight prices.
Start with the Golden Triangle. Begin in Delhi, then Agra, then Jaipur. This 7-10 day circuit has the best budget infrastructure for first-time visitors. Trains between cities cost $3-8 in sleeper class.
Use government and private buses. State-run buses cost 50-70% less than private tourist buses. Book at bus stations, not through hotels. Overnight buses save on accommodation - pay extra for semi-sleeper or sleeper berths.
Eat where locals eat. Street food costs $0.50-1.50 per meal. Local restaurants (dhabas) cost $1.50-3. Hotel restaurants cost 3-5x more. Avoid restaurants in tourist areas - walk 2-3 blocks away.
Book accommodation day-of or one day ahead. Walk up rates are often 30-50% cheaper than online bookings. Check 3-4 places before deciding. Negotiate after 6pm when rooms are harder to fill.
Use local transport. Auto-rickshaws cost $0.30-1 per ride in smaller cities. Always negotiate the price before getting in. City buses cost $0.15-0.30. Uber/Ola work in major cities and show upfront pricing.

Is it safe to drink tap water in India?: No, stick to bottled water, filtered water, or water purification tablets. Even locals often drink bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it's made from purified water.
How much should I bargain for goods and services?: Start at 30-50% of the asking price for souvenirs. Auto-rickshaw rides: offer 60-70% of their first quote. Accommodation: ask for 20-30% off walk-up rates. Don't bargain for food or train tickets.
Do I need to tip in India?: Tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or add 5-10%. Give porters $0.50-1 per bag. No need to tip auto-rickshaw drivers unless they help with bags.
Can I use ATMs everywhere in India?: ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas but scarce in rural areas. Many charge $2-4 per withdrawal. Carry cash for small towns. SBI and HDFC ATMs have the widest networks.