Should I arrange airport pickup or just get a taxi on arrival?

Pre-arranged pickup costs more (800-1500 rupees) but eliminates haggling when you're exhausted. Worth it for late-night arrivals or if traveling alone. For daytime arrivals at major airports, pre-paid taxi booth or Uber/Ola works fine and costs less. Have your hotel's exact address and phone number either way.

How much cash should I carry from the airport to my hotel?

Keep 500-1000 rupees in your pocket for immediate needs — bottled water, SIM card, tips. Put the rest (your withdrawn 10,000-15,000 rupees) in a secure pocket or money belt. Don't flash large amounts. Most hotels accept cards but many restaurants and shops near tourist areas are cash-only.

Is it safe to arrive in India at night?

Major city airports are fine for night arrivals. Pre-arrange pickup or use pre-paid airport taxi rather than negotiating outside. Stay aware but not paranoid. Millions of travelers arrive safely at night. Women traveling alone should pre-arrange transport and confirm hotel location is in a well-populated area. Avoid arriving in small towns after dark on your first trip.

What if my e-visa doesn't work at immigration?

Have printed copies of your e-visa approval and flight details. Immigration officers can verify your visa electronically even if your printout has issues. Stay calm. If there's a genuine problem, ask to speak with a supervisor. Issues are rare if you applied through the official government portal and have supporting documents.

How do I avoid getting sick in the first 48 hours?

Only drink bottled water, including for brushing teeth. Avoid raw vegetables and salads initially. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food. Don't eat street food on day one no matter how good it smells — your stomach needs time to adjust. Wash hands constantly or use sanitizer. Most travelers get minor stomach issues around day 3-5, not immediately on arrival.

Should I tip the airport taxi driver?

Tipping isn't expected for pre-paid airport taxis since you already paid the fare. If the driver helped with bags or traffic was terrible, 50-100 rupees is generous. For Uber/Ola, no tip required but appreciated. For hotel-arranged pickups, 100-200 rupees is standard if it was a long drive.

Arriving in India for the First Time: What to Actually Expect

Your first arrival in India will be intense. Expect long immigration lines (45-90 minutes), aggressive taxi touts, and immediate sensory overload. Have your hotel address written down, pre-arrange airport pickup if possible, and keep 2000-3000 rupees in small bills for your first day. The chaos settles once you're moving.

Immigration and Customs. Fill out your arrival card on the plane. Have your e-visa confirmation or visa page ready with your passport. Immigration takes 45-90 minutes at major airports. Customs is usually quick — you walk through the green channel unless you have items to declare. Keep your stamped arrival card; some domestic hotels ask for it.
Get Cash Immediately. Use the ATM in the arrivals hall before you exit. Withdraw 10,000-15,000 rupees. Airport ATMs are reliable and give you the best exchange rate. Get mix of 500 and 100 rupee notes if possible. Outside the terminal, currency exchange rates are worse and ATMs may be harder to find.
Exit Strategy: Avoid the Scrum. The moment you exit arrivals, you'll be approached by taxi touts, sim card sellers, and hotel representatives. Walk purposefully. Pre-paid taxi booths are inside most major airport terminals — use these. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have app-based ride services that work from designated pickup zones. If your hotel arranged pickup, get the driver's number before landing and call to confirm location.
First Transport. Pre-paid airport taxi costs 400-800 rupees depending on distance in major cities. Uber/Ola cost roughly the same. Regular black-and-yellow taxis cost more and drivers may refuse the meter. If you booked a driver, confirm the price before departure. The drive into town takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on city and traffic. Evening arrivals mean less traffic.
Hotel Check-In Reality. Hotels require passport details and sometimes a photocopy. Budget hotels may ask for payment upfront. Mid-range and up usually hold a credit card. If arriving very early (before 2pm), your room may not be ready — most hotels will store luggage. Confirm checkout time; Indian hotels often use 24-hour checkout from your check-in time rather than a set noon deadline.
First 24 Hours Priorities. Get a local SIM card if you didn't get e-SIM before arrival. Airtel and Jio are reliable; costs 300-600 rupees for tourist plans. Drink only bottled water. Eat your first meal somewhere with other travelers or locals — tourist traps cluster near hotels. Walk your immediate neighborhood in daylight to orient yourself. Find the nearest ATM, pharmacy, and grocery store.
Adjust Your Expectations. India is loud. Traffic rules are suggestions. Personal space is different. Staring is cultural curiosity, not hostility. Everything takes longer than expected. These are facts, not problems to solve. The sensory intensity decreases after 48 hours as you adjust.

Should I arrange airport pickup or just get a taxi on arrival?: Pre-arranged pickup costs more (800-1500 rupees) but eliminates haggling when you're exhausted. Worth it for late-night arrivals or if traveling alone. For daytime arrivals at major airports, pre-paid taxi booth or Uber/Ola works fine and costs less. Have your hotel's exact address and phone number either way.
How much cash should I carry from the airport to my hotel?: Keep 500-1000 rupees in your pocket for immediate needs — bottled water, SIM card, tips. Put the rest (your withdrawn 10,000-15,000 rupees) in a secure pocket or money belt. Don't flash large amounts. Most hotels accept cards but many restaurants and shops near tourist areas are cash-only.
Is it safe to arrive in India at night?: Major city airports are fine for night arrivals. Pre-arrange pickup or use pre-paid airport taxi rather than negotiating outside. Stay aware but not paranoid. Millions of travelers arrive safely at night. Women traveling alone should pre-arrange transport and confirm hotel location is in a well-populated area. Avoid arriving in small towns after dark on your first trip.
What if my e-visa doesn't work at immigration?: Have printed copies of your e-visa approval and flight details. Immigration officers can verify your visa electronically even if your printout has issues. Stay calm. If there's a genuine problem, ask to speak with a supervisor. Issues are rare if you applied through the official government portal and have supporting documents.
How do I avoid getting sick in the first 48 hours?: Only drink bottled water, including for brushing teeth. Avoid raw vegetables and salads initially. Stick to hot, freshly cooked food. Don't eat street food on day one no matter how good it smells — your stomach needs time to adjust. Wash hands constantly or use sanitizer. Most travelers get minor stomach issues around day 3-5, not immediately on arrival.
Should I tip the airport taxi driver?: Tipping isn't expected for pre-paid airport taxis since you already paid the fare. If the driver helped with bags or traffic was terrible, 50-100 rupees is generous. For Uber/Ola, no tip required but appreciated. For hotel-arranged pickups, 100-200 rupees is standard if it was a long drive.