Is India safe for first-time visitors?

Yes, millions visit safely each year. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and stick to tourist areas initially. The biggest risks are stomach issues and minor scams, not safety threats.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry $200-300 in mixed USD bills to exchange. ATMs are everywhere but can be unreliable. Always have 2000-3000 rupees in small bills for tips, taxis, and street purchases.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Stick to sealed bottled water only. Even ice can be risky. Brush teeth with bottled water too. Most hotels provide free bottles, and they cost about 50 cents to buy.

Tip 10% at restaurants, 50-100 rupees for hotel staff, 200-300 rupees per day for drivers, and 10-20 rupees for small services. Always tip in rupees, not dollars.

Should I book everything in advance?

Book your first 3 nights, train tickets, and any must-see attractions online. Leave the rest flexible - India rewards spontaneous changes, and you'll want options once you understand the pace.

How to Plan Your First Trip to India

Start with the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) for 10-14 days, get your visa 6-8 weeks ahead, and budget $40-60 per day. Book trains in advance, pack loose cotton clothes, and mentally prepare for sensory overload that becomes magical once you adjust.

Choose your route. Golden Triangle is perfect for first-timers: Delhi (3 days), Agra (2 days), Jaipur (3 days), plus 2-3 buffer days. Alternative: Add Varanasi (2 days) or Kerala backwaters (4 days) if you have 14+ days total.
Get your visa sorted early. Apply for e-visa 6-8 weeks before travel. Costs $25-80 depending on duration. Have a backup plan - processing can be slow during peak season (October-March).
Book key transport in advance. Reserve flights into Delhi or Mumbai now. Book train tickets 60 days out through IRCTC website or use Cleartrip. For Golden Triangle, book the Shatabdi Express trains - they're cleaner and faster.
Choose accommodation level. Budget: $10-20/night hostels and guesthouses. Mid-range: $30-60/night hotels with AC and hot water. Luxury: $100+ heritage hotels. Book first 3 nights before arrival, rest as you go.
Prepare your stomach. Start taking probiotics 2 weeks before. Pack Imodium, ORS packets, and hand sanitizer. Eat only hot, freshly cooked food and sealed bottled water. Street food is amazing but wait until week 2.
Plan for culture shock recovery. Book a nice hotel for your first 2 nights in Delhi. This gives you a safe base to decompress. Don't pack your itinerary too tight - you'll need processing time.

Is India safe for first-time visitors?: Yes, millions visit safely each year. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and stick to tourist areas initially. The biggest risks are stomach issues and minor scams, not safety threats.
How much cash should I carry?: Carry $200-300 in mixed USD bills to exchange. ATMs are everywhere but can be unreliable. Always have 2000-3000 rupees in small bills for tips, taxis, and street purchases.
Can I drink tap water?: No. Stick to sealed bottled water only. Even ice can be risky. Brush teeth with bottled water too. Most hotels provide free bottles, and they cost about 50 cents to buy.
What about tipping?: Tip 10% at restaurants, 50-100 rupees for hotel staff, 200-300 rupees per day for drivers, and 10-20 rupees for small services. Always tip in rupees, not dollars.
Should I book everything in advance?: Book your first 3 nights, train tickets, and any must-see attractions online. Leave the rest flexible - India rewards spontaneous changes, and you'll want options once you understand the pace.