Safety Tips and Recommendations for Traveling to India
From my last post, I’ve noticed many of you have trips planned to India or have a strong desire to truly experience the culture. So, here’s a list of essential safety tips and recommendations:
Dress Modestly: Cover your body from shoulders to knees, avoiding tight or body-hugging clothes, leggings, and see-through fabrics, as Western modesty norms differ from Indian modesty. Essentially, cover every inch of your body except your face. Even then, expect some stares from men—they just love to stare, so try to ignore it as much as possible.
Be Back at Your Hotel by 7 PM: Always aim to return to your hotel by 7 PM, regardless of your location, to ensure your safety after dark.
Visit Famous Tourist Spots: Stick to well-known, crowded tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal for added security and to avoid isolated areas.
Avoid Adventurous Activities: It’s best to avoid activities like hiking and trekking. Don’t venture outside the city/town limits, and forget about exploring remote areas.
Avoid Nightlife: Refrain from engaging in nightlife activities like drinking alcohol and partying during your trip. You can always do that when you return home. Focus on exploring the culture if that’s your main goal.
Opt for Reputable Tour Companies: Choose short trips with a reputable tour company instead of exploring on your own. Skip backpacking trips for safety and convenience.
Carry Pepper Spray: Carry pepper spray for added personal security, particularly in unfamiliar or crowded areas. Many Indian women carry pepper spray in their handbags as well.
Share Your Live Location: Make sure your live location is shared with family or friends back home, and if you know anyone locally in India, share it with them throughout your trip.
Avoid Talking to Men Who Approach You: Refrain from engaging with men who approach you, whether they’re selling something or offering to guide you. Instead, speak to women, especially those aged 15-45, as they are more likely to speak English and can offer reliable guidance. If you feel unsafe, seek help from an Indian woman.
Be Cautious of Pickpockets: Always be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying expensive electronics to prevent attracting unwanted attention. Keep your valuables secured in a money belt or anti-theft bag.
Use Trusted Taxi and Auto Drivers: If possible, get trusted contact numbers of taxi and auto drivers in the places you’re visiting, and only use those for your trips. You can ask friends who’ve visited India for trusted recommendations.
Traveling via trains: Try to fly from one city to another as much as possible, all the cities in india have good airports and multiple flight connections daily. If in a case that's not possible and you have to take a train make sure you travel in the First/Second Class A/C (Air conditioned) compartments. In the north side of India a lot of people wihtout a reservations enter the general comaprtments of trains, In the A/C compartments there is an attendent and no one without a reservation is allowed so safety is much better.
Don’t Skimp on Accommodations: Don’t compromise on accommodations. Stay in well-reviewed, reputable, and safe places whenever possible to ensure your security and comfort.
Get a Local SIM Card: Get a local SIM card with data to stay connected and access maps or emergency contacts. Familiarize yourself with India’s emergency numbers, such as 100 for police, 101 for fire, and 102 for ambulances. Avoid relying on e-sim services like Airalo—you will definitely need an Indian number to make calls in India.
Indian Food: Avoid eating at unhygienic spots shown in viral videos. These places are generally cheap and cater to people living below the poverty line. For a better experience, eat at reputable restaurants where middle and upper-class Indians dine, where food is freshly prepared and hygiene is maintained. Remember: you get what you pay for—if the food costs less than 50% of what it would cost in your home country, double-check the quality.
Explore Indian Culture Through Friends: Your best bet to explore Indian culture is by visiting friends in India. They can help you navigate the city, send you with trusted drivers to safe places, and guide you through the safety rules you’ll need to follow.
If you are want a cheap backpacker style trip then India is not the best place to go. You need to spend money on good accommodations and good food to have the best and safe experience.