India Safety Tips: Scams, Areas to Watch and Emergency Numbers

How safe is India for travellers?

India is welcoming and overwhelmingly safe for visitors, but it rewards street-smart travellers. The biggest hassles are scams, overcharging and chaotic traffic rather than violent crime. A little preparation lets you enjoy the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Goa and Kerala with confidence.

Common scams to know

• The "hotel is closed" trick. Taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers in Delhi claim your hotel is full, closed or unsafe, then steer you to a commission-paying guesthouse. Call your hotel directly to confirm.
• Fake travel agents near New Delhi railway station and Connaught Place selling "government tours". Book only through your hotel or an official India Tourism office.
• The gem and carpet export scam in Jaipur and Agra, promising big resale profits. There are none.
• Rigged taxi meters and "no change". Agree a fare first or insist on the meter; use Uber or Ola where possible.
• Spilled food or "helpful" strangers distracting you while an accomplice lifts your bag.

Areas and situations to be careful

• Crowded markets like Delhi's Chandni Chowk and Mumbai's local trains are pickpocket hotspots, keep bags in front.
• Take only prepaid taxis or app cabs from airports and at night.
• Women travellers should avoid empty carriages, share trip details, and use women-only metro coaches and train compartments where available.
• Drink bottled or filtered water, avoid ice of unknown origin, and be cautious with very cheap street food at first.
• Road traffic is intense; cross with locals and prefer reputable drivers over riding scooters yourself.

Emergency numbers in India

• 112 - national all-in-one emergency number (police, fire, ambulance).
• 100 - police.
• 101 - fire.
• 102 / 108 - ambulance.
• 1091 - women's helpline.
• 1363 - tourist helpline (multilingual).
• 1098 - child helpline.

Save these in your phone before you arrive and keep a photo of your passport and visa.

Smart everyday habits

• Carry small notes; many vendors and autos genuinely lack change.
• Keep cash and cards in separate places and use ATMs attached to banks.
• Agree prices before any ride, tour or service.
• Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes when required.

Stay connected in India

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translation, ride apps and confirm bookings without paying roaming fees.