Plugs and voltage
India dey run on 230V, 50Hz with round three-pin Type D socket; Type C and Type M dey show sometimes too. Bring universal adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers fit handle 230V, but check your hair dryer or shaver before you plug am in. Light dey off sometimes, especially for small towns, so keep power bank wey charge well.
Language basics
Hindi and English na the official link languages, and English dey work well for hotel, airport and tourist areas. India get 22 scheduled languages, so small local words go carry you far. Try:
- Namaste for hello
- Dhanyavaad for thank you
- Kitna hua? for how much e cost?
- Theek hai for okay
Packing
- Simple, breathable clothes wey be cotton or linen; cover shoulder and knee for temple
- A scarf or shawl for sun, temple and cold bus
- Slip-on shoes, because you go remove your shoe for temple and plenty houses
- Hand sanitiser, tissue and small medicine for belle wahala
- A reusable water bottle wey get filter, or buy sealed bottled water (Bisleri dey common)
Connection
Wi-Fi for hotel and cafe fit slow or dey come and go. Local data plan na must-have for Google Maps, Uber and Ola, UPI-style payment and translate. eSIM go make you land already online without to dey find SIM kiosk or bring paper for airport.
Quick tips
- Carry cash for small notes; plenty stalls and rickshaw no dey take card, and ATM sometimes finish
- Agree the fare first for auto-rickshaw, or insist say dem use meter
- Chop where e busy; plenty customer mean fresh food. Street favourites like dosa, samosa and chai na part of the fun
- Drink only sealed or filtered water, and skip ice you no fit confirm
- Dress respectfully for religious sites and remove shoe before you enter
- Bargain sweet sweet for market like Delhi Sarojini Nagar or Jaipur bazaars, but keep am friendly
- Book train early for IRCTC app; popular routes sell out fast
- Dey alert for crowd and keep valuables for front pocket or money belt
Stay connected for India
HelloSIM eSIM go keep you online as soon as you land, so map, translate, ride-hailing and booking go just work, no roaming bill or SIM-swap wahala.
Get your India eSIM for 30 seconds
Sharp-sharp delivery, 4G/5G speed, no roaming bill.