India

India is vast, layered, and best enjoyed slowly. Instead of racing between Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Kerala, and Varanasi in two weeks, pick one or two regions and dive deeper — for example, Rajasthan’s desert cities with Udaipur and Jodhpur, or a coastal loop from Mumbai down to Kerala’s backwaters.

Start with the seasons: November–February is ideal for most of North India; the monsoon (roughly June–September) brings lush landscapes but also heavy rains and delays. Build buffer days into your itinerary for late trains, festival traffic, or simply the need to rest.

Use Hello’s trip planning to keep your route, hotel details, train numbers, and internal flights in one place, especially helpful if you’re juggling sleeper trains, domestic airlines, and overnight buses. Mix iconic sights like the Taj Mahal with slower experiences: a cooking class in Jaipur, a yoga session in Rishikesh, or a village stay in the Himalayas.

Visas and entry rules change frequently, so check official government guidance before you book. Once your dates are set, buy and activate a Hello eSIM ahead of time so you land with data ready to go. Having maps, ride-hailing apps, and translation tools working from the moment you step out of the airport makes your first hours in India far less overwhelming.

India can be very affordable, but prices vary wildly between cities, tourist hotspots, and rural areas. Street food snacks might cost ₹50–₹150 (about $0.60–$1.80) while a mid-range restaurant meal in a big city could be ₹500–₹1,000 ($6–$12). Local guesthouses start around ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night ($12–$24), with boutique hotels and heritage stays much higher.

Cash is still useful, especially for rickshaws, markets, and small eateries. ATMs are common in cities but can be unreliable; withdraw when you can and carry a mix of ₹50, ₹100, and ₹200 notes for daily use. Many shops and restaurants accept cards or mobile payments, but do not rely on them exclusively.

Use Hello’s budget tracking to log spending in INR, so you can see how much you’re really burning through on chai, taxis, and souvenirs rather than guessing. If you’re sharing costs with friends — say, splitting a ₹2,400 dinner bill or a ₹3,000 taxi from the airport — Hello’s expense splitting makes it easy to settle up fairly without awkward math.

To keep costs down, travel second-class AC (2A/3A) on trains, use metro systems in big cities where available, and eat where it’s busy with locals: high turnover usually means fresher food and better value.

Eating in India is a highlight: think masala dosa in Bengaluru, chole bhature in Delhi, and fish curry in Kerala. Start gently if you’re not used to spice — ask for dishes "less spicy" and choose popular, busy places where food doesn’t sit around. In many cities, a filling thali (set meal) costs ₹200–₹400 ($2.50–$5), offering a sampler of curries, rice, bread, and dessert.

To reduce the risk of stomach issues:

• Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice if you’re unsure of the source.
• Choose food that’s freshly cooked and served hot.
• Be cautious with salads, chutneys, and lassis from basic street stalls.
• Carry hand sanitizer and tissues, especially for train journeys.

If you have dietary needs, simple phrases like "no meat", "no dairy", or "no nuts" can be backed up with translation apps — another reason to have a Hello eSIM active for constant connectivity. Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to find, especially in temple towns and smaller local restaurants.

Consider packing basic meds for stomach upsets, rehydration salts, and any prescription drugs you need; pharmacies are widespread but brands may differ. With a little caution, you’ll be free to fully enjoy India’s incredible regional cuisines.

Travel in India ranges from sleeper trains and metros to auto-rickshaws, ride-hailing apps, and domestic flights. For long distances, trains are a classic choice: book AC classes (2A, 3A, or CC) for more comfort, and try to secure tickets several days in advance on major routes. Overnight trains can save both time and accommodation costs.

Within cities, combine metro systems (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.) with auto-rickshaws and taxis. Always agree on a price or insist on the meter before you start a rickshaw ride. For short hops, you might pay around ₹100–₹200, depending on traffic and distance. In old city areas like Jaipur’s bazaars or Varanasi’s lanes, be ready to walk — vehicles can’t reach everywhere.

India runs on mobile data and OTPs (one-time passwords) for everything from ride-hailing to food delivery and train apps. Activate a Hello eSIM before you land so your phone connects as soon as you touch down; that way you can load maps, check hotel directions, or grab a taxi without hunting for airport Wi‑Fi.

Use the Hello app’s trip planning to keep all your booking references and addresses handy, even when you’re offline. Screenshots of tickets plus digital copies stored in one place can be a lifesaver when someone asks for your PNR number at a crowded station or bus stand.