India

India is a sensory explosion from the moment you step out of Indira Gandhi International (DEL) or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM) airports. To navigate the bustling arrivals halls and arrange your first ride, having reliable data is essential. You can avoid the long queues and paperwork at airport kiosks by setting up a Hello eSIM before you even board your flight. This allows you to land with an active connection, ready to book an Uber or check your hotel location on a map without worrying about expensive roaming fees. For your first night, expect to pay around ₹2,500 ($30) for a comfortable mid-range hotel. Use the Hello trip planning feature to keep your confirmation numbers and addresses in one accessible place, ensuring a smooth transition from the terminal to the vibrant streets of your first destination.

Traveling through India is an adventure in itself. The Indian Railways network is the country's lifeline; for a comfortable experience, book AC 2-Tier or 3-Tier classes on long-distance trains via the IRCTC portal. For shorter bursts, the Gatiman Express offers a fast, reliable link between Delhi and Agra for those visiting the Taj Mahal. When exploring cities like Jaipur or Varanasi, auto-rickshaws are your best friend. Always agree on a fare beforehand—a short 3km trip should cost roughly ₹50–₹100 ($0.60–$1.20). If you are traveling with friends, use Hello's expense splitting tool to manage the constant flow of small cash payments for rickshaws and snacks. It saves the headache of trying to remember who paid for the last lassi or metro token at the end of the day.

From the spicy Vada Pav of Mumbai to the rich Butter Chicken of Punjab, India is a culinary wonderland. To enjoy the street food scene safely, look for vendors with high turnover and observe their hygiene practices—if a stall is busy with locals, it’s usually a good sign. A hearty meal at a local 'dhaba' or a traditional Thali (a platter with various regional dishes) typically costs between ₹200 and ₹500 ($2.40–$6.00). Keep an eye on your outgoings with the Hello budget tracking feature, which lets you record your spending in Indian Rupees so you know exactly how much that extra serving of Garlic Naan cost. Don't miss out on a hot cup of Masala Chai from a roadside 'chaiwalla'—it's a quintessential Indian experience that costs just ₹10–₹20 ($0.12–$0.24) and offers a perfect moment to pause and soak in the atmosphere.

Cash is still vital in many parts of India, especially for small purchases at local markets like Delhi's Chandni Chowk or for tipping. While digital payments are growing, international travelers often rely on ATMs for daily cash. Expect a small fee for withdrawals, and try to carry smaller denominations like ₹100 notes for convenience. When visiting religious sites like the Golden Temple in Amritsar or the ancient ruins of Hampi, remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes. It is customary to cover your shoulders and knees. By using the Hello trip planning tool, you can note down specific entry requirements or opening times for these sites, ensuring you respect local customs while making the most of your journey through this culturally rich subcontinent.