India

India can feel overwhelming at first, but a bit of planning turns that energy into excitement. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are busy and loud, while places such as Udaipur, Hampi, and the backwaters of Kerala offer a slower pace. Aim for a mix of both.

On arrival, expect queues at immigration and a wave of taxi offers outside. Prepaid taxi booths at airports are reliable, and many cities now have ride-hailing apps. Keep a screenshot of your hotel address and phone number; with Hello eSIM you can activate data before landing, so online maps and translation work from the moment you step out of the plane.

A few quick tips:

• Start with fewer bases: 2–3 regions in two weeks (e.g. Rajasthan + Delhi, or Kerala + Goa).
• Watch the seasons: North India is best October–March; monsoon hits different regions at different times.
• Pack light but modest: Shoulders and knees covered in smaller towns and religious sites.

Use Hello’s trip planning to save bookings, train numbers, and must-see spots, then reorder your days on the go as you learn your own pace.

India’s transport network is huge, and choosing the right option can save hours — and headaches. For long distances, domestic flights between hubs like Delhi–Jaipur, Mumbai–Goa, or Kochi–Bengaluru are often worth the cost in time saved. For a classic experience, book a 2AC or 3AC train on popular routes such as Delhi–Varanasi or Mumbai–Udaipur: you’ll get a reserved berth, bedding, and a slice of everyday India.

In cities, you’ll find:

• Metro systems in Delhi, Mumbai (expanding), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more — clean, cheap, and efficient.
• Auto-rickshaws for short hops; insist on the meter or agree a fare before you start.
• Buses for budget travel; ask locals or your hotel which route to take.

Real-time navigation is essential, especially in old quarters like Old Delhi or Jaipur’s Pink City. With a Hello eSIM, you avoid roaming charges and can check live traffic, train delays, and ride prices without hunting for Wi‑Fi.

When traveling with others, use Hello’s expense splitting to share taxi, train, or fuel costs fairly, which helps keep group trips smooth and avoids awkward money conversations.

Indian food is a highlight of any trip, from chaat in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to seafood thalis in Goa and masala dosa in Bengaluru. Street food can be fantastic, but choose stalls with high turnover and where you can see food being cooked fresh. Start gently if you’re not used to spices — ask for “less spicy” and work your way up.

Some practical tips:

• Prefer bottled water and avoid ice unless you trust the source.
• Eat where it’s busy with local families; crowds usually mean good hygiene.
• Try regional specialties: Rajasthani dal baati churma, Hyderabadi biryani, Keralan fish curry.

Typical local eateries might charge ₹200–₹400 (around US$2.50–$5) for a filling meal, while upscale restaurants in major cities can be ₹800–₹2000 (US$10–$25) per person. Use Hello’s budget tracking to log what you spend on food in rupees, so you quickly see whether you’re leaning more toward street snacks or sit-down splurges.

If you have dietary needs — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free — a Hello eSIM keeps translation apps and map reviews handy, making it easier to find restaurants that suit your requirements.

India uses the Indian rupee (INR), and you’ll need cash for small shops, rickshaws, and local markets. ATMs are common in cities and larger towns; in rural areas, withdraw in advance. Card payments and mobile wallets are increasingly accepted in cafes, metro stations, and mid-range hotels.

Day-to-day costs vary widely. A budget traveler might spend around ₹2000–₹3000 (US$25–$35) per day on local transport, simple guesthouses, and street food, while a mid-range budget of ₹5000–₹8000 (US$60–$95) covers boutique stays and nicer restaurants. Track these in Hello’s budget tracking feature so you can see how your rupee spending adds up across cities.

Reliable data makes everything easier, from checking train platforms to confirming hotel directions. Setting up a Hello eSIM before you arrive lets you skip local SIM queues and stay online without roaming charges. This is especially useful when using map apps in sprawling stations like New Delhi Railway Station or navigating complex areas such as Mumbai’s Fort.

Traveling with friends? Use Hello’s expense splitting to divide hotel bills, tours, and shared meals in rupees, and keep a record of who paid what without needing spreadsheets or awkward conversations.