Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹500–1,200 | ₹2,000–4,000 |
| Food | ₹200–400 | ₹600–1,200 |
| Transport | ₹100–250 | ₹300–600 |
| Activities | ₹200–600 | ₹800–1,500 |
| Drinks | ₹50–150 | ₹300–500 |
| Daily Total | ₹1,050–2,600 | ₹4,000–7,800 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Most nationalities need an e-Visa — apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Cost: $10–25 USD
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) connects to Delhi Metro via the Airport Express Line (20 min to New Delhi station, ₹60)
- Keep printouts of your e-Visa, hotel bookings, and travel insurance — immigration occasionally asks for them
Health & Safety
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Tap water is NOT safe — always drink bottled (₹20) or filtered water
- Delhi is generally safe but be alert for tourist scams at train stations and popular monuments. Ignore unsolicited "guides"
- Air quality can be severe in winter (Nov–Jan) — check AQI daily. Carry an N95 mask. Summer (Apr–Jun) exceeds 45°C
Getting Around
- Delhi Metro: extensive network covering the entire city. Get a Smart Card (₹150 incl. ₹100 credit) at any station
- Auto-rickshaws: agree on price first or insist on meter. Ola and Uber apps give fair, fixed prices — essential for Delhi
- Cycle rickshaws in Old Delhi are the only way to navigate the narrow lanes — ₹30–80 per ride, negotiate beforehand
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Airtel or Jio, ₹500–700 for 28 days with data. Activation can take 24 hours — buy on arrival day
- Free WiFi in most cafes, malls, and hotels. Delhi Metro stations have free WiFi (with ads)
- All international apps work fine — no internet restrictions. WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Ola/Uber are essential
Money
- Cards accepted at restaurants, hotels, and shops. Cash needed for street food, autos, and markets. Carry ₹500–1,000 daily
- ATMs are plentiful — SBI, HDFC, and ICICI accept foreign cards. Withdraw in multiples of ₹500 for convenience
- Tipping: ₹50–100 at restaurants (if no service charge), ₹20–50 for autos/delivery. Round up small amounts
Packing Tips
- Modest clothing for temples and mosques — cover shoulders and knees. Women: carry a scarf for religious sites
- Comfortable closed shoes for Old Delhi's narrow lanes. Flip-flops for temple visits (shoes off). An N95 mask for air quality days
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle with a filter. Hand sanitiser is essential for street food adventures
Cultural tips
Religious Sites
Remove shoes at temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. Cover your head at Sikh gurudwaras (scarves provided free). Dress modestly at all religious sites. Don't point your feet toward altars or deities.
Greetings
Namaste (palms together) is the standard greeting. Physical contact between opposite genders is minimal — avoid handshakes with women unless they offer first. The head wobble means "yes" or "I understand."
Food Customs
Eat with your right hand if eating without cutlery — the left is considered unclean. Vegetarianism is very common; many restaurants are pure-veg. Don't offer beef to Hindus or pork to Muslims.
Tourist Scams
Ignore "closed today" claims about monuments from touts. Never accept free "tours." Agree on auto-rickshaw prices before boarding. Use app-based taxis. Don't share hotel details with strangers at train stations.
Photography
Always ask before photographing people, especially women. Some monuments charge camera fees. Don't photograph military installations or airports. Sadhus (holy men) may ask for money after photos.
Temple Etiquette
Walk clockwise around Hindu temples. Don't touch offerings or murtis (deity statues). Gurudwaras serve free langar (community meal) — accept it respectfully. It's one of India's most beautiful traditions.
