India is not a country you “figure out on the go”. It’s intense, bureaucratic, cash-heavy in some places and surprisingly digital in others. This page exists to save you time, money, and stupid mistakes.
Here you’ll find practical, no-nonsense travel information for India — focused on how things actually work, not on sightseeing.
What you should know before traveling to India
India operates on contradictions. Credit cards work in hotels and malls, but cash is still essential for daily life. Trains are efficient but confusing. Mobile internet is cheap and fast, yet registration rules can slow you down. Preparation matters more here than in most countries.
This hub covers the core systems travelers struggle with most:
- money and payments
- internet and SIM cards
- transportation
- visas and entry rules
- safety and common scams
- essential apps
Money, cards, and cash in India
India is not fully cashless — and it’s not cash-only either. Foreign cards work, but not everywhere. ATM availability, withdrawal limits, and bank fees vary widely depending on location and bank network.
If you don’t plan your payment setup in advance, you’ll overpay or waste hours fixing avoidable problems.
→ See: Best credit cards for travel in India
→ See: Cash vs card in India
→ See: ATM withdrawal fees and limits
Internet and mobile connectivity
Mobile data in India is cheap and fast, but buying a SIM card can be unexpectedly annoying due to ID requirements and registration delays. eSIMs can save time, but they’re not always the best option.
→ See: Best SIM cards for tourists in India
→ See: eSIM vs physical SIM in India
Transportation basics
India’s transport system works — if you understand it. Trains, metros, ride-hailing apps, and domestic flights all play a role. The mistake most travelers make is relying on just one option.
→ See: How public transport works in India
→ See: Best transport apps for India
Visas and entry rules
India has specific entry rules, visa validity quirks, and overstaying penalties that travelers often misunderstand. This section breaks down what actually matters, without legal fluff.
→ See: India tourist visa explained
→ See: How long can you stay in India
Safety and common issues
India is not inherently dangerous, but it is high-friction. Scams, misunderstandings, and cultural missteps happen fast if you’re unprepared.
→ See: Common scams targeting tourists in India
→ See: Is India safe for solo travelers?
Useful apps for India
India runs on apps — payments, transport, food, navigation. Having the right ones installed before arrival makes a real difference.
→ See: Must-have apps for traveling in India