The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
IndiaA little local knowledge.
Marvel at the Taj Mahal at sunrise, dive into Delhi's bazaars and street food, and ride the Golden Triangle from Jaipur to Agra.
Avoid drinking untreated tap water.
Police: 100
Indian Rupee
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in India
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Use Hindi polite forms: aap, dhanyavaad, namaste
Greet people with “Namaste”, with palms together, and use the polite form “aap” for “you” when speaking Hindi to staff and strangers. Say “Dhanyavaad” for thank you and add “kripaya” (please) to requests; this polite register is expected with elders, officials, and service staff. Using the familiar “tum” or intimate “tu” with strangers or elders can offend, so leave those forms to close friends and children.
Ask before photographing people
Do not photograph people, especially women, children, and people at worship, without asking permission first. Ask with a smile and accept a refusal gracefully; at religious sites and of sadhus (holy men), expect that a small donation may be requested if you do take the photograph.
Use the right hand for exchanges
Use your right hand, or both hands, for giving, receiving, paying, and eating when practical; the left hand alone is often considered impolite for these exchanges. Money, business cards, and prasad (blessed food) are all given and received this way, and passing something with the left hand alone can read as careless or insulting.
Do not enter restricted areas or touch offerings
Some sanctums are open only to worshippers of that faith. Stay behind barriers, do not touch offerings or ritual objects, and keep voices low.
Essential Hindi Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Please"
"Excuse me / Sorry"
Take all 66 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Do not drink the tap water
Use sealed bottled, boiled, or reliably treated water for drinking and brushing teeth, and be cautious with ice of unknown origin. Choose food that is cooked and served hot, wash hands often, and follow CDC food and water precautions for India.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Widely available in major cities.
Apps to Download Before Flying to India
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in India.
Uber
Ride-hailing for cars and, in many Indian cities, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis, with in-app fares and cashless payment options. Often the simplest way to avoid fare haggling at stations and airports.
Ola: Book Cab, Auto, Bike Taxi
Indian ride-hailing service for cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis in many Indian cities, often with strong coverage outside the biggest metros.
MakeMyTrip Flight, Hotel, Bus
Indian travel platform for booking domestic flights, hotels, buses, trains, and holiday services across India, useful for comparing options and managing a whole itinerary in one place.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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