£1 ₹126.51
Today
9:23 am
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Travel warning
Avoid the state of Manipur and the region of Jammu and Kashmir as there's serious ongoing violent unrest and curfews, plus travel along the India-Pakistan border is off-limits.
Weather in India
India
31°
Overcast
Wed
20
31
Thu
20
32
Fri
20
31
Sat
20
32
Sun
23
33
SPF level in India
Recommended: SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Autumn
SPF 50
Winter
SPF 30
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around India
Languages in India
Tipping in India
Tipping is customary in India for good service, but not obligatory. A service charge may be included in restaurant bills, so check before tipping.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included.
Bar/Café
5-10% if service is good.
Taxi
Round up the fare or 10-20 INR for good service.
Hotel Porter
50-100 INR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 INR per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
200-500 INR per day, depending on the quality of service.
Safety in India
Tips for British travellers
India is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be very cautious of drink spiking and do not accept drinks or food from strangers.
Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, if you are alone at any time of day due to the risk of sexual assault.
Be vigilant in tourist areas where pickpockets, scammers, and motorbike snatchers target foreign nationals.
Respect local dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas.
It is illegal to smoke in most public places, so only smoke in designated smoking areas.
Bonus tips:
Vapes and related products are banned, so you cannot buy them or bring them into the country.
Swim with caution as many beaches have strong currents and lack warning signs or lifeguards.
Driving in India
A valid UK driving license is generally accepted for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
80-120 km/h (varies by region and vehicle type)
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h (varies by region)
Alcohol limit
0.03%
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in India
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in India is 230V at 50Hz. Plug types C, D, and M are used. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming increasingly common in India, particularly in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller shops and markets.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in India
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas. Ensure the ATM displays the Visa or Mastercard logo.
Local name
ATM
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to access cash. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in India. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
50 GB for 1200 INR (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi)
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in urban areas. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Staying connected is relatively easy in cities and tourist areas. Public WiFi is available, but can be unreliable. A local SIM can offer better connectivity in more remote areas.
Health & vaccinations in India
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check the policy wording carefully, especially regarding pre-existing conditions. While India does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, travel insurance is essential to cover any medical costs you may incur.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Typhoid
Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention well in advance of your trip. Drink bottled water, avoid ice, and be cautious about food hygiene to prevent stomach upsets. Air pollution can be a concern in some cities; check local air quality reports. Seek medical attention immediately if you become unwell.
Calling India
Country code
+91
To call India from the UK, dial 00 91 followed by the local number.
To call a New Delhi number 2687 9876, you would dial 00 91 11 2687 9876.
The country code for India is 91. When calling from abroad, drop the leading '0' from the local area code.
UK Embassy in India
British High Commission New Delhi
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110021, India
Airports in India
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.