India Travel FAQ (2026)
Do I need a visa or travel authorization to visit India in 2026?
Mandatory India e-Tourist Visa (30-Day $10–$25, 1-Year $40, or 5-Year $80 — Apply ONLY at Official `indianvisaonline.gov.in` at least 4–14 Days Before Departure!)
What is the best way to travel between Delhi (Old & New Delhi), Agra (Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri), and Jaipur & Udaipur (Rajasthan)?
Travel seamlessly across India on Indian Railways Vande Bharat Express (AC Chair & Executive Class), Gatimaan Express (Delhi–Agra in 1h 40m at 160 km/h) & IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota (FTQ — Code 'FT'). Compare walk-up fares against advance promotional tickets and regional passes in INR (₹). For local buses, trams, and metro lines, use IRCTC Foreign Tourist Quota (1) IRCTC FOREIGN TOURIST QUOTA (FTQ): When regular Indian train tickets look 'Waitlisted (WL)', select the 'Foreign Tourist (FT)' quota on `irctc.co.in` (register with your foreign mobile + ₹100+GST activation fee) or visit the International Tourist Bureau on the 1st Floor of New Delhi Railway Station (Platform 1 side)—most major trains hold dedicated AC seats exclusively for foreign passport holders! 2) ASI MONUMENT TICKETS: Scan the official `asi.payumoney.com` QR code at the gate (or book online ahead) to get ₹50 off every monument ticket and skip the cash queue!).
Should I carry cash (INR) or use credit cards in India?
Official currency is the INR (₹) (₹, INR; 1 USD ≈ 84 INR). Contactless cards work widely across Delhi (Old & New Delhi) and Agra (Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri), but always carry small notes in ₹ for markets, bakeries, and rural transit.
How does tipping work in India?
Check if a 5–10% 'Service Charge' is already on the restaurant bill (separate from 5% GST tax); if not, tip ₹100–₹300 ($1.20–$3.50) at sit-down restaurants, ₹50–₹100 per bag for hotel porters, and ₹500–₹800/day ($6–$10) for private multi-day car drivers.
What power plugs are used in India, and is tap water safe?
India uses Type C, Type D & Type M (230V / 50Hz — universal sockets in almost all hotels accept European two-pin and UK/US plugs) sockets at Type C, Type D & Type M (230V / 50Hz — universal sockets in almost all hotels accept European two-pin and UK/US plugs). Tap water: NEVER drink tap water, fountain water, or street ice in India; drink only sealed bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina — check tamper seal) or RO-purified hotel water.. Emergency numbers: 112 (All-in-One National Emergency), 1363 (24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline), 139 (Indian Railways Helpline).