India Etiquette, Dress Code, Safety & Emergency Numbers (112 (All-in-One National Emergency), 1363 (24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline), 139 (Indian Railways Helpline))
Essential cultural customs, dress codes at religious and royal sites, tipping rules, and emergency contacts (112 (All-in-One National Emergency), 1363 (24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline), 139 (Indian Railways Helpline)) in India.
Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes
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. 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.
Safety, Plugs (Type C, Type D & Type M (230V / 50Hz — universal sockets in almost all hotels accept European two-pin and UK/US plugs)) & Emergency Contacts
India uses Type C, Type D & Type M (230V / 50Hz — universal sockets in almost all hotels accept European two-pin and UK/US plugs) electrical outlets (Type C, Type D & Type M (230V / 50Hz — universal sockets in almost all hotels accept European two-pin and UK/US plugs)). Tap water guidance: 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.. Keep emergency numbers saved offline: 112 (All-in-One National Emergency), 1363 (24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline), 139 (Indian Railways Helpline).