The short answer
Plan the journey from the airport before you land, use official or well-reviewed transport, share your plans with someone at home, and keep documents and money in more than one place. Save the local emergency numbers and the nearest Indian mission’s details on your phone. Read India’s travel advisories for your destination before you go. This is general information, not safety or legal advice.
Key terms in plain English
- Travel advisory: an official notice about conditions in a country, published by a government.
- Indian mission: an embassy, high commission or consulate of India in another country.
- Official taxi: a licensed taxi from a rank or a regulated service.
Before you go
- Read the destination’s entry and border pages, and India’s travel advisories.
- Find the nearest Indian mission on the Ministry of External Affairs’ page on Indian missions abroad.
- Share your itinerary and stay details with someone at home.
- Save emergency numbers for the country, and your insurer’s assistance line.
Getting from the airport
- Decide before you land: a pre-booked transfer, a licensed taxi, rail or a bus.
- Use official ranks and well-reviewed services rather than people who approach you.
- Check the stay’s address and a phone number you can call.
- Keep your phone charged, and keep the details offline.
Around the city
- Compare transport passes with single tickets for what you will actually use.
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
- Keep your passport safe, and carry a copy where a copy is accepted.
- Keep a card and some cash apart from your main wallet.
- Trust your instincts, and leave a place or a ride that feels wrong.
If something goes wrong
Call the local emergency number first. Then call your insurer’s assistance line, and the Indian mission if your passport is lost or stolen or you need help. Keep reports and receipts.
Checklist
- To do: Read India’s travel advisory for the destination
- To do: Save the nearest Indian mission’s details
- To do: Plan the airport journey before you land
- To do: Share your itinerary with someone at home
- To do: Save emergency numbers and the insurer’s line offline
- To do: Keep documents and cards in more than one place
- To do: Keep copies of your passport and tickets
Common mistakes
- Accepting a ride from someone who approaches you. Use an official rank or a service you booked.
- Carrying everything in one bag. Spread documents and cards.
- Relying on the phone alone. Keep key details on paper.
- Ignoring advisories. Read them before you book.
- Leaving the trip unshared. Tell someone where you will be.
Things that change
Advisories, transport options and local conditions change. Check the advisory shortly before you go.
Verify before you act
See the Ministry of External Affairs’ travel advisories and Indian missions abroad, and the consular services page.