OUR SURVIVAL GUIDE
to navigating India like a local!
WHAT CAN I EAT?
To avoid any food-related illnesses, opt for freshly cooked foods from reputable restaurants or hotels. Be cautious of, or avoid street food entirely; there are plenty of restaurants that offer popular and authentic street cuisines. Enjoy fresh fruits, but ensure that they are thoroughly peeled and washed with bottled water.
HOW CAN I STAY SAFE WHILE TRAVELLING?
Personal Safety: Travel in groups, avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
Transportation: Use reputable taxi services like Uber for city travel or pre-book private cars.
Petty Theft: Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places. Do not carry large sums of money with you.
WHAT CAN I DRINK?
Stick to bottled water and avoid consuming tap water or ice cubes. Particularly, water brands such as Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina or other known brands are ideal. Please note the logo/spelling on the bottles for authenticity reasons. Coke, Pepsi, Sprite and other soft drinks are also readily available.
HOW DO I STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET?
You can purchase a local SIM card with a data plan at the airport or from local telecom shops. Providers like Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio offer good coverage and data speeds. Alternatively, Australian telecom providers’ plans are accessible for $5 to $10 per day.
WHERE CAN I STAY BEFORE OR AFTER THE WEDDING?
We recommend staying at four or five-star name brand hotel chains (Marriott, Taj, Trident, Hilton, Accor etc.). We advise booking via the official hotel chain websites to ensure reliable stays. Please note, most of these chains price-match if you can find their rates cheaper on third party websites. If you have found boutique hotels on social media, please check for reviews on multiple websites to ensure authenticity.
HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITHOUT SPEAKING THE LOCAL LANGUAGE?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and by younger locals. However, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi can be helpful. You can also use translation apps such as Google Translate for assistance.
WHAT ARE ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS?
Most shops accept debit and credit cards, however, please carry some cash at all times as some vendors don’t accept international cards.
HOW CAN I FIND FOOD THAT MEETS MY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan and lactose free can commonly be met across the country. However, if you are gluten intolerant or allergic to nuts (or similar), please double check the food ingredients to ensure compliance. We recommend name brand five star hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Accor etc.) for any strict dietary restrictions. Please carry any anti-allergic medication needed.
HOW DO I GET AROUND THE CITY?
Uber: Add your standard bank card on the app before travelling to India. We recommend getting Premium or XL Ubers for better service.
CAN I PURCHASE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION?
We recommend carrying your medication to India, however, you can purchase medicines with a prescription if needed.