Essential Apps for Traveling to India
29 apps · Apps verified September 3, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in India?
For India, most travelers should download UPI One World, Yesim, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in India?
For India, most travelers should download UPI One World, Yesim, Airalo, and Holafly before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Can I drink tap water in India?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in India. Do NOT drink tap water in India. Use sealed bottled water only (check seal is unbroken). Avoid ice from unknown sources, raw vegetables washed in tap water, and cut fruit from street vendors. Brush teeth with bottled water. Bottled water very cheap (Rs 20-30 / $0.25-0.36 USD for 1L). 'Delhi belly' (traveler's diarrhea) very common - bring anti-diarrheal medication.
Should I tip in India?
Small tips (Rs 20-50) appreciated for helpful service. Not expected at street food stalls. Restaurants: 10% if no service charge is included. Check bill for 'service charge' which replaces tip. 5-10% at casual places.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
Visa requirements vary by nationality for India. E-visa available for 180+ countries - apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in minimum 4 days in advance, typically approved within 72 hours. Types: e-Tourist (30 days double entry $25, 1 year multiple entry $40, 5 year multiple entry $80), e-Business, e-Medical. No visa-free entry except Nepal and Bhutan. 28 airports and 5 seaports accept e-visa. Extensions are difficult - apply for longer visa initially.
What power adapter do I need for India?
India uses Type C, D, M power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. India uses Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (old British 3 round pin), and Type M (large 3 round pin). Bring a universal adapter. Power cuts possible in some areas, especially rural - most hotels have generators. Voltage fluctuations can occur.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in India — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in India. Locals also use Ola.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in India typically use Zomato and Swiggy.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in India.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in India. Locals also use ixigo and IRCTC Rail Connect.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in India typically use UPI One World.
- If you use Amazon Works here
- Yes — Amazon works in India. Locals also use Flipkart.
- If you use Netflix Works here
- Yes — Netflix works in India. Locals also use JioHotstar.
Finance & Payments
1 app
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
3 apps
Public Transit
3 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
1 app
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
3 apps
Health & Insurance
5 apps
Media & Entertainment
2 apps
Dining & Reservations
1 app
💳 Payment Methods in India
Tourist Accessibility
Moderate accessibility
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 UPI dominates digital payments with QR codes at virtually every vendor. UPI One World now available for tourists from G20 countries - no Indian bank account needed, load via foreign card, pay via QR. Cash still essential for auto-rickshaws, street food, and rural areas. International cards accepted at hotels, malls, and chain restaurants. Bring cash backup for areas with poor connectivity.
Travel Information for India
Common Requirements
- Passport valid 6 months beyond arrival date
- Return ticket or onward travel proof
- Sufficient funds for stay
- Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- Hotel booking or sponsor/host details
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs everywhere in cities - HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, State Bank of India most reliable for foreign cards. Max withdrawal usually Rs 10,000-20,000 ($120-240 USD) per transaction. Fees Rs 100-300 ($1.20-3.60 USD) per withdrawal. Daily limits vary. Stock up on cash in cities before traveling to rural areas.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Best rates at authorized banks and RBI-approved money changers (look for RBI logo). Avoid airport exchanges (poor rates). Hotels offer convenience but worse rates. USD, EUR, GBP widely accepted for exchange. Keep small denominations - change can be hard to get. Foreign travelers limited to importing Rs 25,000 ($300 USD) in Indian currency.
Best Time to Visit
October-March for most of India (cool season, 15-25C). Peak: November-February. Avoid May-June (extreme heat 40-50C). Monsoon June-September brings rain but fewer tourists and green landscapes. Himalayan regions best April-June and September-November. Southern India year-round but cooler November-February.
Languages
Hindi (official), English (official), 22 scheduled languages English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea main carriers. Tourist SIMs at airports but activation can take 1+ hours - requires passport, visa, photo, Indian address. Plans Rs 200-800 ($2.40-9.60 USD) per month with data. Jio has best coverage. Pre-purchase eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) much easier and recommended. India has world's cheapest mobile data rates.
Transportation
Indian Railways connects most cities - book via IRCTC app 60-120 days ahead for popular routes. Classes: AC 1st/2nd/3rd, Sleeper, General. Trains often delayed. Metro in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata - clean and efficient. Ola and Uber widely available in cities for ride-hailing. Auto-rickshaws ubiquitous - use apps or negotiate fare before. Budget airlines IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India for long distances. State and private buses (RedBus) for intercity. Avoid driving yourself - traffic is chaotic.
Cultural Notes
- Remove shoes entering homes, temples, and some shops
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites
- Use right hand for eating and greeting (left considered unclean)
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at people/deities
- Cows are sacred - never harm or disrespect them
- Namaste greeting (hands together) is respectful and appreciated
- Haggling expected in markets, not in fixed-price stores or malls
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Photography restrictions at some temples and military areas - always ask first
- Vegetarian options widely available and clearly marked - India is very vegetarian-friendly
- Food can be extremely spicy - ask for 'no spicy' or 'medium spicy' when ordering
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Do NOT drink tap water in India. Use sealed bottled water only (check seal is unbroken). Avoid ice from unknown sources, raw vegetables washed in tap water, and cut fruit from street vendors. Brush teeth with bottled water. Bottled water very cheap (Rs 20-30 / $0.25-0.36 USD for 1L). 'Delhi belly' (traveler's diarrhea) very common - bring anti-diarrheal medication.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
India uses Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (old British 3 round pin), and Type M (large 3 round pin). Bring a universal adapter. Power cuts possible in some areas, especially rural - most hotels have generators. Voltage fluctuations can occur.
Tipping
Small tips (Rs 20-50) appreciated for helpful service. Not expected at street food stalls.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Best option. Runs every 10-15 min, 5am-11pm. Clean, AC, fast. Connects to other metro lines. Buy token at station or use Delhi Metro Smart Card.
AC buses available. Multiple routes to different parts of Delhi. Cheapest option but slowest. Not recommended with heavy luggage.
Pick up at designated areas. Track ride in app for safety. Most convenient. AC vehicles standard. Book from arrivals area.
Buy prepaid taxi voucher at booth inside terminal. Fixed rates by zone. Safer than negotiating with drivers outside. AC and non-AC options.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
Cheapest but challenging with luggage. Domestic terminal near Vile Parle station. International terminal requires auto-rickshaw to station. Extremely crowded during rush hours (8-11am, 5-8pm) - avoid if possible.
AC buses from both terminals. Multiple routes to different areas. Comfortable but slow in Mumbai traffic.
Best option for most tourists. Pick up at designated areas. Mumbai traffic can be severe - late night arrivals are faster. AC vehicles.
Prepaid taxi counter inside arrivals. Fixed rates, AC cabs. Reliable. Meru Cabs and Mumbai Airport Cool Cabs are trusted brands.
⚠️ Taj Mahal 'Closed Today' Scam
Near tourist attractions, touts claim the site is 'closed today' and offer to take you to a shop or alternative tour instead.
Check official opening hours online before visiting. Ignore anyone approaching you outside attractions. Walk to the entrance yourself.
⚠️ Inflated Rickshaw/Taxi Rates
Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers quote prices 5-10x normal fares for tourists, or claim the meter is broken.
Use Ola or Uber app for fair pricing. If using rickshaw, insist on meter or agree on price before getting in. Ask hotel staff for expected fares.
⚠️ Gem/Carpet Export Scheme
Friendly locals offer a 'business opportunity' to buy gems, carpets, or handicrafts at 'wholesale prices' and resell in your home country for huge profit. Products are worthless or overpriced.
Never agree to buy items for 'export.' If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Shop at government-certified emporiums for genuine goods.
⚠️ Free Tour Guide at Temples
Self-appointed guides at temples offer 'free' tours, then demand large payments. Some take you to shops where they earn commissions.
Hire guides through your hotel or official tourism offices. Agree on price in advance. Politely decline unsolicited offers.
⚠️ Train Ticket Scam at Stations
Near railway stations, touts intercept tourists and direct them to fake 'tourist booking offices' where they charge inflated prices or book non-existent trains.
Go directly to the official IRCTC counter inside the station or book online at irctc.co.in. The official International Tourist Bureau is on the first floor of New Delhi Railway Station.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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