First Time Traveling in India: The Do’s and Don'ts for a Stress Free Journey
For your first time traveling in India, you’ll really need to do your research before planning your trip. Why? India is like nowhere else, in the best (and sometimes most overwhelming) way possible. Instead of going in blind and hoping to just enjoy the adventure, learn some tips from this guide of do’s and don’ts in India.
Trust me, doing your homework will make the trip even more fun and less “Wait, what the heck is going on here?”
India is a beautifully unique blend of cultures, sights, sounds, (there are over 700 languages in India!!) and let’s be real— you can’t possibly learn the cultural etiquette of every single state and city before you travel, but this is a general guide of what could be helpful for your trip. It can be a bit of a shock to the system, but with the right tips, you’ll navigate it like a pro. So, here are some do’s and don’ts from my own experiences traveling through North India, to help you out on your journey.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Do's for your first time traveling in India
1) Pack appropriate attire for your trip
I know, the heat may tempt you to reach for shorts and a tank top, but hold that thought! In India, especially in more traditional areas, it’s best to dress conservatively. Think loose, breathable pants, long tops, and always keep those shoulders covered. You’ll stay cool and comfy, and you’ll blend in a little better. Plus, everyone will admire how effortlessly stylish you look in combination to the beautiful aesthetics of India.
2) Adjust to being vegetarian
While there are plenty of non vegetarians throughout India, it’s recommended that you avoid meat, especially cow meat. I promise, you won’t even realize you’ve been going vegetarian by the end of your trip, as Indian’s are the vegetarian experts. Their vegetarian dishes are so filling and delicious you won’t need anything else.
Trust me, by the end of your trip, you’ll be craving paneer and dal every day.
3) "Namaste" (But Only When It's Appropriate!)
Namaste is a beautiful, respectful greeting, but it’s not the casual “hello” you might think it is. Use it when you’re meeting someone in a more formal setting, or to greet friends and family. And if you’re traveling through North India, try saying “Ram Ram” instead—it’s the local version of a friendly hello! Just be sure to save Namaste for the special occasions, and you’ll be golden.
If this is your first time traveling in India, you really won’t need to do this much or at all. But if the situation calls for it, bow slightly forward with your hands together and say Namaste (pronounced like nuh-muh-stay).
4) Don’t Be Surprised by Higher Ticket Prices for Foreigners
Fair warning: when visiting monuments or tourist spots, you’ll likely notice different ticket prices for locals and foreigners. Yep, as a foreigner, you may pay a bit (or a lot) more. While it can feel a bit like a “foreigner tax,” it’s all part of the experience, and you’ll still get to enjoy some of the most breathtaking places in the world.
5) Know how much your money is worth
Here’s the thing: as a foreigner, you might notice prices magically rise the moment you step into a shop. It’s just one of those things. But don’t worry—you don’t have to get into a serious haggling match with every shopkeeper! Bargaining in India is almost like a friendly game. The key is to know what something should cost (do a little research), keep it lighthearted, and maybe crack a joke or two while you negotiate. You’ll find most shopkeepers appreciate a good-natured approach. In order to do that though, you need to know what you think is reasonable for what you’re paying for.
6) Always eat with your right hand
The majority of the food you will eat in India will be without utensils. In that sense, your right hand is seen to be much cleaner, and therefore, should be the hand that you use for eating. Just remember remember to keep your left hand out of the action. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it!
7) Be an aware person, especially your first time traveling in India
While most of India is considered pretty safe, you really need to be on guard and aware when traveling India as a foreigner. Like with most countries, some tourist spots are popular pickpocket areas.
You should also avoid walking around at night, or going to sketchy places that make you feel uncomfortable. There are plenty of places that tourists (who have traveled to India before) will recommend to other travelers, that are really not safe for anyone to go to. For example, from what I’ve seen, many travel vloggers recommend going to Chandni Chowk in Delhi, which even locals know better than to ever go there. Especially as a female traveler, be very careful. Just be reasonable.
8) Keep an open mind
India is very diverse. Every family has their own customs, every city has their own culture, and every state has their own dialect or language. It’s tough for foreigners to travel to India, especially without much knowledge or any locals or relatives to help guide them during their travels. In that sense, you’re in for an adventure, and in order for you to love India, you need to have an open mind.
Things might be louder, busier, or more chaotic than what you’re used to, but that’s all part of the charm! The more you embrace the unpredictability, the more you’ll fall in love with India and the easier your traveling will be.
Don'ts for your first time traveling in India
1) Do not wear shoes inside of a temple
This one’s super important! Before stepping into any temple—or really any religious spot—you’ll want to take your shoes off. It’s a sign of respect, and no one wants to be that person who forgets. Just slip them off at the entrance and you’re good to go. Don’t touch your shoes, as your hands will be considered too dirty to enter the temple and you will have to wash your hands. Bonus tip: if you’re doing a lot of temple visits, maybe bring shoes that are easy to take off. Your feet will thank you later!
2) Try not to rely on toilet paper while traveling India
In India, like many Asian countries, toilet paper is not necessary as long as there is water, which is really much more hygienic. While you can totally find toilet paper, don’t expect to flush it down the toilet—it’s a no-go. So you’re better off getting used to just relying on water and only carrying toilet paper for emergencies.
3) Don’t drink the tap water
No matter where you’re headed in India, it’s always a good idea to avoid drinking tap water—especially if you’re in big cities like Delhi or Agra. Stick to bottled water and you’ll be fine! Your stomach will thank you, trust me.
4) Don’t drink alcohol
Sipping on a cocktail in a hotel or restaurant? Totally fine. Cracking open a beer in the middle of a public park? Not so much. In India, drinking in public isn’t really the norm, and it can attract some unwanted attention. If you’re in the mood for a drink, keep it to private spaces.
5) Hindi will never have a direct translation of English (and that’s okay!)
What I’m saying is, culture cannot be translated so easily. And the culture in India is very deep and complex. You might think you’re being super polite by learning a few Hindi phrases, but some things just don’t translate the way you’d expect. For example, while Google might tell you “thank you” is “dhanyavad,” the truth is, in everyday Indian culture, that’s not something people casually toss around. It’s super formal! And saying it to a random cashier at checkout is a bit comical. So if you’re worried about politeness in India, don’t learn the Hindi words, just stick to English.
6) Do not give money to anyone on the streets, including children
This one’s tough. You might see kids or adults asking for money on the streets, but here’s the thing: often, they’re part of a larger network where the money doesn’t actually help them. Instead of giving cash, it’s a much better idea to carry some snacks with you (chips, biscuits, anything easy to share) and offer those. It’s a small but helpful way to make a difference without feeding into the larger problem.
7) Don’t be too friendly with strangers
As an American, I know this is a habit that can land us in loads of trouble anywhere else in the world, as we live in a world of politeness and friendly interactions with strangers. However, in India, smiling and being too friendly is seen as flirtation, or just plain weird. In that respect, avoid smiling at strangers, whether you are having a conversation with them or just thanking someone. When meeting new people, keep it simple and sweet, and save the smiles for family and friends.
8) Do not show too much affection in public in India
If you are a couple traveling in India, you need to learn how to avoid showing public displays of affection, including kissing or hand holding. Public displays of affection aren’t super common in India and can attract more attention than you’d like. It’s just not appropriate behavior in India, so enjoy your time together, but maybe keep those moments for private spaces.
In summary, keep all of these things in mind for your first time traveling in India, as they will help you in a stress free trip. Of course you will need to do plenty of your own planning and research, especially in whichever area you are particularly traveling too. Like I said, every state, city, even every village, is completely different from one to the next. Learn about the places you want to travel to before you leave. Keep an open mind and your trip will be the most memorable journey you’ll ever venture on.
Is there anything we missed? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Maeve & Kart
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories.
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Maeve & Kart
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
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