India Safety and Etiquette: A Straight Guide

Broadly safe. The vast majority of visitors leave with no incident beyond an overcharged rickshaw fare. The real risks for most travellers are scams and minor stomach upsets, not violent crime.

Solo women should take extra care after dark and dress modestly at religious sites; everyone should use verified transport rather than hailing whatever is nearest. A few regions, including parts of Kashmir and some border and north-eastern areas, carry government advisories, so plan those with a local operator rather than alone. See our dedicated solo female travel guide for more.

• Unofficial taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers quoting inflated fares — agree the fare, use the meter, or book through a ride-hailing app.
• "That shop is closed, let me take you to a better one" — a common lead-in to a commission-paying shop, not the place you actually asked for.
• Lookalike visa websites charging well over the government fee — the only official India e-Visa site is indianvisaonline.gov.in.
• Anyone offering to "check your visa status" for a fee — the real check is free on the official portal.

• Remove your shoes before entering temples, mosques and many homes.
• Dress modestly at religious sites — shoulders and knees covered is a safe default.
• Use your right hand for eating, giving or receiving something, and greeting with a namaste (a slight bow, palms together) is always well received.
• Ask before photographing people, particularly at religious ceremonies.
• Public displays of affection are best kept minimal, especially outside big cities.

Drink bottled or filtered water, skip ice you can't vouch for, and eat where the food is cooked hot in front of you. A day or two of an unsettled stomach is far more common than anything serious. See our what-to-pack guide for a basic health kit.