Practical travel in India
Trains, paying, phoning, plugs and tipping.
The train is the classic way to see India. Book tickets through IRCTC, the official site of Indian Railways; popular routes sell out weeks ahead. For long distances domestic flights are often cheap, and cities have ride-hailing apps.
Indians pay for almost everything by phone through UPI. Foreign visitors can use it too through dedicated apps, but carry cash and a bank card as well. You buy a local SIM card with your passport and visa. Mains voltage is 230 volts; sockets are types C, D and M, so a universal adapter is useful.
Tipping is customary for drivers, guides and hotel staff. Bargaining is normal at markets, not in fixed-price shops. Do not drink tap water.
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Useful links
- IRCTC irctc.co.in
Book train tickets. - Incredible India incredibleindia.gov.in
India's official tourism portal.