10 Questions Australians Ask Before Booking India, Answered Honestly
Australians Are Curious About India, and Cautious. Both Instincts Are Sensible.
Every week we hear from Australian travellers who want to visit India but have a few worries holding them back. They are good questions, and they deserve plain answers rather than brochure language. Here are the ten we hear most, answered as honestly as we can from our office in New Delhi, where we have planned private tours since 1999.
Is India safe for first-time visitors?
Most visitors travel without serious trouble. The usual risks are ordinary ones: pickpockets in crowded places, touts who overcharge, and busy traffic. Travelling with a private driver and guide removes most of these. It is still wise to read your own government's travel advice before booking and again before you fly, and to take out travel insurance that covers India.
Do I need vaccinations?
That depends on your health, your route and the season, so please ask a travel doctor or your GP six to eight weeks before you leave. We are not doctors and will not guess for you. Bring the details of your itinerary to the appointment, as it helps the doctor give accurate advice.
Can I drink the water, and will the food upset me?
Stick to sealed bottled water or properly filtered water, including for brushing your teeth. Eat food that is freshly cooked and served hot, and be cautious with raw salads and street stalls until your stomach adjusts. Many travellers eat extremely well and stay healthy by following those simple habits. A few days of gentle eating at the start is a sensible plan.
Is it too hot?
It depends on when you go. October to March is comfortable across most of the country. April to June can pass 40°C in Rajasthan and the plains, and July to September is monsoon. Whatever the month, wear light, loose cotton, cover your shoulders and knees at temples, carry a warm layer for cool mornings and cold air-conditioning, and start sightseeing early. Hot afternoons are for resting.
Will the crowds and noise be overwhelming?
Honestly, some people find the first day in Delhi a lot. The cities are loud, busy and full of life, which is part of the appeal but not for everyone. Ease in gently: arrange a private airport transfer, keep the first day light, and include a calmer stop such as a heritage hotel or a village stay. For the visa, flights and best months in more detail, see our step-by-step India trip planning guide for Australians.
Do I need to speak Hindi?
No. English is widely used in hotels, airports, tourist sites and signs, and guides and drivers on a private tour speak it well. A few words of Hindi still go a long way. "Namaste" for hello and "shukriya" for thank you will earn smiles everywhere.
Are trains a good way to get around?
Often the most memorable part of the trip. Air-conditioned classes on overnight trains are comfortable, and the views are excellent. Official tickets are sold through IRCTC, and foreign tourists can book up to 365 days ahead. A single simple journey is manageable yourself. For a multi-city route with tight connections, many visitors prefer to have it arranged.
Will my phone and bank cards work?
Cards work in hotels, larger restaurants and shops, but carry some rupees for markets, tips and small purchases. Tell your bank you are travelling. For your phone, an eSIM or a local SIM bought on arrival is usually far cheaper than international roaming. Bring a universal power adapter, since Indian sockets differ from Australian ones.
Is India suitable for solo women?
Many women travel in India alone and have wonderful trips, but it needs more planning than most destinations, and we will not pretend otherwise. What helps: a private driver and guide, accommodation booked in advance, arriving in daylight, modest dress, and sharing your itinerary with someone at home. For a first visit, many solo women choose a private tour for exactly these reasons. Trust your instincts at all times.
How do I get the visa, and how early should I apply?
Australian passport holders apply online for an e-Visa through the official Government of India visa portal. Apply at least four days before you arrive, and no more than 120 days ahead. Your passport needs at least six months' validity, and fees change, so check the exact amount on the official site. Do not use third-party sites that charge extra.
For wider destination ideas, Incredible India, the government's official tourism site, is a good place to browse before you decide where to go.
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