Is India Safe? Read the 14 Travel Tips

India is an ancient country. Its long history and splendid culture show unique charm. But is it safe to travel to India? People may have seen reports of accidents in India from the news, such as derailment of trains, stampedes, Christian riots, etc. Because of these news, people have doubts about India's security. Then what’s the fact? Is India safe to travel to?

It is safe to go to India.

The Delhi rape case shocked the world a few years ago, and it frightened travelers around the world, especially those female tourists who want to go to India. However, referring to the majority of travelers’ experience, it is not as terrible as reported. According to the statistics in 2015, India’s crime rate is not high, even ranking after developed countries such as the United States, France, Ireland, Italy, etc. Also, most crimes are non-violent crimes such as fraud and theft. Generally, travel safety in India is not that bad.

Is India safe for female tourists?

India has great cultural differences. The cultural differences in different states are as great as those in different countries, so is the security situation. For female tourists, travel safety in South India is better than that in North India. The capital Delhi and the surrounding Uttar Pradesh states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar are hot tourist spots, but the travel safety a is poor due to the economic situation and folk customs; fraud often occurs in these areas.

We should raise the awareness of travel safety in India during the journey, learn the local customs before visit, and do not violate the taboos of the local people. Bear the following 14 tips in mind, for they may save your life at a critical moment.

1. Travel with a companion.

India has complicated culture and custom. For safety’s sake, it is not recommended to travel alone, especially for women. And do not go out alone or take private transportation at night.

Travel with a companion.

Local Women

2. Do not go to the slums.

These places are areas with high incidence of robberies, so do not go to remote rural areas and slums out of curiosity.

3. Avoid revealing clothes.

It is a very serious problem especially for female tourists that do not wear exposed clothes. Wear conservative clothes in public. It is better not to expose your shoulders and knees. Do not wear sleeveless tops, shorts, miniskirts, and light, transparent or tight clothes.

Sexual assault is rampant in India and the clear-up rate is very low. Sexual abuse of women is more serious in northern India than in southern India. However, incidents of female aggression have also occurred in the south sometimes.

4. Stay in four or five-star hotels with international brands.

On the one hand, the service and safety of the hotels are guaranteed. On the other hand, the food are more in line with westerners' appetite. Some hotels need to pay a deposit. It is recommended to use rupees so that the deposit can be returned immediately when checking out. You can also pay by credit card, but the deposit will not be refunded until a month later. It is not recommended to use US dollars to pay deposit or settle accommodation fees. The exchange rate in hotel is not cost-effective.

Stay in four or five-star hotels.

Keep alert in urban traffic.

5. For female travelers: Reserve a ticket of the Ladies’ Compartment if traveling by train.

It is suggested to choose a higher-grade carriage for the train, which is cleaner and safer. We suggest that women choose the ladies’ compartment when traveling, but each train only has 60 seats and it should be booked in advance.

6. Keep alert in urban traffic.

India's infrastructure is relatively backward and traffic is very bad. Tourists must pay attention to travel safety when crossing the road to avoid traffic accidents.

7. Use the car service of your hotel, or use mobile apps to hire a car.

The largest and best taxi in India is Meru. You can book a car by calling 44224422 or downloading the application from your mobile phone. Hotel cars are more expensive, but safer.

Uber and Ola are the more popular taxi-hailing app in India. In most cases, Uber drivers can speak a little English, while Ola drivers cannot speak English, which makes communication more difficult. Uber can show the driving route, which is safer and more convenient.

8. Take some instant foods.

Many people do not like Indian food. And the food hygiene in India is also very bad. Therefore, tourists should better bring some instant noodles and snacks.

Breakfast buffet in four-star and five-star hotels is generally abundant. There are both Indian food and western food for lunch and dinner. Bacon meat will be served in the buffet. Hotels in the south may have beef.

Fast food restaurants such as McDonald, KFC, Bugger King, Dominos, Pizza Hut and Pizza Express are available in India’s big cities, but Indian fried chicken is a little spicy.

Local India Food

Street Food

9. Do not drink the tap water.

Tourists can drink bottled water of reliable quality such as Kindney and Bisleri in India.

10. Take common medicines for diarrhea, cold, inflammation, and mosquito repellent.

As India has serious food safety problems, and dengue fever and malaria are prevalent, tourists must prepare commonly used drugs. In addition, mosquito prevention is also very important.

11. Take along toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Many toilets in India do not have toilet paper. Tropical country have many bacteria. Tourists are advised to take antibacterial hand gel and clean your hands whenever necessary.

12. Don’t use your left hand in public or social occasions.

Indians think that the left hand is unclean, so you must avoid using it in public. If you pass food to the Indians with your left hand, they believe that you are provoking them, and it is hard to ensure your safety.

Do not use your left hand in public.

India Ascetic Monk

13. Respect the local customs especially in Vanarasi.

Varanasi is the representative city of the whole picture of Ganges. You must pay attention to your behavior when you go there. There are many bathers on the Ganges River, do not show any aversion to them. For Indians, it is a great honor to bath in the Ganges. If you want to photograph bathers, you need to ask for their consent first. Do not shoot cremation scenes in Varanasi, or it will be regarded as disrespect for the dead.

14. Be Cautious of Fraud.

There are some cheats in India, so tourists should have basic awareness of prevention. When buying tickets at scenic spots or paying a bill at restaurants, check the amount and count the change. Confirm the price in advance when shopping to avoid being cheated.