Everything you need to know before visiting Delhi: visas, money, tipping, water safety, costs, packing, and avoiding common mistakes. Updated for 2026.
This is everything you need to know before arriving in Delhi — visas, money, health, costs, packing, and the practical details that make your trip smoother. Bookmark this page and read it on the flight over.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities need an e-visa to enter India. Over 160 countries are eligible to apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in — the only official website. Avoid third-party sites that charge double.
E-Visa Options
| Visa Type |
Fee |
Duration |
Max Stay Per Visit |
| 30-day e-tourist |
$25 |
30 days from arrival |
30 days |
| 1-year e-tourist |
$40 |
1 year from issue |
90 days (180 for US) |
| 5-year e-tourist |
$80 |
5 years from issue |
90 days (180 for US) |
If you're visiting Delhi for a week or two, the 30-day visa is cheapest. If there's any chance you'll return within a year, the 1-year visa at $40 is better value.
How to Apply
- Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in (the only official site)
- Prepare: passport valid 6+ months, digital passport photo (white background), passport scan
- Fill in the form — takes 15-20 minutes
- Pay by card — $25-80 depending on visa type
- Wait 72 hours on average (apply 4-7 days before travel)
- Print the e-visa approval and carry it with your passport
At the airport: Use the e-visa immigration counters at Terminal 3 — they're separate from regular queues and usually faster.
Who doesn't need a visa: Nepali and Bhutanese citizens can enter without a visa. OCI cardholders have lifelong entry rights.
Water and Food Safety
Tap Water: Never Drink It
Never drink tap water in Delhi. The water is treated at the source, but the pipe network is decades old with cracks and contamination points. Even locals don't drink from the tap — almost every Delhi household has an RO water purifier.
What's safe:
- Sealed bottled water — check the seal is intact. Common brands: Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina. ₹20 for 1 litre at shops (₹40-80 at tourist sites)
- RO-filtered water in restaurants — look for branded RO dispensers (Kent, Aquaguard)
- Water at hotels — most provide complimentary bottled water or have RO systems
What's not safe:
- Tap water anywhere — including hotel bathroom sinks
- Ice at street stalls — restaurant ice is usually fine
- Refilled bottles — always check the seal snaps cleanly
Avoiding Delhi Belly
Skip raw salads at basic restaurants (washed in tap water). At upscale restaurants, raw food is fine. Watch garnishes at street stalls. Be extra careful the first 2-3 days while your gut adjusts. Carry oral rehydration salts (ORS) — available at any pharmacy.
Money and Currency
The Basics
Delhi uses the Indian Rupee (₹/INR). As of 2026, $1 USD ≈ ₹83-85. No shops accept foreign currency — exchange at the airport or withdraw from ATMs.
Getting Rupees
ATMs are everywhere — Metro stations, malls, bank branches. Most reliable for foreign cards: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI, Axis Bank. Withdrawal limits: ₹10,000-25,000 per transaction. Fee: ₹200-250 per withdrawal.
Airport exchange counters at Terminal 3 are open 24/7. Rates are 2-4% worse than city rates but fine for your first day's cash.
Money changers in Connaught Place have competitive rates. Look for RBI authorisation. Avoid exchanging at hotels — worst rates.
Cards vs Cash
Cards work at: Mid-range to upscale restaurants, hotels, malls, branded shops, monument ticket counters. Visa and Mastercard accepted widely; Amex less so.
You need cash for: Auto rickshaws, street food, traditional markets (Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar), small shops, temple donations.
Carry ₹2,000-3,000 in small denominations daily. Ask for smaller notes at ATMs or break large notes at supermarkets. ₹500 notes are hard to break at small vendors.
Tipping Guide
India doesn't have a rigid tipping culture, but it's appreciated and makes a real difference to workers.
Quick Reference
| Situation |
Tip Amount |
| Restaurant (no service charge) |
10% of bill |
| Restaurant (with service charge) |
Nothing additional |
| Street food stall |
Nothing |
| Auto rickshaw |
Round up to nearest ₹10 |
| Hotel porter |
₹50-100 per bag |
| Housekeeping |
₹50-100 per day |
| Tour guide (group) |
₹100-300 per person |
| Tour guide (private, full day) |
₹500-1,000 per person |
| Driver (full day) |
₹300-500 |
Restaurants: Check if 10% service charge is already on the bill. If not, tip 10%. At casual places, rounding up by ₹50-100 is fine.
Daily Costs and Budgeting
Budget Tier: ₹2,000-3,000/day ($24-36)
Hostel dorm (₹500-800), street food meals (₹200-400), metro transport (₹100-150), one monument (₹550). Tight but absolutely doable.
Mid-Range Tier: ₹5,000-10,000/day ($60-120)
Private hotel room (₹2,500-5,000), mix of street food and restaurants (₹700-1,500), Uber + metro (₹300-600), 2-3 monuments (₹1,100-1,650). The sweet spot for most visitors.
Luxury Tier: ₹15,000-30,000+/day ($180-360+)
5-star hotel, fine dining, private car with driver, guides at every site. World-class experience at a fraction of London or New York prices.
Where Money Goes
- Accommodation: 40-60% of budget — biggest controllable expense
- Monument fees: ₹550 each for foreigners at Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar
- Food: Absurdly cheap — three street meals for under ₹400
- Transport: Tiny with metro — 3-day tourist card is ₹200 unlimited
What to Pack
Clothing
- Light, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics (cotton, linen)
- Cover shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A scarf or dupatta — useful for pollution, sun, and modesty
- Comfortable walking shoes — you'll cover a lot of ground
- A light jacket for December-February evenings (it gets cold)
Essentials
- Power adapter: India uses Type C and D plugs, 230V. Bring a universal adapter.
- Sunscreen and hat: Even in winter, the sun is strong
- Insect repellent: Especially October-March (post-monsoon mosquitoes)
- Prescription medications: Bring enough for your trip plus extra
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Street food demands them
- Portable battery pack: Your phone will die navigating Delhi
What Not to Pack
- Expensive jewellery or flashy watches
- Heavy winter coats (even in January, a light jacket is enough)
- Too many clothes — laundry is cheap and fast in Delhi
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using unofficial visa websites. Only indianvisaonline.gov.in is legitimate. Others charge 2-3x the fee.
Not printing your e-visa. Immigration still asks for a paper copy. Don't rely on your phone.
Drinking tap water. Even one sip can cause problems. Stick to sealed bottles.
Exchanging money at hotels. Rates are 3-5% worse than ATMs or money changers.
Taking prepaid taxis inside the airport. Uber and Ola are cheaper and more reliable. The official prepaid booth outside Terminal 3 is fine, but touts inside often overcharge.
Accepting unsolicited guides at monuments. If you didn't arrange a guide, you don't owe them anything. See our safety guide for more.
Overpacking. Delhi has excellent laundry services. A 3-day wardrobe is enough for any length trip.
Quick Facts
| Item |
Detail |
| Currency |
Indian Rupee (₹/INR) |
| Exchange rate |
$1 ≈ ₹83-85 |
| Visa |
E-visa required for most ($25-80) |
| Time zone |
IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Plugs |
Type C/D, 230V |
| Language |
Hindi, English widely spoken in tourist areas |
| Emergency |
112 (police, ambulance, fire) |
For getting around the city, see our transport guide. For accommodation, see where to stay in Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for India?
Most nationalities need an e-visa for India. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. 30-day tourist e-visas cost 5, 1-year visas cost 0. Over 160 countries are eligible. Nepali and Bhutanese citizens don't need a visa.
Can you drink tap water in Delhi?
No — never drink tap water in Delhi. The pipe network is old and prone to contamination. Stick to sealed bottled water (check the seal), RO-filtered water in restaurants, or water you've purified yourself. Most restaurants use RO systems; street stalls do not.
How much should I tip in Delhi?
Tip 10% at restaurants if there's no service charge already on the bill. Round up to the nearest ₹10 for auto rickshaws. Hotel porters expect ₹50-100 per bag. Tour guides: ₹200-500 for half-day, ₹500-1,000 for full-day. Street food stalls: no tipping expected.
What currency does Delhi use?
Delhi uses the Indian Rupee (₹/INR). USD equals roughly ₹83-85. ATMs are everywhere — HDFC, ICICI, SBI are most reliable for foreign cards. Cards work at most restaurants and shops; you'll need cash for autos, street food, and markets.
How much money do I need per day in Delhi?
Budget ₹2,000-3,000 (4-36) per day for hostels and street food. Mid-range ₹5,000-10,000 (0-120) for hotels and restaurants. Luxury ₹15,000+ (80+). The biggest costs are accommodation and monument entry fees (₹550 each for foreigners).
Is Delhi expensive?
Delhi is cheap by Western standards. Street food meals cost ₹50-150. A thali at a local restaurant runs ₹150-300. Metro rides are ₹10-60. The main expense is monument entry fees for foreigners (₹550 per site) and accommodation if you want comfort.
What should I pack for Delhi?
Pack light, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics. Cover shoulders and knees for temple visits. Bring a scarf (pollution/sun/modesty), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescription medications. Bring a power adapter (Type C/D plugs, 230V).
What should I avoid in Delhi?
Don't drink tap water or eat raw salads at basic restaurants. Don't agree to unsolicited tour guides or drivers at tourist sites. Don't exchange money at hotels (bad rates). Don't carry valuables in crowded areas. Don't take prepaid taxis from inside the airport — use Uber or official cabs.
Is restaurant water safe to drink in Delhi?
At sit-down restaurants, yes — most use RO (reverse osmosis) filtration systems and the water is safe. Look for restaurants that serve water from a branded RO dispenser or sealed bottles. At street stalls and very basic dhabas, the water source is less certain. Ask for a sealed bottle or carry your own. If a restaurant brings you an opened bottle of water that doesn't have an intact seal, send it back.
Is ice safe in Delhi restaurants?
In proper restaurants and cafes, ice is generally made from RO-filtered water and is safe. At street stalls, juice carts, and roadside lassi shops, the ice often comes from non-filtered sources and should be avoided. A good rule: if the establishment has air conditioning and printed menus, the ice is probably fine. If it's a cart on the sidewalk, skip the ice.
What happens if you accidentally drink tap water in Delhi?
You might be fine — not every sip causes illness. But Delhi's tap water can contain bacteria like E. coli, parasites, and heavy metals from aging pipe infrastructure. If you develop diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea within 12-48 hours, you likely have traveller's diarrhea (Delhi belly). Stay hydrated with clean water and ORS sachets, and see a doctor if symptoms last more than 2-3 days or include fever.
How do I apply for an India e-visa?
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in — the only official site. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a recent passport-size photo (white background, 2x2 inches), and the photo page scan of your passport. Fill in the online form, pay the fee (5 for 30-day, 0 for 1-year, 0 for 5-year), and submit. Processing takes 72 hours on average. You'll receive the e-visa by email — print it and carry it with your passport. Apply at least 4 days before your flight, ideally a week.
Which countries are eligible for India's e-visa?
Over 160 countries are eligible for the India e-visa, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and most EU nations. Notable exceptions include Pakistan and Bangladesh nationals, who must apply through an Indian embassy or consulate. Nepali and Bhutanese citizens don't need a visa at all. Check the full list at indianvisaonline.gov.in before applying.
Can I extend my India e-visa?
The 30-day e-tourist visa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, apply for the 1-year or 5-year e-tourist visa before you travel — these allow stays of up to 90 days per visit (180 days for US citizens). If you overstay any visa, you'll face fines, possible detention, and future visa difficulties. For stays longer than 180 days, you need a regular tourist visa from an Indian embassy or consulate, which allows up to 10 years of validity with 180-day continuous stays.
How much should I tip at restaurants in Delhi?
If the bill doesn't include a service charge, tip 10% of the total. Many upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically — check the bill before tipping on top. At casual sit-down restaurants, rounding up by ₹50-100 is fine. At street food stalls and dhabas, tipping isn't expected at all.
Should I tip auto rickshaw drivers in Delhi?
Tipping auto drivers isn't expected in Delhi. If the driver used the meter or stuck to the agreed fare without hassle, rounding up to the nearest ₹10 is a nice gesture but not required. For example, if the fare is ₹73, pay ₹80. Don't tip drivers who tried to overcharge or took a longer route.
How much do I tip a tour guide in Delhi?
For a half-day guided tour (3-4 hours), tip ₹200-500 (.40-6) per person. For a full-day private guide, ₹500-1,000 (-12) is appropriate. Hotel porters and bellboys expect ₹50-100 per bag. Housekeeping staff appreciate ₹50-100 per day left on the bedside table.
Can I use US dollars or euros in Delhi?
No. Delhi runs entirely on Indian Rupees (₹/INR). No shops, restaurants, or transport accept foreign currency. Exchange your money at the airport, an authorised money changer, or withdraw Rupees from an ATM. As of 2026, USD is approximately ₹83-85. Airport exchange rates are slightly worse than city rates but perfectly fine for your first day's spending.
Should I carry cash or use cards in Delhi?
Both. Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) work at most mid-range to upscale restaurants, hotel chains, malls, and branded shops. But you'll need cash for auto rickshaws, street food, markets like Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar, small shops, and temple donations. Carry ₹2,000-3,000 in cash daily, in small denominations.
Where can I exchange money in Delhi?
The best options are ATMs (available at all Metro stations, malls, and main roads), airport exchange counters (open 24/7 at Terminal 3), and authorised money changers in Connaught Place and Paharganj. Avoid exchanging money at hotels — their rates are typically 3-5% worse. Thomas Cook and BookMyForex have offices in CP with competitive rates.
Can I get by with English in Delhi?
Yes, in most tourist areas. Hotel staff, restaurant servers, museum guides, Metro announcements, and Uber/Ola drivers generally understand enough English for basic communication. Connaught Place, Khan Market, South Delhi, and the airport are especially English-friendly. You'll hit more language barriers in Old Delhi's markets, outer suburbs, and with auto rickshaw drivers.
What Hindi words should I learn for visiting Delhi?
A few key phrases help enormously. 'Namaste' (hello), 'Dhanyavaad' (thank you), 'Kitna?' (how much?), 'Bahut mehenga' (too expensive), 'Haan' (yes), 'Nahi' (no), and 'Bhaiya' (brother — used to address male shopkeepers and drivers). Even basic attempts at Hindi earn goodwill and better prices in markets.
Are signs in Delhi written in English?
Most official signs are bilingual — Hindi and English. Metro stations, road signs, museum labels, and government buildings all have English text. Restaurant menus in tourist areas are in English. Market signs in Old Delhi and local neighbourhoods are more likely to be Hindi-only, though Google Translate's camera feature handles Hindi script reasonably well.
What clothes should I wear in Delhi?
It depends entirely on the season. October to February: layers — mornings and evenings are cold (5-15°C), but afternoons warm up. December-January specifically requires a proper jacket, scarf, and warm shoes. March to May: light cotton and linen, sunglasses, and a hat — temperatures hit 40-45°C. June to September: light, quick-dry fabrics for monsoon humidity and rain. Year-round, bring modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits.
Do I need to dress conservatively in Delhi?
For religious sites, yes — cover your shoulders and knees at temples, mosques, and gurudwaras. Jama Masjid and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib both require head coverings (scarves provided at gurudwaras, bring your own for mosques). On regular streets, Delhi is a modern city and you'll see everything from jeans to saris. That said, dressing modestly in less touristy areas reduces unwanted attention, especially for women. Carry a light scarf that doubles as a head covering and a shoulder wrap.
Should I bring medicine to Delhi?
Yes. Pack loperamide (Imodium) for stomach issues, ORS sachets or electrolyte tablets, basic painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen), antihistamines for allergies, and any prescription medications you take regularly. A course of antibiotics (azithromycin or ciprofloxacin) from your travel doctor is smart for severe traveller's diarrhea. Delhi pharmacies stock most over-the-counter medicines cheaply, but having your own supply avoids pharmacy visits when you're feeling ill.
What are the most common tourist scams in Delhi?
The most common scams target tourists near Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Connaught Place. Watch out for the 'tourist office' scam where touts direct you to fake travel agencies, rickshaw drivers quoting astronomical fares, ear cleaners and shoe polishers who demand payment after performing unsolicited services, and gem or carpet shop scams where someone befriends you just to take you to a store for commission. Always book through your hotel or verified apps.
Is it safe to eat street food in Delhi?
Yes, but be selective. Eat at stalls with high turnover where food is cooked fresh in front of you. Avoid pre-cut fruit, raw salads, and anything that's been sitting out. Stick to places that are packed with locals — a long queue is the best food safety indicator. Busy stalls in Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and CR Park are generally safe. Carry hand sanitiser and start with cooked items for your first few days.
Should I avoid auto-rickshaws in Delhi?
Not entirely, but be cautious. Most auto-rickshaw drivers refuse to use the meter, especially with tourists. Use Uber Auto or Ola Auto through the app to get a fixed fare. If you do hail one on the street, agree on the price before getting in. Avoid autos near tourist spots like Red Fort and India Gate — they charge 3-5x the normal rate. The Delhi Metro is often faster and always cheaper.
How long does Delhi belly usually last?
Most cases of Delhi belly last 2-4 days. The worst symptoms — watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea — typically peak in the first 24-48 hours and then gradually improve. Mild cases resolve in 1-2 days with rest and fluids. If symptoms persist beyond 5 days, include blood in stool, or come with high fever, see a doctor. Pharmacies across Delhi stock antibiotics like norfloxacin and ORS sachets over the counter.
Is street food in Delhi safe to eat?
Yes, if you choose wisely. Eat at stalls with high turnover where food is cooked fresh in front of you — a crowd of locals is the best quality indicator. Avoid pre-cut fruit, raw salads, and anything that's been sitting in the open. Stick to fully cooked items like parathas, samosas, kebabs, and jalebis. Start with one street food meal per day for the first 2-3 days to let your stomach adjust. Busy stalls in Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh are generally safe.
What medicine should I bring for Delhi belly?
Pack loperamide (Imodium) for stopping diarrhea when you need to travel or can't access a toilet. Bring ORS (oral rehydration salts) sachets or electrolyte tablets. A course of azithromycin or ciprofloxacin from your travel doctor is useful for severe bacterial infections — get a prescription before you leave home. In Delhi, pharmacies sell these over the counter, but having them ready saves time. Pepto-Bismol tablets also help with mild stomach upset.
What is a realistic daily budget for Delhi?
For a comfortable trip, budget ₹5,000-8,000 (0-95) per day. That covers a private room in a decent hotel (₹2,500-4,000), meals at a mix of street stalls and restaurants (₹500-1,500), Uber rides and metro (₹200-500), and monument entry fees (₹550-1,650). Budget travellers can manage on ₹2,000-3,000 (4-36) with hostel dorms and street food. Luxury travellers should plan for ₹15,000+ (80+).
How much do monument entry fees cost in Delhi?
Foreign tourists pay ₹550 (.50) each for Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar — the three big-ticket ASI sites. If you visit all three in one day, that's ₹1,650 (0) in entry alone. Many other sites are free: Lodhi Gardens, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, and the major mosques. Budget ₹1,000-2,000 (2-24) per day for sightseeing fees if you're visiting paid monuments.
Is it cheaper to use the Delhi Metro or Uber?
The Delhi Metro is significantly cheaper. A cross-city metro ride costs ₹20-60 (/bin/sh.25-0.72), while the same trip by Uber runs ₹200-400 (.40-4.80). The metro is also faster during rush hours when roads are gridlocked. Get a 3-day tourist card for ₹200 (.40) for unlimited rides. Use Uber or Ola for last-mile connections from metro stations or late-night travel when the metro stops running at 11 PM.
How much does a meal cost in Delhi?
Street food meals cost ₹50-150 (/bin/sh.60-1.80). A thali at a local restaurant runs ₹150-300 (.80-3.60). Mid-range restaurants like those in Khan Market or Hauz Khas Village charge ₹500-1,200 (-14) per person. Fine dining at places like Indian Accent or Bukhara costs ₹3,000-8,000 (6-95) per person with drinks.
Is Delhi cheaper than other Indian cities?
Delhi is cheaper than Mumbai for accommodation and dining, roughly on par with Bangalore, and more expensive than Jaipur, Varanasi, or smaller cities. Street food and transport are cheap everywhere in India, but Delhi's mid-range and luxury segments cost more than most Indian cities outside Mumbai. Budget accommodation in Delhi starts at ₹500-800 (-10) per night, while Mumbai's equivalent starts at ₹1,000-1,500.
What is the biggest expense for tourists in Delhi?
Accommodation is typically the biggest cost, especially if you stay in South Delhi or near Connaught Place. Foreign tourist entry fees at monuments add up quickly — Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutub Minar are each ₹550 (.50). A full day of sightseeing can cost ₹1,500-2,000 (8-24) in entry fees alone. Transport is cheap if you use the metro, but taxis between spread-out sites add up.
