Food and Drink

• While Indian cuisine is one of the world's great culinary treasures, it's wise to take certain precautions. Stick to bottled water (typically called "mineral water") and avoid tap water, including ice in drinks. Brushing your teeth/rinsing your mouth with tap water is fine.

Transportation

• Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber provide a convenient way to get around while avoiding haggling over fares. If you do use traditional auto-rickshaws or taxis, always agree on the fare before starting your journey. For renting a car and driver for a full day, speak with the hotel once you arrive or use Savaari.

• You will see security at malls, hotels, and tourist destinations. Expect to place your bags through an x-ray machine and be scanned by a metal detector before walking in. You probably won’t be driving during this trip, but expect your Ubers to be stopped for brief visual inspections at entrances, as well. You can skip any security lines while exiting.

Shopping

• Services are incredible in India. You can get just about anything delivered—food, makeup, etc—using apps like Zomato and Zepto. But you can also have barbers, makeup artists, masseuses, etc. come straight to you and deliver services on the spot using apps like Urban Company. While in the hotel, you can call reception to have your clothes ironed, steamed, or washed as desired.

• Shopping for clothes is an experience. I’d highly recommend visiting a mall to see the variety (where you won’t have to haggle). The shopkeepers will bring you huge piles of clothes and let you try them on. You can get alterations on your clothes within a few hours at the mall or order custom-tailored clothes for very reasonable prices. Here are some malls I can recommend:

  • Ambience Mall

  • City Centre Mall

  • Nexus Select CityWalk

• I would avoid buying electronics in India—they’re generally cheaper in the US! Cars also, but you won’t be buying any cars.

Miscellaneous

• Personal space is a bit different in India. While standing in line, expect people to brush against you slightly, or even push forward gently when the line is moving. Anything more than that and you should tell people off!

• You might find toilets with a spray hose next to them instead of toilet paper. Try it out—it’s actually more hygienic than a bidet or toilet paper!

• Most larger restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially when traveling outside the city.

• Street food vendors, small shop owners, and temple priests don't typically expect tips, though donations at religious sites are common. For hotel staff, consider tipping porters around ₹50-100. For private drivers who spend full days with you, a tip of ₹200-500 is appropriate, depending on the quality of service.

• Perhaps the most important tip is to approach the experience with an open mind and heart. Delhi can be challenging – it's loud, crowded, and sometimes confronting in its contrasts between wealth and poverty. However, it's also incredibly rewarding, offering experiences that can't be found anywhere else in the world.