Preparing your journey
A guide to local custom shielding, tipping scales, Modesty, and navigating street markets like a local.
Keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting sacred areas, temples, and mosques. Carry a light scarf in your day bag—it is handy for covering your head if required. You will need to take off your shoes before entering religious spaces.
Tipping is customary in India for tour helpers. As a general guide for private tours, recommend tipping: Drivers (500–800 INR per day), Local Guides (800–1200 INR per day), and Hotel Bellboys/Helpers (50–100 INR). It is always voluntary.
Only eat food that is freshly cooked, hot, and served at busy stalls or handpicked sanitary hotels. Avoid raw salads or pre-peeled fruits from markets. Carry hand sanitizer at all times. Drink only sealed bottled water.
Bazaars are energetic, and bargaining is part of the experience. A friendly smile and counter-offering half the initial price is standard. We enforce a strict no-commission shopping policy on our tours to give you freedom.
Pick up an AirTel or Jio SIM at international airport kiosks. Physical copies of your passport and visa are required. Alternatively, buy eSIM plans before arrival. WhatsApp is standard for all local communication.
India is densely populated and energetic. In markets, stay close to your guide. If street photographers or sellers approach you, a firm but polite "No, thank you" (or "Nahi, Shukriya") with steady eye contact is effective.
Every guest travels with unique preferences. Our local guides and operations team will custom-shield your itinerary to align with your comfort levels.
Plan My Safe India Journey