Staying Safe

India is, for the overwhelming majority of visitors, a safe place to travel. The issues below are mostly about avoiding wasted money and minor hassle rather than serious danger.

My rules to stay out of trouble, after decades of travel here: Never argue with the locals, It can escalate quickly. Be kind and friendly, joke with them. Avoid being too friendly though. Try not to travel after 9 PM locally, unless you are in a big city.

Common scams

A few patterns come up often around major tourist sites (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur especially):

  • Fake "official" tourist offices near train stations, staffed by people posing as government tourism staff, pushing overpriced tours or fake tickets. If someone approaches you rather than you finding the office yourself, be skeptical.
  • The gem/carpet shop approach: a friendly stranger mentions a family business selling gems, carpets or textiles at "wholesale" prices and leads you to a shop. The goods are overpriced or misrepresented.
  • "The monument is closed today": someone (sometimes dressed to look official) tells you a major site is unexpectedly closed and offers an alternative. Verify with the official site or your hotel, not a stranger at the gate.
  • Commission-based tours: a suspiciously cheap driver or guide who keeps suggesting shop stops. They earn a commission on whatever you buy.
  • Fake tickets sold outside attractions. Buy from the official counter or website only.

None of this is unique to India; it's the standard shape of tourist-area scams everywhere, with local dressing.

Solo travel, and solo female travel specifically

The general precautions that apply anywhere apply here too: well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary, extra caution after dark in unfamiliar areas. India-specific: Indian Railways runs women-only compartments on many trains, and some cities have women-only taxi services. Unwanted staring and comments toward foreign women are a real and commonly reported experience; see Clothing & Attire for dress guidance that reduces it. None of this is a reason to avoid solo travel here. It is a widely and successfully solo-traveled country. This is context for what to expect.

Emergency numbers

  • 112: India's unified emergency number (police, fire, ambulance).
  • 1363: Tourist Helpline.
  • 1091: Women's helpline.

Save these on arrival, and know your embassy's contacts (see Embassies) before you need them, not after.

Travel insurance

Worth having for any international trip, particularly one involving remote regions, adventure activities, or longer stays. Check what your policy covers for the activities you're actually planning; trekking and water sports are often excluded by default.