Travel tips · Delhi · India
Delhi travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Marcin Białek, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Delhi has been the capital of empires for a thousand years, and today it gathers people from every Indian state. Hindi is the common language, with Punjabi and Urdu widely spoken and English used in business. Religion is visible everywhere, in temples, gurdwaras, mosques, churches and Sufi shrines, and visitors are welcome at most of them with modest dress and bare feet.
Key facts
- Language
- Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu
- Currency
- INR
- Plugs
- Type C, D and M sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and check that bottle…
- Emergency
- 112 (national emergency number)
Things to know
- Remove shoes before entering temples, gurdwaras, mosques and some homes and shops.
- Cover your head in gurdwaras and at Sufi shrines; scarves are usually provided.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites and in Old Delhi.
- Use your right hand to eat, pay and pass things.
- Bargaining is normal in markets but not in malls, department stores or restaurants.
- Book Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead: Tours of the building and museum require advance online booking through the President's Secretariat and photo ID on arrival.
- Buy Archaeological Survey of India tickets online; e-tickets are usually a little cheaper and save queuing.
Tipping
Tip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included, a small amount to porters and hotel staff, and a daily tip to drivers and guides at the end of a hired-car trip.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Namaste | Hello (said with palms together) |
| Dhanyavaad / Shukriya | Thank you |
| Kitne ka hai? | How much is it? |
| Haan / Nahin | Yes / No |
| Theek hai | OK, fine |
| Bhaiya | Brother — polite way to address a man, such as a driver |
| Kam teekha | Less spicy |
What to wear
Loose, light cotton in the hot months and warm layers in December and January, when nights are cold. Cover shoulders and knees and carry a scarf for religious sites.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C, D and M sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and check that bottle seals are intact.
- Emergency number
- 112 (national emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Jio, Airtel and Vi sell SIM cards at the airport and in shops with a passport and photo; 4G and 5G coverage is good across the city.
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Touts and scams are common around New Delhi Railway Station and Connaught Place, including fake tourist offices and claims that hotels are closed. Pickpockets work crowded markets and metro trains. Air pollution can be severe from November to January, and summer heat is dangerous, so check forecasts and stay hydrated.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check India's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Delhi?
Tip about 10% in restaurants if service is not included, a small amount to porters and hotel staff, and a daily tip to drivers and guides at the end of a hired-car trip.
+Can you drink the tap water in Delhi?
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and check that bottle seals are intact.
+What plugs are used in Delhi?
Type C, D and M sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Delhi?
Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu.