🇮🇳 Travel facts India
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to India — entry, tipping, socket, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | New Delhi |
|---|---|
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Timezone | UTC+5:30 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 8–9 hours |
| Emergency number | 112 · Police 100 · Emergency 102 |
| Plug | Type C/D/M · 230 V / 50 Hz · Adapter needed |
| EU / Schengen | not an EU country · not Schengen |
Do I need a visa for India?
Passport required; E-Visa (e-Tourist Visa) must be applied for online in advance.
Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days before travel; passport must be valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much should I tip in India?
10%, if no service charge is included.
Hotel: 50–100 ₹ per piece of luggage or per day for housekeeping.
Taxi: Round up.
Which plug adapter do I need in India?
Adapter needed: plug types C / D / M, 230 V / 50 Hz.
Many sockets accept Euro plugs — for safety, take a universal adapter; power outages are common in rural areas.
Can you drink tap water in India?
No, tap water is not recommended for drinking.
Never drink from the tap, not even for brushing teeth; only use sealed bottles.
What can I bring back from India to Germany?
Non-EU country: When returning to Germany, goods up to €430 (by air travel), 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of spirits are duty-free.
Will my mobile phone work in India?
No EU roaming — book an eSIM in advance or buy a cheap local SIM on-site.
Card or cash — how do you pay in India?
Rupee (INR); cash and UPI dominate, cards are accepted in hotels and cities.
What should I know about health in India?
Travel health insurance with repatriation is recommended; check vaccination/health advice with the German Federal Foreign Office or Tropical Institute.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information may change at short notice — binding is the German Federal Foreign Office (India Travel Information) . Health information does not replace medical travel advice.
