TravelReady Guide

Boarding pass · Asia

India

भारत

Reviewed

India uses Type C / Type D / Type M power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.

Power
Type C/D/M / 230V
Emergency
112
Tap water
Use bottled water
Driving
Left side
Capital
New Delhi
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR, ₹)
Languages
Hindi, English and regional languages
Dialing code
+91
Time zone
UTC+5:30 (IST)
Continent
Asia

🔌 Power & plugs

C D M
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type M
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz

India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.

🚨 Emergency numbers

General
112
Police
112 / 100
Ambulance
112 / 108

📝 Travel notes

Tap water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.

Tipping

Tipping is common in India for restaurants, hotel staff, drivers and guides. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical if a service charge is not already included. Keep small notes for porters, housekeeping and short rides.

Best season

October to March is the easiest season for much of north and central India, with cooler, drier weather. The Himalayas, deserts, beaches and monsoon regions have different best windows, so match timing to the specific route.

Visa basics

Most foreign visitors need a visa before travel, and many nationalities use India’s e-Visa system for tourism or business. Rules depend on passport, purpose and entry point, so confirm through the official Indian visa portal.

✅ Before you go

  • Pack a Type C/Type D/Type M plug adapter for India.
  • India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
  • Budget for bottled water — tap water in India isn't safe to drink.
  • Save the emergency number 112 in your phone before you arrive.
  • If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the left in India.

❓ Good to know

Frequently asked

Can I drink tap water in India?

No. Tap water in India is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.

What power plug and voltage are used in India?

India uses Type C, Type D, Type M plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.

What is the emergency number in India?

Dial 112 for general emergencies in India. Police: 112 / 100. Ambulance: 112 / 108.

When is the best time to visit India?

October to March is the easiest season for much of north and central India, with cooler, drier weather. The Himalayas, deserts, beaches and monsoon regions have different best windows, so match timing to the specific route.

Which side of the road do they drive on in India?

In India, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care.

What is the country calling code for India?

The international dialing code for India is +91. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a India number from abroad.

🔗 Sources

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