Traveling to India? Here’s a guide of the top 10 items to pack when traveling to India, based on my two-week trip to southern India and New Delhi as an American. Items are listed in order of importance:
The Essential India Packing List:
1. Hand fan
I didn’t think about including a hand fan or one of those mini spray fans. As I sweated through my clothes 24/7, I scoured the local shops for days and finally found a hand fan that ended up breaking on me. So beat the heat and bring a hand fan! You can also pack bandanas and wipes to rein in the sweat.
2. Toilet paper
Typically, Indians use sprayers in bathrooms, not toilet paper. Nice hotels and some tourist destinations will have toilet paper, but many public places will not. I recommend keeping a small roll tucked away in your daily purse or travel bag. I used my little stash of toilet paper about a handful of times during my two-week stay and was deeply grateful for it. (If you are a woman, you could consider bringing a wee funnel, which allows you to stand up and pee. There was one bathroom where I could have used it).
3. American Express card
Bring a card that actually works internationally! Our local bank in Utah would not allow us to make any purchases in India. Everything got flagged as suspicious. The only cards that worked were his family’s American Express cards. Don’t make the same mistake that we did. Make sure you have cards that will work internationally before boarding the airplane!
4. Stomach medicine
Some people’s stomachs can’t handle the spicey, flavorful food of India. Bring medicine in case someone in your group has an upset stomach. (Most tourists are blown away by and fall in love with the zesty cuisine).
5. Bug spray
Don’t be too worried about mosquitoes if you’re in the city, but I still got a few bug bites on my legs, so I recommend bringing reliable bug spray. And remember to pack a travel-sized one!
6. Quick guide to India’s currency
India uses rupees. Due to the exchange rate, most things in India will seem quite cheap in comparison to American prices. However, as a foreigner, people may try to rip you off and ask for more rupees than needed. So, do a little research beforehand and include a conversion chart and a list of typical prices for expenses such as tuk-tuk and Uber rides, drinks, food, clothes, etc. (Also, items in malls will be priced similarly to American goods, while in the street they’ll be cheaper).
7. Portable phone charger
This is a must for any travel destination. The last thing you want is to have a dead battery and lose access to all the resources on your phone. Pack a portable, battery-powered phone charger or two in your daily bag. (Don’t forget to sign up for an international phone plan or international minutes as well).
8. Umbrella
Another must for any travel destination. Especially during the monsoon season, you’ll be grateful you brought an umbrella.
9. Snacks
It never hurts to bring snacks! Indian cuisine is known for its unforgettable flavor and spice, but if you’re a picky eater, familiar snacks from back home can come in clutch. Or if you are going on a day trip or a hike, pick up a few items from a local store or vendor to fight off potential hanger.
10. Comfortable shoes
It depends on what activities you plan on doing, but I brought a pair of well-worn sneakers and didn’t regret it. The streets can be a little dirty, and if you plan on doing any hikes and seeing India’s glorious jungles, forests, and countryside, you’ll be prepared in tennis shoes.
Enjoy your vacation! Message me for further travel tips about India 🙂
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