India is a safe country for the vast majority of visitors. Tens of millions of foreign tourists visit every year with no incident. That said, like any country, being aware of common situations that catch travellers off guard helps you navigate confidently. Here is an honest guide.
The Reality of Safety in India
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises normal precautions for most of India. The US State Department rates most of India as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution — standard for populous, complex destinations). Areas with more significant advisories are narrow and well-defined: Kashmir (parts), the northeastern border areas with China and Pakistan, and certain Maoist-affected rural regions of central India.
For the classic tourist circuit — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mumbai, Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala — the safety picture is broadly positive.
Common Scams to Know
The friendly local who "just happens" to be going your way: A common approach near major tourist sites. The conversation turns to a cousin's shop or "special government emporium" with gems, carpets, or silk. The products are real but massively overpriced. There is no obligation to follow anyone anywhere.
The "closed today" lie at the Taj Mahal and other monuments: You arrive at the Taj, and a man nearby tells you it is closed for a government ceremony but his friend's shop is wonderful. The Taj is almost never closed during normal hours. Walk to the entrance and check for yourself.
Auto-rickshaw meter "broken": Pre-negotiate the fare, or use Ola/Uber instead where prices are fixed in advance.
ATM assistance: People who volunteer to help you at ATMs — decline politely and walk away. Real bank staff are inside branches.
Train touts: At major railway stations, unofficial "agents" in plain clothes approach you claiming your train is cancelled or your reservation is wrong. Go directly to the official Foreigners' Tourist Bureau at major stations (Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi have dedicated desks for foreign travellers).
Solo Travel and Women's Safety
Solo travel in India is absolutely possible and many thousands of women do it every year. That said, some practical measures apply:
- Dress conservatively outside Goa and tourist beach areas — this reduces unwanted attention.
- Pre-book your first night's accommodation so you have a confirmed address on arrival.
- Use app-based transport (Ola/Uber) wherever possible — metered autos and taxis with drivers who chose you have a worse safety record than app-booked rides where driver details are logged.
- Trust your gut about guesthouses, particularly in budget accommodation. Some areas of certain cities (parts of Old Delhi, Paharganj) have a higher concentration of touts — staying in a good mid-range guesthouse with solid reviews solves this.
- Tell your accommodation your plans for the day — where you are going and when you expect to return.
Avoiding Illness (See Also: Our Food Safety Guide)
Stomach illness is the most common problem for visitors to India — preventable in most cases with the food and water precautions covered in our dedicated eating guide.
Heat exhaustion is a genuine risk in summer (April–June), particularly in Rajasthan and central India where temperatures exceed 40°C. Carry water at all times, wear light clothing, and seek shade during peak afternoon heat (12pm–4pm).
Practical Safety Measures
Keep copies of everything: Photograph your passport, visa, travel insurance certificate, and accommodation bookings. Email these to yourself.
Split your cash and cards: Do not keep all your money and cards in one wallet or one bag. A money belt or a hidden pocket for your main cards and significant cash is wise.
Carry emergency contacts: Note down your insurer's emergency number, your hotel's number, and the emergency numbers for your country's embassy (UK High Commission: +91 11 2419 2100; US Embassy Delhi: +91 11 2419 8000).
Embassy registration: Both the UK and US offer free services to register your travel plans — LOCATE (FCDO) for UK citizens and STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for US citizens. Takes five minutes and means your government can contact you in an emergency.
Emergency Numbers in India
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Fire: 101
- All-in-one emergency: 112 (works from mobile phones)