Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Andaman Islands
India's best beaches and diving, on Havelock and Neil islands, reached by flight and ferry from Port Blair. Slow, expensive for India, with patchy internet and few nightlife options.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$623–1,040Comfortable, one person · ₹60,000–100,000Details
- Value for money80/100Better value than 79% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water is brackish or untreated in places.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$3.1–10.4Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundPrivate ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, Nautika)You'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashFew ATMs on Havelock and Neil, often empty.Details
Where to stay in Andaman Islands
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) | Diving, Radhanagar Beach, most cafés and guesthouses |
| Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) | Quieter, slower, cheaper than Havelock |
| Port Blair | Arrival base, ferries, Cellular Jail, hospitals |
Apps that work in Andaman Islands
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: No ride apps work reliably. Use fixed-rate taxis and autos at jetties, or ask your guesthouse to book a driver.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mostly cash Few ATMs on Havelock and Neil, often empty. Bring cash from Port Blair; cards work in some resorts and dive shops.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
Going to Andaman Islands solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.