Capital city, India
Delhi
India's capital suits first-timers who want history, markets and food, with a good metro and strong hospitals. Winter smog, heat, touts and noise are the trade-offs; plan to move on after a few days.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$778–1,350Comfortable, one person · ₹75,000–130,000Details
- Value for money52/100Better value than 51% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Oct–NovWarmest: May, 43°CDetails
- Air quality107 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is not safe.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–21Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUPI QR codes are everywhere but need an Indian account.Details
Where to stay in Delhi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Hauz Khas Village and South Delhi | Cafés, nightlife and expats; green, near the metro |
| Connaught Place | Central, metro hub, easy for first nights |
| Paharganj | Cheap hostels near New Delhi station; chaotic and touty |
| Defence Colony and Greater Kailash | Long stays: quieter, safe, good restaurants |
| Gurugram (Cyber Hub) | Remote workers wanting offices, malls and coworking |
Apps that work in Delhi
Ride-hailing
- 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: Use apps for fixed prices. Prepaid taxi booths at the airport and New Delhi station are safer than street touts.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mixed: cards and cash UPI QR codes are everywhere but need an Indian account. Cards work in malls and hotels; carry small notes for autos, markets and temples.
- 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 Delhi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Delhi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.