City in Telangana, India
Hyderabad
A fast-growing tech city known for biryani, Charminar and Golconda Fort, with modern metro, cheap rents and a friendly feel. Heat, spread-out geography and long commutes are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$674–1,140Comfortable, one person · ₹65,000–110,000Details
- Value for money82/100Better value than 81% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–FebWarmest: May, 40°CDetails
- Air quality39 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated but often not drunk.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$5.2–15.6Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereUPI QR is accepted almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Hyderabad
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills | Upscale cafés, restaurants, nightlife and expats |
| HITEC City and Gachibowli | Tech workers: offices, coworking, malls and apartments |
| Old City (Charminar) | Sightseeing, markets and food; crowded and noisy |
| Begumpet and Secunderabad | Central, near stations, mid-range hotels |
Apps that work in Hyderabad
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: Street autos often refuse meters. Use apps for fixed prices; prepaid taxi counters at the airport are reliable.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Cards almost everywhere UPI QR is accepted almost everywhere. Cards work in malls and restaurants; carry small notes for autos and Old City markets.
- 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 Hyderabad 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.