City in West Bengal, India
Kolkata
India's most literary city offers colonial buildings, tram rides, cheap food and Durga Puja. It is slower and less touristy than Delhi, but humid, crowded and polluted in winter.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$519–934Comfortable, one person · ₹50,000–90,000Details
- Value for money91/100Better value than 90% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 38°CDetails
- Air quality48 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated but variable.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$5.2–15.6Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashUPI QR and cards work in modern shops and restaurants; trams, taxis, markets and street food are cash-based.Details
Where to stay in Kolkata
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Park Street and Camac Street | Restaurants, bars, hotels and the easiest first base |
| Ballygunge and Gariahat | Residential, local food and shops; good for long stays |
| Salt Lake (Bidhannagar) | Quiet, planned suburb with offices and cafés |
| Kumartuli and North Kolkata | Old mansions, craft districts and street photography |
Apps that work in Kolkata
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: Yellow taxis are iconic but quote high fares at the airport and Howrah. Use apps or prepaid booths.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Mixed: cards and cash UPI QR and cards work in modern shops and restaurants; trams, taxis, markets and street food are cash-based. Carry small notes.
- 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 Kolkata 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.