New Delhi can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. This FAQ covers practical details: exactly how to get from the airport, what things cost, payment methods, safety realities, and tips that save you money and headaches.
New Delhi Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Indira Gandhi International Airport is 16km southwest of central Delhi in Palam. Terminal 3 handles all international flights. The Airport Express metro (Orange Line) runs from T3 to New Delhi Railway Station (near Connaught Place) in 20 minutes for 60 INR ($0.72). Trains run every 10-15 minutes from 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM. Prepaid taxi counters inside the arrivals hall charge 400-600 INR ($5-$7) to central Delhi. App-based options: Uber and Ola operate from designated pickup zones at T3. Avoid touts offering taxis inside the terminal; use only the official prepaid counter or app-based services.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities need a visa to enter India. The e-Visa system (indianvisaonline.gov.in) covers 166 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations. The e-Tourist Visa costs 25 USD for a 30-day single entry (April-June), 80 USD for a 1-year multiple entry. Apply 4-7 days before travel. You need a passport valid for 6 months beyond arrival, a return ticket, and a digital passport photo. The visa is emailed as a PDF; print it. At immigration, you need the printed e-Visa and your passport. Biometric enrollment (fingerprints) is required on arrival.
Getting Around Delhi: Metro, Auto-Rickshaws, and Taxis
The Delhi Metro is the best way to get around: 10 color-coded lines, 250+ stations, air-conditioned coaches. Fares range from 10-60 INR ($0.12-$0.72). Buy a Smart Card (150 INR including 50 INR deposit) at any station for faster entry. The first coach on every train is reserved for women. Auto-rickshaws (green and yellow three-wheelers) should use the meter (flagfall 25 INR, then 9.5 INR/km). Many drivers refuse the meter; negotiate before getting in. A 5km ride should cost 80-120 INR. Uber and Ola are widely available and eliminate fare negotiation. Cycle rickshaws in Old Delhi cost 50-150 INR for short trips. Walking is challenging: broken footpaths, heavy traffic, and aggressive crossing required.
Money, Costs, and Tipping
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR, symbol ₹). 1 USD equals roughly 83 INR as of 2025. ATMs are everywhere but many have withdrawal limits of 10,000 INR ($120) per transaction. HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI ATMs accept foreign cards most reliably. Credit cards are accepted at mid-range and upscale hotels and restaurants but not at street stalls, auto-rickshaws, or small shops. Carry cash in 100 and 500 INR denominations. Tipping is expected at sit-down restaurants (5-10%), for hotel porters (50-100 INR per bag), and for drivers (100-200 INR for a full day). Not expected at street food stalls or for auto-rickshaw rides.
Safety and Common Scams in Delhi
Delhi requires more vigilance than most tourist cities. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but scams and petty theft are common. The most frequent scams: taxi/auto drivers claiming your hotel burned down or is closed to redirect you to a commission-paying hotel; fake tourist offices at New Delhi Railway Station selling overpriced tours; gem and carpet shop scams where friendly strangers offer to show you government emporiums. The government tourist office is at 88 Janpath near Connaught Place, nowhere else. Solo female travelers should avoid isolated areas after dark and consider women-only Metro cars. Dress conservatively (covered shoulders and knees) to reduce unwanted attention. The tourist police helpline is 1363.
Delhi Belly and Food Safety
Stomach issues affect roughly 30-50% of first-time visitors. Prevention: drink only bottled or filtered water (check the seal is intact), avoid ice in drinks from street vendors, eat only freshly cooked hot food from busy stalls, peel all fruit, and avoid raw salads and chutneys that may contain unwashed ingredients. The street food in Old Delhi (parathas at Parathe Wali Gali, chole bhature, kebabs near Jama Masjid) is generally safe if the stall is busy with local customers and food is cooked to order. Carry Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin (prescribed by your doctor before travel) and oral rehydration salts. Pharmacies in India sell most medications over the counter at a fraction of Western prices.
When to Visit and What to Pack
The best time to visit Delhi is late October through March. Pack light cotton for April-October, a light jacket for December-February evenings (lows of 7°C/45°F), N95 masks for November pollution, sunscreen year-round, mosquito repellent with DEET for monsoon months, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits. The Delhi weather by month guide has detailed monthly data.
