Hyderabad rewards travelers who come prepared. The city is generally safe, affordable by Indian metro standards, and easier to navigate than Delhi or Mumbai thanks to less aggressive touts and a functional Metro system. But it has its quirks: the old city and HITEC City feel like different countries, summer heat demands serious planning, and the biryani at the airport food court is not the biryani you came for. This FAQ covers everything practical: airport transfers, getting around, tipping, safety, tap water, SIM cards, and what to pack. Plus, three hotel recommendations at different budget levels to book before you arrive. For a complete overview of the city, see our Hyderabad travel guide.
Hyderabad Airport and Arrival Information
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) is in Shamshabad, 24km southwest of the city center. It’s a single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international flights, opened in 2008 and consistently rated among India’s best airports. The terminal has two levels: arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the first floor. Immigration lines for international arrivals typically take 20-40 minutes. The airport has free WiFi for 45 minutes (register with a mobile number or passport), currency exchange counters (Thomas Cook and Centrum, rates are 3-5% worse than city exchanges), and a surprisingly good food court landside with Paradise Biryani and Haldiram’s. Check the Hyderabad weather by month for monthly temperature and rainfall data.
Getting from HYD Airport to the City
Prepaid taxi: The most reliable option. The prepaid counter is in the arrivals hall (Pushpak Airport Liner, run by TSRTC). A prepaid AC cab to Banjara Hills costs INR 600-800 and takes 45-60 minutes. To HITEC City/Gachibowli: INR 500-700, 35-45 minutes via the ORR. To Charminar/Secunderabad: INR 500-700, 50-70 minutes. Uber/Ola: Both operate from designated pickup zones outside the terminal (follow signs to the Uber/Ola pickup area). Fares are similar to prepaid taxis or slightly cheaper at INR 450-650 to Banjara Hills. Pushpak Airport Bus: Air-conditioned buses run by TSRTC connect the airport to various city points: Line AJ to Jubilee Bus Station (Secunderabad), Line AM to Mehdipatnam, and Line AL to Lingampally. Fares are INR 100-265 depending on distance. Buses run every 30 minutes from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. They’re reliable but slow (75-90 minutes to the city center). Metro connection: The airport is not yet connected to the Hyderabad Metro. Phase 2 (Airport Express Metro) is under construction and expected to open in 2027-2028, cutting the trip to 25 minutes. Until then, it’s road transport only. See our guide to the best time to visit Hyderabad for seasonal pricing and crowd advice.
Getting Around Hyderabad
Uber and Ola are the default transport for most visitors. Both apps work reliably across the city, and fares are low: a 10km trip costs INR 180-300. Drivers generally follow GPS navigation, and the apps handle language barriers. Wait times are 3-8 minutes in Banjara Hills and HITEC City, occasionally 10-15 minutes in the old city. Hyderabad Metro: The 69km Metro network has three lines (Red, Blue, Green) covering the core corridor from Miyapur in the west to LB Nagar in the east, and from Raidurg (HITEC City) to Nagole. Key stations: Begumpet, Ameerpet (interchange), Jubilee Hills Check Post, and Raidurg. Fares range from INR 10-60. Trains run 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, every 4-8 minutes during peak hours and 8-12 minutes off-peak. The Metro is air-conditioned and clean but doesn’t reach the old city or the airport (yet). A smart card (INR 100 deposit plus top-up) saves time at ticket counters. Auto-rickshaws: The classic three-wheeler. Drivers rarely use meters, especially with foreigners. Negotiate before getting in: INR 150-250 for a 5km ride within the city. Uber Auto (booked through the app at fixed rates) is a better option if you want auto-rickshaw prices without the haggling. Walking: Hyderabad is not a walking city outside the old city. Banjara Hills and HITEC City have wide roads with limited pedestrian infrastructure. The old city around Charminar is walkable but crowded and chaotic. Wear closed shoes rather than sandals; the streets are dirty, and there’s broken glass in some bazaar lanes. Explore our full list of things to do in Hyderabad for more attractions and food stops.
Visa and Entry Requirements for Hyderabad
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. The e-Visa (apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in) is the easiest option for tourists from 166 eligible countries. The one-year e-Tourist Visa allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit (180 days for US, UK, Canada, and Japan passport holders). Applications must be submitted at least 4 days before travel and cost US$25-80 depending on nationality and season. Apply directly on the government website; third-party agencies add unnecessary fees. You’ll need a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. The visa is typically approved in 24-72 hours. Print the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and carry it with your passport. Plan around major celebrations with our Hyderabad events and festivals calendar.
Money, Tipping, and Costs in Hyderabad
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in Banjara Hills, HITEC City, and Secunderabad (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI are the most reliable). ATMs dispense INR 500 notes as standard. Carry some cash for auto-rickshaws, small restaurants, and bazaars; cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants. Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Restaurants: 5-10% at sit-down places where service charge isn’t already added (check the bill for “service charge 10%”). Hotel porters: INR 50-100 per bag. Uber/Ola drivers: no tip expected, but rounding up to the nearest INR 50 is appreciated. Tour guides: INR 300-500 for a half-day private tour. Daily budget reference: Budget traveler: INR 2,000-3,500 (hostel or budget guesthouse INR 800-1,500, street food INR 300-500 per meal, auto-rickshaw transport INR 300-500, one attraction). Mid-range: INR 6,000-10,000 (4-star hotel INR 4,000-7,000, restaurant meals INR 600-1,200 per meal, Uber transport INR 400-800, 2-3 attractions). Luxury: INR 15,000-40,000 (5-star hotel INR 10,000-25,000, fine dining INR 2,000-4,000 per meal, private car with driver INR 2,500-4,000 per day). Read our Hyderabad neighborhoods guide for area-by-area advice on where to base yourself.
Safety, Health, and Practical Tips for Hyderabad
Tap water: Do not drink tap water anywhere in Hyderabad. Stick to bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina are the trusted brands, INR 20-30 for a 1-liter bottle). Check the seal before opening. Most mid-range and luxury hotels provide complimentary filtered water in glass bottles. Avoid ice in street-side drinks and raw salads from street vendors. Food safety: Hyderabad’s street food is generally safe if you follow one rule: eat where there’s a queue of locals. High-turnover stalls selling biryani, kebabs, and chai are fine because food isn’t sitting. For first-time visitors to India, stick to cooked food for the first 2-3 days while your stomach adjusts. Pack Imodium and oral rehydration salts (ORS packets, available at any pharmacy for INR 20) as a precaution. Air quality: Hyderabad’s AQI typically ranges from 80-150 (moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups) from November to May, spiking during Diwali (October/November). The best air quality is during monsoon (July-September) when rain washes particulates out. If you have asthma or respiratory issues, carry your inhaler and check the AQI on aqicn.org before outdoor activities. Safety for women: Hyderabad is generally safer than Delhi, but standard precautions apply. Avoid isolated areas after dark. The Metro has a dedicated women’s carriage (first compartment). Uber and Ola are safer than hailing street taxis at night. Dress modestly in the old city (shoulders and knees covered) to avoid unwanted attention; Banjara Hills and HITEC City are more relaxed. Mosquitoes: Malaria risk is low in Hyderabad city limits, but dengue cases spike during and after monsoon (July-October). Use mosquito repellent with DEET and consider long-sleeved clothing for evenings. Most mid-range and luxury hotels provide mosquito repellent plug-ins in rooms. Find specific hotel recommendations in our where to stay in Hyderabad guide.
SIM Cards and Internet in Hyderabad
Buying a local SIM as a foreigner requires a copy of your passport, visa, and a passport photo. Airtel and Jio stores are at the airport (arrivals hall) and in all major shopping areas. The process takes 15-30 minutes. A 28-day prepaid plan with 1.5-2GB daily data and unlimited calls costs INR 300-500. Your SIM activates in 2-24 hours (Jio is usually faster than Airtel). If you’d rather not wait, international roaming or an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly works in India (US$8-15 for 1-3GB, 7-30 days). Free WiFi is available at the airport (45 minutes), Hyderabad Metro stations (30 minutes), and most cafes and hotels.
What to Pack for Hyderabad
November to February: Light cotton for daytime (28-32°C), plus a sweater or light jacket for early mornings and evenings (14-17°C). Comfortable walking shoes for Golconda Fort and the old city. Sunscreen and sunglasses year-round. March to June: The lightest cotton clothing you own. A wide-brimmed hat is essential for Golconda Fort (no shade). A reusable water bottle (1-2 liter capacity). Electrolyte packets (ORS) for rehydration. A neck gaiter or scarf to cover your face on dusty roads. July to October: Quick-dry clothing (humidity is high during monsoon). A compact umbrella or rain jacket (afternoon downpours are short but intense). Mosquito repellent with DEET. Waterproof bag or cover for electronics. Flip-flops or sandals that can handle wet streets.
Suggested Hotels in Hyderabad
Taj Falaknuma Palace
The restored 1894 palace of the sixth Nizam, perched on a hill 5km south of Charminar with 60 individually decorated rooms and suites, a temperature-controlled pool, and the Adaa restaurant serving Hyderabadi royal cuisine. Best for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, honeymoon, or anniversary. Check rates and availability
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills
Solid 4-star comfort on Road No. 6 in Banjara Hills with a rooftop pool, Chill restaurant and bar, and rooms from 32 square meters. Consistently rated 8.5+ and located 500 meters from GVK One Mall. Best for mid-range travelers who want a reliable, central base. Check rates and availability
Hyatt Place Hyderabad Banjara Hills
On Road No. 1 at the junction of Banjara Hills and the HITEC City approach, this Hyatt Place offers 28-square-meter rooms with separate work areas, free hot breakfast, and a 24/7 fitness center. Best for business travelers and tourists who want a branded hotel with easy access to both the city center and the tech corridor. Check rates and availability
