Travel essentials for India
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Power & adapters
Type C, D, M adapter required
India uses round-pin Type C, D and M plugs. Australian Type I plugs don't fit - a universal adapter with round pins is essential. Power cuts are common outside major hotels, so a power bank is worth packing.
230V, 50Hz
Tap water
Not safe to drink
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India, including for brushing teeth. Use sealed bottled water and avoid ice from unknown sources. Salads and cut fruit from street vendors are a common source of illness.
Staying connected
Excellent and extremely cheap 4G/5G in cities and most regional areas.
Indian local SIMs require paperwork and an in-person visit. An eSIM bought before you fly avoids all of it and works from the moment you land.
Compare India eSIMsHealth risks
- Traveller's diarrhoea - extremely common
- Dengue and malaria
- Severe air pollution in Delhi, especially November-January
- Road trauma
- Extreme heat April-June
Emergency numbers in India
| All emergencies | 112 |
|---|---|
| Police | 100 |
| Ambulance | 102 |
| Fire | 101 |
| Australian consulate | Australian High Commission New Delhi - +91 11 4139 9900 |
Tipping and everyday costs
Expected in tourism. 10% in restaurants if no service charge, ₹50-₹100 per bag for porters, ₹500-₹1,000 per day for a driver or guide.
What screening will actually let you pack
Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.
More India essentials
Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack
How these comparisons are made
Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.
India travel essentials FAQs
What power adapter do I need for India?
A universal adapter with round pins - India uses Type C, D and M. Australian plugs won't fit. A power bank is also worth packing given how common outages are outside major hotels.
Planning India?
We will send you the India guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.