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Whether you're planning your first trip to India or you visit frequently, if you're going for a few short days on a stopover somewhere else or taking an extended vacation, there are a few things you'll need to pack to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Face Mask
You'll likely be flying into Delhi, where the Air Quality Index recently hit almost 400 post-Diwali celebrations. The air pollution has gotten so bad that schools are shutting down. India's capital has also consistently ranked as one of the world's most polluted cities, and the air can be difficult to breathe for any foreigner. Keep cloth or N95 face masks handy and if you're asthmatic like me, you'll also need your inhaler.
Power Adapter
If you're traveling to India from the US or any country that isn't Ghana, you must bring a Type D power converter to plug in and charge your devices. They're easy enough to find (a quick search on Amazon will give you plenty of options) and will come in handy overnight wherever you're staying.
Insect Repellent
It doesn't matter how clean your living space is: mosquitoes and other pests are common in India so be sure to bring bug spray or any other insect repellent along with you. You should spray not just your body but also your accommodation (the gaps below doors, windowsills, etc.) I use this deet-free one from Repel but you can also bring wristbands or patches.
Toilet Paper
This one isn't completely necessary to pack along and will take up valuable space in your luggage but toilet paper is scarce in India and even if it is available, the quality isn't the best. Most hotels and accommodations will have some toilet paper but instead, you'll find bidets (which are more sanitary and hygienic anyway). If you're accustomed to using toilet paper or prefer it, bring it with you.
Bottled Water
India is one of the few countries globally where tap water is unsafe to drink. It's widely known that it's filled with contaminants that are often harmful to travelers and locals alike. Do NOT drink the tap water. As a kid, we used to boil any tap water before consuming it but as a first-time traveler, you should avoid it at all costs. You can try using a reusable water bottle with a built-in purifier (I've never done it) so I recommend just drinking bottled water. If you're flying, buy bottled water at the airport post-security and collect as many water bottles on the plane as you can. Also, the soda in India is better than the soda you get in the US so drink as much Limca and Thumbs Up as you can instead but remember to stay hydrated. You will get dehydrated quickly.
Clothes/Shoes You Don't Mind Getting Dirty
This one seems obvious but it's a rule my family has followed forever. India has a lot of dust, dirt, and smog especially in the Delhi area and in places like Panjab. You will likely be doing a lot of walking and traveling. When it rains, it gets muddy quickly. Bring clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Better yet, bring old clothes and shoes that you can leave there or throw away so they don't take up space in your luggage. You may still want to bring nice clothes for going out (which is fine) but all the locals will be wearing casual clothes (jeans and T-shirts, salwar kameez, etc.). Unless you're attending a wedding, you probably won't need it.
Imodium
The food will f*ck up your stomach. Whether it's street food, wedding buffets, or just everyday dining, Indian food in India is not for sensitive stomachs. There's a running stereotype that you can't eat street food because vendors don't use gloves or wash their food or whatever. I'm not telling you to avoid street food (because street food in India is incredible) but be smarter about what you consume. My family just returned from India with a stomach virus and food poisoning (which I avoided by not eating meat, seafood, or dairy products) despite how careful they were. Go easy the first few days, then you can get adventurous, but bring Imodium tablets with you. You can also find medicine at local chemists and pharmacies if you forget. You don't want to have a miserable flight back home because you weren't prepared.
Electrolytes
In addition to imodium capsules, if you're dehydrated (either from not drinking enough water or because your stomach is upset), make sure to drink electrolytes or liquid IV, or keep them on you. You will lose energy quickly if you're not eating or drinking enough, and electrolytes will help. You can also find these at a local chemist or pharmacist's shop if you don't want to carry them or forget to bring them. We found these at a chemist shop in the Delhi airport.
eSIM
Unless you have an international data plan with your mobile carrier, you'll need to purchase an eSIM or SIM card for your trip. You may be able to go without it in Delhi and most hotels will have their own WiFi but once you venture outside the main cities, it will be harder to stay connected. I would recommend purchasing one prior to landing in India as they may be slow or difficult to find.
Hand Sanitizer
Most of the world may still be carrying hand sanitizer with them wherever they go but a reminder is always nice. My mom carried one in her bag for years prior to the COVID pandemic and will still never leave home without it. Whether you're sampling the street food or taking taxi cabs, keeping a travel-size hand sanitizer with you is a must. You may not always be able to find a bathroom to wash your hands prior to eating.
Sunscreen and/or Sun Hat
Because of its proximity to the equator, summers in Delhi get hot and they only get hotter every year. May and June tend to be the warmer months with temperatures that average 105 degrees Fahrenheit on the high end with lows of 82 degrees F. The highest recorded temperature this year was 117 degrees Fahrenheit, which Delhi hit four times at the end of May/early June. Even in November, temperatures were still in the low 80s/high 70s in the second week. The sun's rays are also incredibly strong even with the pollution. Pack a strong, reef-safe sunscreen and bring a sun hat and/or other protective gear with you.
Documents & Photocopies
This one is a no-brainer for frequent travelers but do not let your documents out of sight and keep several photocopies of your passports and visas on your person at all times. You will need them to enter the country and if you do any domestic travel via air. You may not always get your visa photocopy back at immigration or you may lose one of your documents while traveling. Photos and photocopies are extremely important.
Cash
While most places you visit will likely accept common credit or debit cards, you need to keep a decent amount of cash with you. If you plan to do any local bazaar shopping or eating street food, paying in cash is easier and safer. And if you're a foreigner, refrain from negotiating prices with the vendors; it's disrespectful.
Shawl
While it gets hot during the day, Delhi gets cold after the sun sets. You may not always be staying somewhere with heating so turn the air conditioning off and bundle up in a warm shawl. I take one of mine on flights to use instead of the blankets provided.
Snacks
Even if you're not vegan like me, you should avoid certain foods during your first few days in India (namely meat, seafood and dairy products). You should also supplement whatever you're eating with foods that are lighter on your digestive system to avoid stomach problems. Bring your favorite light snacks with you to enjoy and buy some local ones from a market (there are plenty of vegan options, including my favorite Hide&Seek biscuits). I brought protein bars and shakes with me from the US as a back-up and only had to consume them a couple of times.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
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