First-time in India? This arrival guide walks you through immigration, baggage, customs, mobile SIMs, money, and safe transport into the city—so you land confident and start your trip smoothly. Save it offline and keep it handy at the airport.
Most international travelers arrive via Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Chennai (MAA), Hyderabad (HYD), or Kochi (COK). Terminals are modern with clear English signage, long immigration halls, free trolleys, and plenty of ATMs and currency exchange counters after customs. Expect peak crowds around midnight bank of arrivals; patience and a steady pace help. Follow the “Foreign/International Arrivals” signs, keep your passport and approval printouts ready, and use the restroom before joining the long lines.
Join the “Foreign Passports” queue unless signage directs otherwise for electronic authorizations. Keep your passport open to the bio page and present printed approval if you applied digitally. Officers may ask about your purpose, length of stay, and first address. Answer briefly and clearly. In some airports, photos and fingerprints are captured at the counter. If you’re traveling with family, keep everyone together; minors typically approach with a parent or guardian.
After immigration, follow “Baggage Reclaim.” Screens show your carousel number. Use a trolley early—belts can get crowded. If your bag is missing, go straight to the airline desk near the carousels and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) before leaving the hall. For customs, standard “Green Channel” is for nothing to declare; choose “Red Channel” if carrying dutiable items. Keep electronics and high-value receipts accessible in case of questions. Remember: once you exit customs, re-entry is usually not allowed—double-check you have everything.
You’ll find ATM machines and exchange counters in arrivals halls; exchange a small amount for immediate needs and use ATMs for better rates in town. Cards are widely accepted in hotels and urban restaurants; still, keep small cash for tolls, snacks, or tips. For mobile connectivity, airport kiosks can issue tourist SIMs against your passport and a visa copy; activation can be near-instant or take a few hours. Download offline maps and ride-hailing apps while on airport Wi-Fi.
If you’re onward to another city, check if you must change terminals—some hubs require a shuttle or short drive. For domestic flights, arrive at least 90–120 minutes before departure; keep your boarding pass (digital or printed) and a valid photo ID. For trains, pre-book popular routes early, note the station name (big cities have multiple), and plan traffic time. Luggage porters (“coolies”) are available at major stations—confirm the price before you agree.
| Scenario | Suggested Buffer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intl → Domestic (same airport) | 3–4 hours | Immigration, bags, customs, re-check, security |
| Intl → Train | 5–6 hours | Traffic to station + margin for delays |
| Red-eye arrival | +30–45 mins | Queues longer in midnight wave |
Airports provide wheelchairs and buggy services—request via your airline at least 48 hours in advance. Nursing rooms, child-friendly washrooms, and priority lines for infants are common at major hubs. If you’re carrying prescription medicine, keep it in original packaging with a doctor’s note. Solo travelers can ask airport information desks for official taxi counters or metro directions—staff are used to helping first-timers.
Share your live location with a trusted contact until you reach your stay. At the hotel, keep your passport handy for guest registration and ask the front desk for trusted cab numbers, nearby ATMs, and late-night food options. Hydrate, eat light, and set alarms to beat jet lag. If you plan an early morning tour, confirm pickup times and driver details the previous evening.
Airport counters are the easiest for first-timers—staff know the document checks and plans are tourist-friendly. City stores can be cheaper, but may take longer if there’s a queue or extra photocopies needed. If you land late night, the airport desk saves time and gets you connected for your ride to the hotel.
Use app cabs from the official pickup zone or a prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal. Verify the plate number, share the trip with a friend, and sit in the back seat. Many hotels offer pickups—worth booking for a seamless first night.
Go to the airline’s baggage desk by the carousels and file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Give your local contact, hotel address, and a detailed bag description (photo helps). Keep the PIR number—you’ll need it for tracking delivery or claims.
Yes in most urban places (hotels, malls, restaurants). Still keep some small cash for tolls, tips, or neighborhood shops. Inform your bank of travel to avoid card blocks and consider a backup card kept separately for safety.
Plan 3–4 hours at the same airport to cover immigration, baggage, customs, re-check, and security. If you need to change terminals, add extra buffer or choose a later flight. For trains, allow 5–6 hours including city traffic to the right station.
Ignore unsolicited helpers and “special taxis” outside the flow. Use official counters, metered stands, or app pickups only. Don’t share your passport or phone unless it’s an official desk. If unsure, ask airport staff or your hotel by phone before proceeding.