Tap water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.
Asia country brief
India travel essentials
भारत
India uses Type C / Type D / Type M power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
India uses Type C / Type D / Type M power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 112. Tap water is not safe to drink — stick to bottled water.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type C, Type D, Type M
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
112
Police
112 / 100
Ambulance
112 / 108
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is common in India for restaurants, hotel staff, drivers and guides. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical if a service charge is not already included. Keep small notes for porters, housekeeping and short rides.
Best season
October to March is the easiest season for much of north and central India, with cooler, drier weather. The Himalayas, deserts, beaches and monsoon regions have different best windows, so match timing to the specific route.
Visa basics
Most foreign visitors need a visa before travel, and many nationalities use India’s e-Visa system for tourism or business. Rules depend on passport, purpose and entry point, so confirm through the official Indian visa portal.
✓
Before you go: India checklist
- Pack a Type C/Type D/Type M plug adapter for India.
- India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Budget for bottled water — tap water in India isn't safe to drink.
- Save the emergency number 112 in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the left in India.
Tool
Check adapter needs for India
Compare your home country with India for plug and voltage compatibility.
Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in India? ⌄
No. Tap water in India is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled or filtered water.
What power plug and voltage are used in India? ⌄
India uses Type C, Type D, Type M plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. India runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in India? ⌄
Dial 112 for general emergencies in India. Police: 112 / 100. Ambulance: 112 / 108.
When is the best time to visit India? ⌄
October to March is the easiest season for much of north and central India, with cooler, drier weather. The Himalayas, deserts, beaches and monsoon regions have different best windows, so match timing to the specific route.
Which side of the road do they drive on in India? ⌄
In India, traffic drives on the left side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care.
What is the country calling code for India? ⌄
The international dialing code for India is +91. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a India number from abroad.
S
Sources
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