Complete India Packing Guide

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Planning a trip to India? You’re in for one epic trip! But first, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need prepared in order to enjoy a stress free vacation. Here’s my India packing guide for you:

Passport/ Visa — These are obvious, but definitely make sure to have a copy of that e-visa. They will ask you for it upon check in from the departing airport. Officers also check it on arrival. For info on how to get your Indian visa: https://mybucketlistjourneys.blog/how-to-apply-for-an-indian-visa/

Indian Rupees/ Credit Cards — I usually wait to convert money once I reach my destination, but in India, you will absolutely need to do this before you leave home. There are ATM’s at the airport, but their rates are usually very high. Functioning ATM’s anywhere else in India are difficult to come around. We couldn’t find a working ATM until our second to last day in India! Exchange your money before leaving. Otherwise, to my surprise, credit cards are widely accepted in India as well! In some rare cases, some vendors are willing to take USD as payment just to make a sale, but don’t count too much on this.

Camera (with accessories) — You don’t want to get all the way to India only to find out you left your camera at home. You want to make sure to capture all the beauty that is India. Make sure to have memory cards, camera chargers, tripod, or any other accessories you usually use. Also, carry a cleaning cloth, to get rid of any dust. There are many great cameras, but I use the Sony a6000. It’s lightweight and fits in all my small bags.

Universal Travel Adapter — outlets in India are different than those in the U.S., so make sure to have the proper adapter. FYI: An adapter that works on a European outlet will work in India. If you do forget to bring one along, they do sell them in the airport!

Power Pack — You definitely always want to have these, no matter where you go! Incase you spend an entire day out and don’t have access to an outlet, these are a life saver!

Medicine — You’ve probably heard about this if you’re planning a trip to India: Delhi Belly, otherwise known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This was a concern of mine, as I once got sick in Peru after eating. Luckily, I was able to avoid this problem in India. The important thing is to watch what you eat/ drink. You will also find that Indian food is heavy on different spices, and probably not like anything you’re used to back home. Even if you’re very careful, some foods still might not agree with you until you get used to them. Should this happen, make sure to have the right medications to settle your upset stomach.

Probiotic Supplements— This relates to Dehli belly as well. I was told that taking probiotics prior to my trip would help “prepare” my stomach to handle all that delicious, but spicy Indian food I would have. Apparently, probiotics are great for digestive health, as they’re full of good bacteria. The good bacteria then helps to fight off any bad bacteria you may ingest while eating. In order to increase the chances of this working, you will need to start taking the supplements about one to two weeks prior to traveling, and continue throughout your trip. Make sure to look for supplements with a CFU of 30 million and a diverse species of bacteria. Also, make sure the supplements you get can be stored at room temperature, since you won’t be able to keep it cool throughout the trip. (I can’t say for sure if taking probiotics contributed to me not getting sick, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.)

Water bottles — Many hotels will provide bottled water, but incase you find yourself needing water and all that’s available is tap water, you’ll wish you brought your own. The tap water is not safe to drink. I like to bring a couple of small 8 oz bottles in my suitcase, just incase I should need them.

Wipes/ Hand Sanitizer — Hotels and most major restaurants will have toilet paper, but don’t be surprised to come across places that don’t have TP. Always carry some in your day bag. I personally like to carry wipes. On hot days, these are also good for cooling off a bit. Also make sure to have hand sanitizer. You will most likely get dusty and dirty in India!

Setting Spray/ Waterproof Makeup — You will sweat and lots of it! You will want to make sure your makeup stays in tact throughout the day. I use Estee Lauder’s long-lasting Double Wear matte foundation, and it stays on smudge free for almost an entire day! Top it off with setting spray for an all day, fresh look.

Sunscreen — A must when being out in the sun and scorching heat all day. Check your foundation, if you wear it … it might already have sunscreen in it. I love Estee Lauder’s foundation because it has SPF already in it.

Fan — Obviously, in super high temperatures, you will want to stay cool!

Scarves — You will need these to cover up arms/shoulders, but they also help protect you from all the dust in the air! You can find so many beautiful scarves in the markets if you don’t want to bring from home!

Appropriate clothing/ footwear — I speak more on this in my “How to Dress in India Guide,” (https://mybucketlistjourneys.blog/how-to-dress-modest-while-being-comfortable/) but make sure to have the correct clothing packed. Anything that shows too much skin — short shorts, crop tops — should be left at home. Pack maxi dresses, long skirts, loose tops, shawls, sun hats, and comfy footwear. I love footbed sandals as they are comfortable to walk in for an entire day.

Day bag — Carry a comfortable purse that can hold all the essentials you need while out for the day. You can off course bring your own, or you can buy one from the markets. They have many similar to the one below everywhere in Delhi.