India Travel Tips for NRIs
Everything you need to know before flying home
Documents Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport | Yes | Must be valid 6+ months beyond travel dates |
| OCI Card | If applicable | Lifetime validity; must carry old + new passport if renewed |
| Indian Visa | If no OCI | e-Visa available for tourism (30/90/365 days) |
| PAN Card | Recommended | Needed for property transactions, bank accounts, high-value purchases |
| Aadhaar Card | Optional | Helpful for SIM cards and hotel check-ins |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended | US health insurance rarely covers India; buy travel medical insurance |
Customs Duty-Free Allowance
General goods: ₹50,000 worth of items (excluding personal effects). Laptops and phones for personal use are exempt.
Gold: Men: 20g duty-free, Women: 40g duty-free. Excess gold is subject to customs duty (~15%). Must be declared.
Alcohol: 2 liters per person. No duty-free cigarettes since 2023.
Currency: You can carry up to $5,000 in cash (or equivalent in other currencies) without declaration. Amounts above must be declared on the customs form.
Popular Flight Routes
| From | To | Airlines | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark (EWR) | Delhi (DEL) | Air India, United | $650 – $1,200 | 14-15 hrs |
| JFK New York | Delhi (DEL) | Air India, Delta | $600 – $1,300 | 14-15 hrs |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Delhi (DEL) | Air India, United | $650 – $1,300 | 16-17 hrs |
| Chicago (ORD) | Delhi (DEL) | Air India, United | $650 – $1,400 | 15-16 hrs |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Delhi (DEL) | Air India, Qatar | $600 – $1,300 | 17-18 hrs |
| Newark (EWR) | Mumbai (BOM) | Air India, United | $680 – $1,500 | 16-17 hrs |
Money Tips
SIM Card: Buy a prepaid Jio or Airtel SIM at the airport. Requires passport + local address. Data plans: ~₹200-500 for 1-2 months with unlimited calls.
Cash vs UPI: India has gone largely cashless via UPI. International travelers can now use UPI via select apps. Carry ₹5,000-10,000 cash for small vendors and auto-rickshaws.
ATM withdrawals: Use SBI or HDFC ATMs for best rates. Most charge ₹200-300 per withdrawal. Notify your US bank before travel to prevent card blocks.
Credit cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted at malls, restaurants, hotels. Amex coverage is limited. Check foreign transaction fees on your card.
Packing Essentials
Must-Have
Universal power adapter (India uses Type C/D), prescription medicines with doctor's letter, copies of all documents (digital + physical), comfortable walking shoes
For Gifts
Chocolate (Godiva, Lindt), vitamins/supplements, branded cosmetics, US snacks, electronics (Apple Watch, AirPods). Avoid packing items that exceed ₹50,000 duty-free limit.
FAQ
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See Routes & DealsLast updated: April 5, 2026