In this guide
Your first hour in India sets the tone. The easiest arrival is boring in the best way: immigration, baggage, customs, a small amount of cash, SIM or roaming check, and a verified ride. Do not make big decisions while tired, offline, and surrounded by people offering help.
This guide works for major international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, and Goa. Details vary by airport, but the order of operations stays similar.
Fast Plan
| Moment | Do this |
|---|---|
| Before landing | Write down your hotel address, phone number, and visa details for immigration or forms. |
| After baggage | Use official currency exchange or bank ATMs for a small first-day cash buffer. |
| Before exiting | Decide your ride inside the terminal: app pickup, official prepaid counter, or hotel transfer. |
| If approached | Ignore unsolicited taxi, SIM, hotel, money-changing, and tour offers. |
The Smooth Arrival Order
Do not rush straight out of the terminal. Once you exit into the public arrivals area, it can be harder to return to counters, Wi-Fi, toilets, and seating. Finish your basics inside.
- Clear immigration with passport, visa, hotel address, and return or onward details if asked.
- Collect bags and check for damage before leaving the baggage hall.
- Declare anything required by Customs. If unsure, ask at the official channel before exiting.
- Withdraw or exchange only enough cash for the first day unless you understand the rates and rules.
- Activate roaming, eSIM, or local SIM before arranging a ride.
Money and SIM at the Airport
Airport exchange counters and ATMs are convenient but not always the cheapest. Treat them as a first-day solution. For SIMs, branded counters are useful, but activation may not be instant. Keep your original number alive until your India SIM is truly working.
- Keep small notes for tips, tolls, tea, and short rides.
- Do not change money with individuals in the arrivals hall or parking area.
- Ask SIM counters about activation time, plan validity, daily data, and customer care.
- Take receipts for both exchange and SIM purchases.
Taxi Apps, Prepaid Counters, and Hotel Pickups
Airport taxi systems differ by city. Some airports have app-based pickup zones, some have official prepaid taxi counters, and some hotels arrange reliable transfers. The safest rule is simple: choose your ride through an official counter, official app zone, or confirmed hotel representative.
- For app cabs, follow signs to the designated pickup zone and match car number, driver name, and app OTP.
- For prepaid taxis, pay only at the official counter and keep the printed receipt.
- For hotel pickups, ask the hotel in advance what signboard name and phone number the driver will use.
- If a driver says your hotel is closed, your app failed, or your road is blocked, call the hotel yourself.
Scam Avoidance Without Paranoia
Most airport workers and drivers are simply doing their jobs. The red flag is unsolicited urgency: someone insists you must follow them, pay now, change your hotel, use their SIM, or cancel your app ride. Pause, step aside, and verify.
- Do not reveal your full itinerary to strangers in arrivals.
- Do not let anyone carry your bags unless they are an official porter you have agreed to pay.
- Use the airport help desk, police post, CISF/security, or your hotel if confused.
- For emergencies in India, 112 is the national emergency number.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the terminal before arranging connectivity and transport.
- Following a taxi tout because they know your hotel name or speak confidently.
- Changing large amounts of money at the airport without checking the rate.
- Handing passport or phone to a stranger who says they will solve your SIM or taxi issue.
Plan-Ready Checklist
- Immigration complete and baggage checked.
- Small INR cash buffer plus cards secured.
- Phone data working through roaming, eSIM, or local SIM.
- Ride confirmed through official counter, app zone, or hotel.
Verify before you go: Airport transport layouts, prepaid taxi counters, SIM counters, and customs rules change by city. Check your arrival airport and hotel instructions before flying.
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
