Expat Travel India: What You Need to Know Before You Go

When you plan expat travel India, the process of relocating or long-term living in India as a foreign national. Also known as foreign residency in India, it's not just about packing a suitcase—it's about understanding how the country really works on the ground. Many people assume India is either overwhelming or magical, but the truth is somewhere in between: practical, chaotic, and deeply rewarding if you know what to expect.

Indian visa fees, the official costs and requirements for foreign nationals entering or staying in India change every year, and getting them wrong can cost you time, money, or even entry. For U.S. citizens, the e-Visa in 2025 runs about $100, but processing delays and document errors are common. You don’t need a lawyer, but you do need to double-check your passport validity, photo specs, and application dates. And if you’re planning to stay longer than a tourist visa allows, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa—something most blogs don’t tell you until it’s too late.

Vaccinations for India, the immunizations recommended or required for travelers and long-term residents aren’t optional. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are basics. Rabies? Not for everyone, but if you’re living in a rural area or around stray dogs, it’s a smart move. Many expats skip boosters because they think India’s healthcare is cheap—and it is—but getting sick far from home isn’t. The cost of one bad stomach bug can wipe out a week’s budget. And yes, you can get the same shots back home for less, so plan ahead.

Then there’s India travel safety, the day-to-day risks and precautions foreign residents face in urban and rural India. It’s not about fear—it’s about awareness. Mumbai is safer for solo women than Delhi, but both cities have pickpockets, scams, and chaotic traffic. In smaller towns, you’ll get stares, not threats. You’ll learn to read body language, avoid eye contact with aggressive touts, and always carry a local SIM card with data. Most expats who stay long-term say the biggest danger isn’t crime—it’s complacency. One careless moment, like drinking tap water or trusting an unlicensed taxi, can ruin your trip.

And culture? It’s everywhere. India cultural etiquette, the unwritten rules of behavior, dress, and interaction expected in Indian society isn’t just about removing shoes before temples. It’s knowing not to use your left hand to eat or hand things over. It’s understanding that "maybe" often means "no." It’s realizing that asking for a receipt, insisting on a metered taxi, or correcting a vendor isn’t rude—it’s necessary. Most expats spend their first three months learning this through trial and error. You can skip the mistakes if you read the right guides.

What you’ll find below isn’t theory. These are real posts written by people who’ve lived it: how to avoid food poisoning in Delhi, whether Uber works in Goa, what the Taj Mahal really costs to visit, and why Nagpur is the hidden hub for adventure travelers. No fluff. No recycled blog posts. Just the stuff you need to know before you land, move in, or settle down.