Travel guides for 30 destinations
Search or filter by region, then pick a destination for its food, connectivity and local transport guide — everything an Indian traveller needs before flying.
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Singapore
A clean, easy first international trip for Indian travellers — English-speaking, ultra-safe, cashless, and packed with world-class food; visa-free short entry for Indian passport holders in 2026.
What to eat
Head to Little India (Serangoon Road area, near Little India MRT) — it is the go-to neighbourhood for Indian and pure-vegetarian food, from South Indian thalis and dosas to North Indian and Jain options. The Tekka Centre hawker complex there has many affordable Indian stalls. You will also find plenty of vegetarian-friendly and halal options across most hawker centres citywide.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is an Airalo eSIM (buy and activate online before you fly; Singapore data plans from roughly USD 4-20). For a physical/local SIM with better value including calls and SMS, use a tourist prepaid SIM from Singtel (hi! Tourist), StarHub, or M1 — buy in the city (7-Eleven, telco shops) rather than at the airport, where prices run higher. Coverage from all three is excellent islandwide.
Getting around
The MRT metro is fast, clean, air-conditioned and covers the whole island — just tap any Visa/Mastercard or phone (SimplyGo) at the gates, no separate travel card needed; use Grab for door-to-door rides.
Thailand
A visa-friendly, budget-easy favourite for Indian travellers — beaches, street food, temples and buzzing nightlife, all a short flight away.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find in Bangkok — head to the Phahurat area (often called "Little India"), next to Chinatown, for North Indian, Gujarati and Jain-friendly meals. Sukhumvit (around Soi 11/Nana) also has many Indian restaurants. In Phuket, Patong and Karon beaches have several Indian eateries. Look for "jay" (เจ) signage, which marks strict vegan/vegetarian food, and note most Thai dishes can be made without meat on request.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy a travel eSIM before you fly for instant data on arrival — Airalo is the most popular global option (runs on AIS + True networks in Thailand). For a local SIM/eSIM with a Thai number, the main telcos are AIS (largest coverage, best for islands/rural), TrueMove H, and dtac — all sell prepaid tourist plans at Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang airport arrival halls. AIS is generally the safest bet beyond Bangkok.
Getting around
Get around with the Grab app (SE Asia's super-app for cabs/bikes), the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro in Bangkok, tuk-tuks and songthaews for short hops, and cheap domestic flights or trains between cities.
Dubai
Ultra-modern, safe and very Indian-friendly — English is spoken everywhere, INR converts to a strong-value AED trip, and Dubai is just a 3-4 hour flight from most Indian metros.
What to eat
Indian and pure-vegetarian food is everywhere in Dubai. Head to Bur Dubai (especially the Meena Bazaar area) and Al Karama — these old-Dubai neighbourhoods have dense clusters of South Indian, Gujarati thali, chaat and Jain/vegetarian spots at Indian-style prices. Deira and Al Rigga are also reliable. Most malls and hotel food courts have Indian counters, and Jain/no-onion-garlic requests are widely understood.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy a travel eSIM BEFORE you fly — UAE rules make it hard to buy foreign data plans after arrival. Airalo (uses Etisalat/e& network) is the popular, cheapest tourist option, from about $4; Nomad, Holafly and Saily are good alternatives. Airport/local telco eSIMs from Etisalat (e&) and du work too but cost far more. Note: WhatsApp/FaceTime calling is blocked on local UAE SIMs, but roaming travel eSIMs usually bypass this.
Getting around
The Dubai Metro is cheap, clean and tourist-friendly (buy a nol card); use Careem or Uber for door-to-door rides and official cream RTA taxis anywhere.
Bali
Temple-dotted beaches, rice terraces and easy-visa island vibes just a short flight from India — welcoming, affordable and endlessly Instagrammable.
What to eat
Head to the tourist hubs of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian, plus Ubud — these areas have several Indian and vegetarian/vegan restaurants and cafes. Many Balinese eateries (warungs) also serve veg-friendly nasi/mie goreng and gado-gado; say "sayur saja" (vegetables only) and "tanpa daging" (no meat). Jimbaran and Canggu have vegan spots too, but the widest Indian food choice is around Seminyak/Kuta.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: eSIM: Airalo has affordable Indonesia plans (runs on Indosat Ooredoo/Three networks) — buy and activate before you fly. For the strongest coverage across Bali and the Gili/Nusa islands, a Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid Card is the local favourite; buy it on arrival at Ngurah Rai (DPS) airport counters or a GraPARI outlet (bring passport; phone must be unlocked and eSIM/dual-SIM capable).
Getting around
Bali has no metro or trains — get around by scooter, private driver, or ride-hailing apps; hail cars/bikes via Gojek or Grab for fair metered fares.
Vietnam
A visa-friendly, budget-stretching favourite for Indians — street food, beaches, limestone bays and buzzing cities, all easy to navigate with a single ride app.
What to eat
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the most Indian-friendly city, with a cluster of Indian and pure-veg restaurants around District 1 near the Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien backpacker area and the Ben Thanh Market district. Hanoi's Old Quarter also has a few Indian eateries. Use the HappyCow app to find verified vegetarian and Jain-friendly spots near you, and always confirm "chay" (vegetarian) when ordering, as fish sauce is common.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy an Airalo Vietnam eSIM before you fly (runs on the Viettel/Mobifone networks, activate on arrival) — quick and cashless. For a local number and cheapest data, grab a physical tourist SIM from Viettel (best nationwide coverage), Vinaphone or Mobifone at the counters right inside Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh (Tan Son Nhat) airports; carry your passport.
Getting around
There is no Uber or Ola — Grab is the tourist default for cars and bikes; use metered Xanh SM or Be to compare prices, and Hanoi and HCMC now have modern metro lines. Keep cash handy as local apps favour it.
Malaysia
A visa-friendly, English-speaking Southeast Asian favourite where halal and vegetarian food is everywhere and Indian culture runs deep.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find across Malaysia thanks to a large Tamil community. Head to Brickfields (Little India) in Kuala Lumpur, or Little India in George Town, Penang, for South Indian thalis, banana-leaf meals, dosa, and pure-veg spots. Many mamak (Indian-Muslim) eateries nationwide serve roti, thosai, and vegetarian curries cheaply, and most malls have Indian or veg options.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy a travel eSIM before you fly (no passport registration needed): Airalo has data-only Malaysia plans running on the Maxis network. For a local physical SIM/eSIM, the main telcos are CelcomDigi (best nationwide coverage), Maxis/Hotlink (strong speeds, good regional roaming), U Mobile, and Yes; tourist data SIMs are cheap (roughly RM30-40 for 30-100GB). Note: since 2026, physical SIMs require passport registration, while eSIMs skip that.
Getting around
Grab is the go-to for rides everywhere; Kuala Lumpur also has a clean, cheap LRT/MRT/monorail network you tap through with Touch 'n Go.
Sri Lanka
A short, easy hop from India — spicy island food, scenic train rides and beaches, and everything runs on the PickMe app.
What to eat
Head to the Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya stretch along Galle Road in Colombo — this is the city's Tamil/South-Indian heartland, packed with pure-vegetarian South Indian cafes serving dosa, idli, thali and sambar. Most towns also have Muslim "hotels" doing rice-and-curry, and vegetarian ("shudh") kadai boards are easy to spot. Sri Lankan food itself is very coconut-and-rice based, so pure-veg travellers eat comfortably almost anywhere.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Best value is Airalo (its 'Ella' Sri Lanka eSIM runs on local networks Dialog/Mobitel, from about $4.50 for 1GB) — buy and activate before you fly. For a physical SIM, grab a Dialog or Mobitel tourist SIM at the Bandaranaike (Colombo) airport arrivals counter with your passport; Dialog tourist packs start around LKR 1,399 for ~20GB valid 30 days.
Maldives
A short-haul island paradise for Indian travellers - direct flights from major metros, e-visa on arrival, and English widely spoken.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find in the capital region - head to Male city and neighbouring Hulhumale, where many cafes and eateries serve North Indian curries, roti, biryani and South Indian tiffin. Most resorts also run an Indian menu or dedicated Indian restaurant, and pure-veg / Jain requests are commonly accommodated if flagged in advance. Being a Muslim country, food is halal and pork/alcohol are restricted to resort islands.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Two local telcos cover the islands: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives - both sell tourist prepaid SIMs (roughly 20-30GB, 30-day validity) at Velana International Airport kiosks; carry your passport for registration. Both also offer their own eSIMs. For a plug-and-play option, Airalo and Saily eSIMs both run on the Ooredoo network and can be activated before you land. Ooredoo is generally fastest around Male and resorts; Dhiraagu has the widest reach on remote southern atolls.
Getting around
Getting around means water: speedboats and public ferries between islands, seaplanes to far resorts, and taxis or ride apps only within Male-Hulhumale (linked by the Sinamale bridge).
India
Your own backyard is a continent of cuisines and cultures — from Himalayan valleys to backwaters, every state feels like a new country.
What to eat
You're in India, so Indian and vegetarian food is everywhere and clearly marked (look for the green-dot veg symbol). Every city has a busy main bazaar or old-town food street — like Chandni Chowk in Delhi, VV Puram Food Street in Bengaluru, or Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad — packed with vegetarian thali joints, chaat carts and South Indian tiffin houses. Pure-veg restaurants and Jain-food options are common; just ask for "veg only" or check the menu's green markings.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: As a domestic traveller you can just recharge your existing Jio, Airtel or Vi number nationwide (Airtel ~Rs 349 or Jio ~Rs 299 gives ~1.5GB/day with unlimited 5G for 28 days). If you want a fresh travel line or an eSIM, Airtel and Jio both offer instant eSIMs via their apps; for cross-border trips Airalo eSIM (runs on Airtel/Vi/BSNL) is a popular data-only option.
Getting around
Metros run in most big cities; for last-mile use app-based cabs, autos and bike-taxis, or the humble auto-rickshaw (agree fare or insist on the meter).
Switzerland
Postcard-perfect Alps, spotless trains and world-class scenery, easy for Indian families thanks to abundant vegetarian and Indian food in the big cities.
What to eat
Zurich has the widest choice of Indian and pure-vegetarian food, especially around Langstrasse / Kreis 4 and the Oerlikon district, both near train stations. Geneva and Interlaken (a favourite Indian tourist base) also have several Indian restaurants. Look for South Indian and Gujarati thali places for reliable veg and Jain-friendly options; many kitchens will cook without onion/garlic on request.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Swiss telcos (Swisscom, Salt, Sunrise) do NOT sell tourist eSIMs, only physical prepaid SIMs. For an eSIM, use Airalo (its Switzerland plans run on the Sunrise network) or a similar travel-eSIM provider. If you prefer a physical SIM, buy a Swisscom prepaid SIM at Zurich/Geneva airport or a Swisscom shop for the best coverage in the mountains.
Getting around
Switzerland runs on its superb rail, bus and boat network, book a Swiss Travel Pass and use the SBB app for nearly everything; taxis are pricey so ride-hailing is only for cities.
Italy
Art, history and unforgettable food, from Rome's ruins to Venice's canals and the Amalfi coast, easy and welcoming for Indian travellers in 2026.
What to eat
In Rome, head to the Esquilino / Piazza Vittorio Emanuele area near Termini Station, the city's main South-Asian quarter, packed with Indian and vegetarian eateries plus the Mercato Esquilino market for Indian groceries and spices. In Milan, the Via Padova area has South-Asian restaurants. Across Italy, pizzerias, pasta places and salad bars almost always have clearly marked vegetarian ("vegetariano") options, so pure-veg travellers manage easily even outside Indian spots.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest: buy an Airalo Italy or Europe eSIM before you fly and activate on landing (no store visit, passport not needed). For a local SIM/eSIM with lots of data, Vodafone Italia offers tourist prepaid plans (around 15 euro), with TIM and WindTre as strong alternatives; buy at any operator store or the airport with your passport for registration.
Getting around
Cities are walkable with cheap metro, trams and buses; use fast Frecciarossa/Italo trains between cities, and note that regular Uber/Bolt do not operate normally, so you hail licensed taxis via apps or ranks.
France
Iconic sights, world-class food and easy trains — France is smooth for Indian travellers if you pre-book an eSIM and lean on transit apps.
What to eat
Paris has two well-known Indian/South-Asian food areas. Passage Brady (10th arrondissement) is the classic curry lane, and the La Chapelle / Gare du Nord quarter ("Little Jaffna", along Rue Cail and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis) is packed with South Indian and Sri Lankan spots serving dosa, idli, thali and plenty of pure-veg options — usually the cheapest, most authentic Indian meals in the city. Most large French cities have at least a few Indian restaurants near the main railway station; look there first.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is a travel eSIM you buy and install before flying: Airalo France plans start around EUR 4 for 1GB and run on the Orange network (data-only, no French number). For a physical/local SIM on arrival, Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile are the four national carriers — Orange has the strongest rural coverage, Bouygues and SFR are easiest to buy prepaid in-store. Local prepaid plans (some with EU roaming) are handy if you'll travel onward in Europe.
Getting around
Cities have excellent metro/tram/bus and France's trains (TGV) link cities fast — buy tickets in-app, tap in with a Navigo/contactless card, and use ride-hailing at night or when tired.
Greece
Sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins and Mediterranean feasts — an easy, welcoming European escape for Indian travellers in 2026.
What to eat
Central Athens is your best bet: the area around Monastiraki, Plaka and Syntagma Square (all near the Acropolis metro) has a good cluster of Indian and vegetarian restaurants serving North and South Indian food, dal, curries and biryani. Search "Indian restaurant Monastiraki" or use HappyCow for vegetarian and vegan spots. On the islands, options thin out quickly, so stock up on staples in Athens if you keep a strict veg or Jain diet.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: eSIMs are the easiest option — no queues on arrival. Airalo offers Greece plans (1GB to 20GB, valid 1-30 days) though it runs on the Nova network. For strongest coverage across islands, buy a local prepaid SIM from Cosmote (largest network) or Vodafone at Athens airport kiosks or any high-street store; carry your passport for registration.
Getting around
In Athens use the clean, cheap metro and taxi-hailing apps; on islands rely on ferries, buses and rented cars or scooters.
Turkey
A visa-friendly bridge between Europe and Asia — Istanbul's bazaars, Cappadocia's balloons and Antalya's coast make Turkey a favourite for Indian travellers in 2026.
What to eat
Indian and pure-vegetarian food is easiest to find in Istanbul. Head to the Sultanahmet old-city area (near the main sights) and the Taksim / Beyoglu district, which have the highest concentration of Indian restaurants; Kadikoy on the Asian side is also veg-friendly. Search "Indian restaurant" or "vegetarian" on Google Maps at your location rather than relying on a fixed name, as spots change. Outside big cities, veg options are simpler — lean on meze (hummus, stuffed vine leaves, lentil soup), pide and salads, which are naturally vegetarian.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy an eSIM BEFORE you fly — Turkey blocks many eSIM sites once you land. Airalo's Turkey (Merhaba) plan is reliable and data-only, running on Turk Telekom; plans from about 1GB/7 days upward. For a local SIM with a Turkish number and voice, buy Turkcell's Tourist Welcome Pack at the airport (bring your passport). Note: staying 120+ days may require IMEI registration.
Getting around
Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir have cheap, extensive metro, tram, bus and ferry networks; get a rechargeable transit card and use ride-hailing taxi apps to avoid meter scams.
Iceland
A land of volcanoes, glaciers and Northern Lights — pricey but unforgettable, and easy to navigate on foot and by app.
What to eat
Central downtown Reykjavik (the Laugavegur / city-centre area) has the best concentration of Indian and Nepali-Indian restaurants with clear vegetarian and vegan options, and several offer takeaway. Kopavogur, just south of the city, also has Indian eateries. Many mainstream cafes and the "Vegan Iceland" app help you find veg-friendly meals elsewhere. Note Indian food and dining out generally are expensive in Iceland, so budget accordingly or self-cater from Bonus/Kronan supermarkets where you can find rice, lentils and spices.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is a travel eSIM from Airalo (its Iceland plans run on the Nova network) — install before you fly and activate on arrival. For a physical/local option, buy a prepaid Starter Pack from a local telco: Siminn (widest coverage), Nova (strong 5G in towns) or Vodafone Iceland, sold at Keflavik Airport and phone stores. 4G/5G coverage is excellent in populated areas but patchy in remote highlands.
Getting around
Central Reykjavik is compact and walkable; there is no metro — use city buses, taxis, e-scooters, or a rental car for the countryside. Note: Uber and Lyft do NOT operate in Iceland.
Norway
Fjords, Northern Lights and midnight sun — Norway is stunning but pricey, so plan cash-light and card-heavy.
What to eat
In Oslo, head to the Grønland neighbourhood (east of the central station) — it is the city's most multicultural district and the easiest place to find Indian, Sri Lankan Tamil and Pakistani eateries, plus vegetarian and halal options and grocery shops with Indian spices. Bergen's city centre and areas near the University also have a few Indian restaurants. Elsewhere in Norway options thin out fast, so self-catering from supermarkets (look for lentils, rice and paneer alternatives) helps vegetarians; note dining out is expensive everywhere.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest is an Airalo eSIM (buy before you fly, activate on landing; plans from ~USD 4, unlimited options for longer trips). For a local telco, Telia and Telenor are the two main networks — Telia tourist eSIMs/SIMs start around 99 NOK for 1GB + calls/SMS, and Telenor has the widest rural coverage for fjords, Lofoten and the far north. SIMs are sold at airport kiosks, Narvesen/7-Eleven and telecom stores.
Getting around
Cities have excellent public transport (Oslo T-bane metro, trams, buses, ferries); buy tickets in-app, never hail street taxis as they are very expensive.
Finland
Land of the Northern Lights, saunas and midnight sun — clean, safe and easy for Indian travellers, with English widely spoken and a growing Indian food scene in Helsinki.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easiest to find in central Helsinki — around the city centre (Kamppi, Kluuvi and Punavuori) and the Vallila neighbourhood, where several Indian restaurants and buffet lunches cluster near the main streets and Central Railway Station. Ask for veg dishes like dal, chana masala and paneer, which most Indian kitchens keep on the menu. Larger K-Citymarket and Prisma supermarkets and the Old Market Hall stock rice, lentils and Indian spices for self-catering.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is an Airalo eSIM (data-only, runs on the DNA network) bought and activated before you fly. For a local SIM with a Finnish number, DNA Prepaid is the traveller favourite (unlimited data from about €0.99/day) and is sold at DNA stores, R-kioski kiosks and most supermarkets — no ID needed; Elisa and Telia are the other two national telcos.
Getting around
Helsinki has excellent trams, buses, metro, ferries and trains — buy tickets in the HSL app; for taxis, use Bolt or Uber, both widely available and card-payment friendly.
Azerbaijan
A visa-friendly, budget-smart Caucasus getaway where East meets West — Baku's flame towers, Old City charm, and a warm welcome for Indian travellers.
What to eat
Central Baku, especially around Fountains Square, Nizami Street and the Old City (Icherisheher), has a solid cluster of Indian restaurants serving North and South Indian plus clear vegetarian and Jain-friendly options — this is the easiest area to find familiar veg food. Many Azerbaijani dishes (qutab with greens, salads, breads, dairy) are naturally vegetarian too. Ask hotel staff or use Google Maps to pick a currently-open, well-reviewed spot rather than relying on a fixed name.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is an Airalo eSIM (buy before you fly; it runs on the Azercell and Bakcell networks). For a physical SIM, Azercell is the largest network with the best coverage, with Bakcell and Nar as alternatives — buy from an official carrier store or mall in the city rather than the overpriced airport kiosk, and carry your passport for registration.
Getting around
Use ride-hailing apps for door-to-door trips (cheap and no haggling); the clean, fast Baku Metro plus buses cover the city with the BakiKart smart card.
Georgia
A visa-friendly Caucasus gem where wine, mountains and hearty cheese-bread greet Indian travellers on a budget.
What to eat
Tbilisi has a solid cluster of Indian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, most easily found around the central Marjanishvili and Rustaveli/Chavchavadze Avenue areas and along Aghmashenebeli Avenue. Search "Indian restaurant" or "vegetarian" in Google Maps or on the Wolt/Glovo food-delivery apps to see current, well-rated options near you; many offer paneer, dal, biryani and vegan dishes. Note that pork is common in Georgian cuisine, so always confirm ingredients if you avoid it.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: For short trips an eSIM is easiest: Airalo sells Georgia data plans (from about USD 5.50/1GB, up to 20GB) that install instantly, no store visit needed. For a week or longer, a local physical SIM is far cheaper per GB - buy from the three main telcos Magti (Magticom, best rural/mountain coverage), Silknet, or Cellfie. All have kiosks at Tbilisi airport arrivals (open 24/7 but ~20-30% pricier) and cheaper stores in city centres; carry your passport to register the SIM.
Getting around
Getting around is cheap and easy: use ride-hailing apps for door-to-door trips and Tbilisi's metro/bus (tap a bank card or MetroMoney card, ~1 GEL) for the city; note Uber does not operate in Georgia.
Uzbekistan
A visa-free (for Indians), safe and affordable Silk Road gem of turquoise domes, hearty halal-friendly food and warm hospitality.
What to eat
Tashkent has a growing Indian community (many students), so Indian and reliably vegetarian food is easiest to find in the capital, especially around the central "C1" area near Amir Timur Square and the Yunusabad district, where several Indian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants cluster. Elsewhere (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva) options thin out, so carry snacks; note most Uzbek food is halal and non-veg heavy, but samsa, manti, salads and non (bread) offer veg fallbacks everywhere.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest is an Airalo eSIM (installed before you land) for instant data; note most Uzbekistan eSIMs run on the Beeline network. For longer trips or remote areas, buy a local prepaid SIM at Tashkent airport or a shop (passport needed) from Uzmobile (best coverage) or Ucell.
Getting around
Cities are walkable with a cheap efficient metro in Tashkent; use Yandex Go for taxis (set cash or card in-app) and the ATTO card to tap onto metro and buses.
Japan
Ultra-efficient trains, safe streets and a food paradise — Japan is a bucket-list favourite for Indian travellers, easy to navigate with the right apps and an IC card in your pocket.
What to eat
Head to Nishi-Kasai in Tokyo's Edogawa ward — nicknamed "Little India" and home to the city's largest Indian community, with a cluster of authentic North and South Indian curry houses and veg-friendly spots around Nishi-Kasai Station (Tozai Line), plus Indian grocery stores. In central Tokyo you'll also find Indian restaurants around Shinjuku and Ueno. Elsewhere, Google Maps "Indian vegetarian" or "veg curry" near your hotel is the reliable way to find options; carry a translation card, as pure-veg and Jain requirements can be hard to communicate.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: eSIMs are the easiest option — install before you fly and connect on landing. Airalo (airalo.com) is the most popular international choice, running on Japan's KDDI/SoftBank networks with 3-30 day data plans; a 10GB plan comfortably covers a week. Ubigi and Holafly are solid alternatives. For a physical local SIM/eSIM, major Japanese telcos are NTT Docomo, SoftBank and au (KDDI) — tourist prepaid data SIMs are sold at airport counters and electronics stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi.
Getting around
Trains and subways cover everything in cities — load a Suica/PASMO IC card into your phone or Apple/Google Wallet and tap through gates; use taxis for late nights or heavy luggage.
Bhutan
A serene Himalayan kingdom just a short hop from India — dramatic dzongs, clean air, and famously warm hospitality, with easy entry for Indian passport/voter-ID holders.
What to eat
Indian and pure-vegetarian food is easy to find, especially in Thimphu — the capital's main hub around Norzin Lam and the Clock Tower Square area has several Indian and pure-veg restaurants serving thalis, dal, paneer and rotis. Paro town also has veg-friendly options near the main street. Most hotels can arrange simple veg or Jain meals on request, and Bhutanese cuisine itself is very vegetable- and cheese-heavy, so vegetarians are well catered for.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy an Airalo Bhutan eSIM before you fly so you land connected. For a physical SIM, the two local telcos are B-Mobile (Bhutan Telecom) and TashiCell — both have counters at Paro Airport and shops in Thimphu; a tourist SIM is cheap (around 300 BTN) and needs your passport. 4G is reliable in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha but patchy on remote/trekking routes.
Mauritius
A tropical Indian Ocean island where Bhojpuri roots, Hindu temples and street-side dholl puri make Indian travellers feel right at home.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find across the island thanks to the large Indo-Mauritian population. Head to Grand Baie in the north (many Indian restaurants and pure-veg spots along the main road) or the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis for North Indian thalis and curries. Local Mauritian street food (dholl puri, gateaux piments, roti) is also largely vegetarian-friendly. Look for signs saying "pure veg" and ask for no egg/fish if you are strictly vegetarian.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy an Airalo Mauritius eSIM (from about USD 6) before you fly for instant data on landing, then switch to a cheaper local prepaid SIM. The two local telcos are Emtel and my.t (Mauritius Telecom), both sold at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and official stores island-wide with strong 4G/5G coverage; both also offer their own tourist eSIMs.
Getting around
There is no Uber and no metro-style app coverage for tourists; get around by pre-booked taxi, ride-hailing apps, hotel transfers or self-drive hire car (drive on the left).
Seychelles
A tropical Indian Ocean paradise of granite beaches and Creole culture — English-friendly, visa-free for Indians, with familiar spices and easy island-hopping.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is mostly on Mahe island. Head to Victoria (the capital) and nearby Eden Island and Beau Vallon, where you'll find North and South Indian restaurants serving paneer dishes, dosas and thalis. Most Creole kitchens also do veg curries, dal and rice on request. On Praslin and La Digue, veg options are thinner — carry snacks and confirm with your hotel in advance.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Data-only travel eSIMs are the easiest option — Airalo Seychelles plans start around USD 8 for 1GB and ride on the Airtel network (best coverage on tourist islands). For a local physical SIM with calls/data, buy from Airtel Seychelles or Cable & Wireless (CWS) — desks at the airport and in Victoria; passport needed. Coverage is solid 4G LTE; limited 5G as of 2026.
Getting around
No Uber or metro — get around Mahe and Praslin by rental car (national licence is fine), local buses (SPTC, very cheap), taxis, and the LinkUp app; use ferries to hop between islands.
Kenya
Safari-country made easy for Indians: e-visa (eTA), a huge Indian-origin community, and English widely spoken.
What to eat
Head to Nairobi's Parklands area, especially the Diamond Plaza complex, which is the city's Indian and pure-vegetarian food hub thanks to a large Gujarati/Indian-origin community; you'll find chaat, thalis, South Indian and Jain-friendly options plus grocery stores. Westlands (adjacent) also has many Indian restaurants. Ask locally on arrival rather than relying on a single named place.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Airalo sells data-only Kenya eSIMs (from about USD 6, riding on Safaricom/Airtel networks) that you can buy and activate before you land. For a local number with calls and mobile-money, buy a physical Safaricom (widest rural/safari coverage) or Airtel (strong in cities) SIM at the airport or any shop; carry your passport for registration.
Getting around
In Nairobi and Mombasa use app-based cabs (safer and price-clear than street taxis); matatus (shared minibuses) are cheap but chaotic, and for safaris you'll travel by pre-booked 4x4 or domestic flights.
South Africa
A vibrant, English-speaking country with strong Indian roots (especially Durban) — safari, wine lands and stunning coasts, easy to navigate with Uber and Bolt.
What to eat
Durban has South Africa's largest Indian community and the best, most authentic Indian and pure-veg food — head to the Grey Street / Victoria Street area, Musgrave, and Chatsworth for thalis, dosas and bunny chow. In Johannesburg, look around Fordsburg (the Oriental Plaza area) and Melrose Arch/Norwood; in Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap serves Cape Malay curries. Most malls and Indian restaurants clearly mark vegetarian dishes, and Jain/no-onion-garlic requests are usually understood in dedicated veg spots.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is an Airalo eSIM (data-only, runs on the Vodacom network — strongest coverage, no local registration needed). For a local SIM with a number, buy Vodacom or MTN prepaid at the airport or any store — bring your passport for the mandatory RICA registration. Vodacom and MTN have the best coverage; avoid Cell C/Telkom for travel. Vodacom also sells its own tourist eSIM from around R25.
Getting around
Skip local minibus taxis and public buses as a tourist — use Uber or Bolt in every major city, and the Gautrain for Johannesburg–Pretoria–OR Tambo Airport.
Egypt
Pharaohs, Nile cruises and pyramids on a budget-friendly, mostly veg-easy trip — with e-Visa on arrival for Indians.
What to eat
Cairo has a real Indian expat community, so Indian and vegetarian food is easiest to find in Maadi and Zamalek, the two neighbourhoods with the highest concentration of Indian restaurants and dedicated veg menus. Beyond that, everyday Egyptian street food (koshari, ful, ta'ameya, baba ganoush, most desserts) is naturally vegetarian or vegan, so pure-veg travellers rarely go hungry anywhere in the country.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Easiest option is an Airalo eSIM (activates instantly, no paperwork) — good for trips under two weeks and Nile-cruise coverage. For a physical local SIM, Vodafone Egypt has the widest nationwide coverage (Cairo, Nile Valley, Upper Egypt, cruise route), followed by Orange Egypt; buy at the airport or an official store with your passport. Note: Egypt (NTRA) restricts foreign phones on local SIMs beyond ~90 days, so an eSIM avoids that hassle for short trips.
Getting around
Use ride-hailing apps (fixed prices, no haggling) for cities and airport runs, and the cheap Cairo Metro for beating traffic in the capital.
USA
A vast, road-trip-friendly country where big cities, national parks and world-famous food await — English everywhere and one of the largest Indian communities abroad.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find in big cities with large South-Asian communities. In New York, head to Jackson Heights in Queens (Roosevelt Ave / 74th Street) for chaat, dosas and pure-veg thalis; near NYC, Edison/Iselin in New Jersey (Oak Tree Road) is a huge Indian hub. In Chicago, Devon Avenue is the classic Indian-Pakistani strip; in the Bay Area, Fremont/Sunnyvale; and in Texas, the Mahatma Gandhi District in Houston. Any of these areas will have plenty of vegetarian and Jain-friendly options.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Airalo sells USA eSIMs (data-only plans from about $4, plus Data/Calls/Texts plans if you want a US number) — install before you fly. For a physical/eSIM from a real US telco, T-Mobile Prepaid and AT&T Prepaid both offer tourist-friendly prepaid plans (roughly $40-50/month for 15-50GB) with strong 5G; T-Mobile also sells a prepaid 'US Pass' travel eSIM. Verizon has the best rural coverage.
Getting around
Cities have metro/bus systems but the US is car-centric — use Uber/Lyft everywhere, transit apps in big cities, and rent a car for road trips and national parks.
Australia
A safe, English-speaking, road-trip-friendly country with world-class coastlines and a huge Indian community, so home comforts are never far away.
What to eat
Indian and vegetarian food is very easy to find in Australia thanks to a large Indian diaspora. In Sydney, head to Harris Park (Parramatta), often called Little India, for a dense cluster of Indian restaurants and sweet shops; Melbourne travellers should try Dandenong and the Clayton area, and Brisbane has options around Sunnybank. Most big-city food courts, supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths) and cafes also stock clearly labelled vegetarian and vegan options.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Airalo offers convenient data-only travel eSIMs for Australia (runs mainly on the Optus network); good for staying online instantly on arrival. For a local number with calls/SMS and the strongest coverage (especially for regional road trips), buy a prepaid SIM/eSIM from Telstra (best network) or Optus (cheaper, city-focused) at the airport or any official store.
Getting around
In cities, tap a contactless card/phone or a local smartcard (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go card in Brisbane) on trains, buses, trams and ferries; between cities, book flights or rent a car for scenic drives.
New Zealand
Aotearoa's jaw-dropping fjords, glaciers and Hobbiton await — English-speaking, safe and easy for Indian travellers, with a growing Indian community for familiar food.
What to eat
New Zealand has a large Indian community, so Indian and vegetarian food is easy to find. In Auckland, head to Sandringham (the city's Indian food hub) and Papatoetoe/Manukau in South Auckland; in Wellington try Cuba Street and Newtown; in Christchurch look around Riccarton. These areas have plenty of Indian restaurants, sweet shops and grocery stores. Most cafes and supermarkets (Countdown/Woolworths, New World) also stock clearly-labelled vegetarian and vegan options.
Stay connected
eSIM / SIM: Buy a travel eSIM before you fly — Airalo is the most popular global option and runs on New Zealand networks; local telcos One NZ, Spark and 2degrees also sell prepaid tourist SIMs and eSIM travel packs (Spark offers 15/30/90-day packs and eSIMs you can buy online or on arrival). Coverage is strong in cities but patchy on remote South Island roads, so download offline maps.
Getting around
Cars/campervans rule for scenic road trips (drive on the left); cities have buses, trains and ferries you can tap with a contactless card or a local transit card.
Tips are for planning only — eSIM plans, prices and apps can change. App links open the official Google Play Store.