Asia

India

No WHV. India offers some of the longest tourist visas going (5-year multiple entry). Goa, Rishikesh and the Himalayas are the main school-leaver circuits.

Currency

INR

1 AUD = 55.5 INR (mid-market, 2026-05-21)

Cost of living

30% of Sydney

Working Holiday Visa for Australians

No WHV with Australia

Smartraveller

Check live advisory

Emergency: 112

Tourist or short-stay entry

e-Tourist Visa

Up to 12 months. Work rights: none.

Australians eligible for 30-day, 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas. Maximum continuous stay 180 days.

Source: indianvisaonline.gov.in

Highlights

Cost of living is among the lowest of any popular travel destination.
5-year tourist e-visa eliminates renewals for repeat trips.
Yoga, meditation, language and cooking schools in Rishikesh, Mysore, Dharamshala.
Rail network is vast; sleeper trains move you 600km overnight for AUD 20-40.

Watch outs

'Delhi belly' is real; eat at busy local places, drink only sealed bottled water.
Air quality in Delhi NCR Oct-Feb hits hazardous; consider Mumbai or Bangalore instead.
Scams targeting first-time visitors are common around tourist sites and stations.
Women travellers should check Smartraveller advice and budget for taxis instead of late-night walking.

Money tips

HDFC and ICICI ATMs are foreign-card friendly; SBI is widely available but slower.
Cash up to INR 100 notes is essential for autorickshaws and small shops.
Tipping (baksheesh) is widely expected; 10% in restaurants, INR 50-100 per night for hotel staff.
UPI digital payments dominate locally; tourists rarely qualify for a UPI ID.

Typical costs (AUD)

Hostel bed per night: $12
Budget meal: $3
Mid-range meal: $12
Beer (bar): $4
Public transport day pass: $3

Indicative only. Tourist-zone prices are usually 50-100% higher than local prices.

Practical basics

Power plug: Type C / D / M
Drives on: Left (same as AU)
Emergency number: 112

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-21.