The Expatly Journal

India, Decoded

Everything you need to know about living, working, and traveling in India. Direct answers to your hardest questions.

India Map Isometric
Showing 10 of 57 blogs
Safety Map Visualization
7 min read

Is India Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo Travel Essential

The honest truth: Safety rules, verified transport tips, and the best cities for solo women.

Jan 21, 2026
Taxi Scam Alert
4 min read

The "Hotel is Closed" Taxi Scam in Delhi

Warnings Delhi

How to identify and avoid the #1 tourist scam at Delhi Airport and Railway Station.

Jan 21, 2026
SIM Cards India
5 min read

Best SIM Cards: Airtel vs. Jio

Broadband Data

Where to buy a SIM at the airport, documents needed, and which network is best.

Jan 21, 2026
UPI Guide
8 min read

Can Foreigners Use UPI in India?

Money Tech

Yes. Here's the complete guide to paying like a local using international cards.

Jan 21, 2026
Indian Head Wobble
3 min read

Decoding the Indian Head Wobble

Body Language social

Does it mean Yes, No, or Maybe? The ultimate guide to body language.

Jan 21, 2026
Temple Rules
4 min read

Temple Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

Religion Protocol

Shoes, photos, and offerings. How to be respectful in holy places.

Jan 21, 2026
Indian Dress Code
4 min read

What to Wear in India: A Guide for Foreigners

Fashion social

Navigating the line between modern fashion and traditional modesty.

Jan 21, 2026
Visiting Indian Home
4 min read

Invited to an Indian Home? Read This First

Protocol Gifts

Gifting rules, shoe etiquette, and why you should arrive 15 minutes late.

Jan 21, 2026
Namaste Greeting
3 min read

Namaste or Handshake: How to Greet Locally

Social Greetings

When to bow, when to shake hands, and how to greet elders.

Jan 21, 2026
Train Safety
6 min read

Is It Safe to Travel on Indian Trains?

Safety Railways

The difference between 1AC, 2AC, and Sleeper class safety explained.

Jan 21, 2026
FRRO Registration
5 min read

FRRO Registration: The Complete Guide

Visa Admin

Who needs to register within 14 days? Understanding the "e-FRRO" system.

Jan 21, 2026
Coworking Spaces
4 min read

Best Coworking Spaces: WeWork vs. The Locals

Work Remote

Internet speeds, day pass costs, and community vibes compared across Bangalore and Goa.

Jan 21, 2026
Hiring Help
4 min read

Hiring Help: Costs & Etiquette

Home Costs

How much to pay for a maid, cook, or driver? A guide to fair wages and respect.

Jan 21, 2026
Finding Apartments
5 min read

How to Find a Flat in India

Rent Home

Navigating NoBroker, Facebook Groups, and avoiding common broker fees.

Jan 21, 2026
Tipping Guide
3 min read

Tipping Etiquette in India

Money Social

Who to tip and how much? A quick guide for restaurants, cabs, and hotels.

Jan 21, 2026
AI Travel Assistance
7 min read

AI-Powered Travel Assistance: Beyond Chatbots

AI Technology

How AI is transforming corporate travel from predictive booking to expense categorization.

Jan 21, 2026
Air Pollution Guide
3 min read

Handling Air Pollution: Do You Need a Mask?

Health Safety

Expert guidance on air quality, masks, and staying healthy in Delhi and Mumbai.

Jan 21, 2026
Alcohol Laws India
4 min read

Alcohol Laws: Dry Days and State Bans

Culture Legal

Navigate India's complex alcohol regulations, dry states, and drinking age requirements.

Jan 21, 2026
Food Safety India
6 min read

How to Avoid 'Delhi Belly' in India

Health Food

5 golden rules for safe street food and avoiding traveler's diarrhea.

Jan 21, 2026
Ayurveda Guide
5 min read

Ayurveda Explained: Panchakarma to Doshas

Wellness Culture

Understanding India's ancient healing system and where to experience authentic treatments.

Jan 21, 2026
Bargaining Tips
4 min read

Bargaining 101: The Art of the Deal

Shopping Culture

Master the art of haggling in Indian markets with insider strategies.

Jan 21, 2026
Indian Souvenirs
4 min read

The Best Souvenirs from India

Shopping Travel

From Pashmina shawls to Darjeeling tea: authentic souvenirs and scam warnings.

Jan 21, 2026
Building Expatly
4 min read

Building Expatly: Lessons from India's Fintech

Startup Fintech

Our founder's journey creating a business travel super-app in a dynamic fintech market.

Jan 21, 2026
Business Etiquette
4 min read

Doing Business in India: The Unwritten Rules

Business Etiquette

Navigate hierarchy, small talk, and the importance of tea in Indian business culture.

Jan 21, 2026
Cafe Culture
4 min read

Cafe Culture: Working from Cafes in India

Remote Work Cafes

Best cafes for remote work, WiFi speeds, and coffee culture in Indian cities.

Jan 21, 2026
Cash vs Card
5 min read

Cash vs. Card: What to Use Where

Money Payments

When cash is king and when digital payments reign in India's dual economy.

Jan 21, 2026
Travel Regulations
6 min read

India's Corporate Travel Regulations

Compliance GST

Understanding GST, FEMA, and data privacy requirements for corporate travel.

Jan 21, 2026
Cost of Living
6 min read

Cost of Living for Digital Nomads

Budget Remote Work

Real costs for rent, food, and transportation in Bangalore, Goa, and Delhi.

Jan 21, 2026
Delhi Metro
6 min read

Delhi Metro: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Metro Delhi

Lines, tokens vs cards, airport connectivity, and peak hour tips.

Jan 21, 2026
Digital Nomad Revolution
8 min read

The Digital Nomad Revolution

Remote Work Future

How companies are adapting travel policies for distributed workforces and workations.

Jan 21, 2026
Distraction Scams
4 min read

Common Distraction Scams to Avoid

Warnings Scams

Recognize and avoid pickpocketing and distraction tactics in crowded areas.

Jan 21, 2026
Drinking Water
4 min read

Is Tap Water Safe? The Complete Guide

Health Water

Water purification, bottled vs filtered water, and staying hydrated safely.

Jan 21, 2026
Eating Etiquette
3 min read

Eating with Your Hands: The Right Way

Food Etiquette

Why right hand only? Master the art of eating like a local.

Jan 21, 2026
Emergency Numbers
3 min read

Emergency Numbers & Safety Contacts

Safety Essential

Police, ambulance, embassy contacts, and women's helpline numbers.

Jan 21, 2026
Ethical Shopping
4 min read

FabIndia & Ethical Shopping in India

Shopping Sustainable

Supporting local artisans through ethical fashion and home goods.

Jan 21, 2026
Tourist Office Scam
4 min read

The Fake Government Tourist Office Scam

Warnings Scams

How to spot fake tourism offices and avoid overpriced tour packages.

Jan 21, 2026
Gold Shopping
5 min read

Buying Gold Jewelry: A Complete Guide

Shopping Jewelry

Understanding karats, hallmarks, and getting fair prices in jewelry markets.

Jan 21, 2026
Gyms Fitness
4 min read

Gyms & Fitness Centers for Expats

Fitness Health

Finding international-standard gyms, yoga studios, and fitness classes.

Jan 21, 2026
Hidden Travel Costs
6 min read

5 Hidden Costs of Business Travel

Finance Travel

From FX fees to productivity loss: the real costs of corporate travel in India.

Jan 21, 2026
Medical Tourism
6 min read

Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism

Healthcare Medical

Top international-standard hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Jan 21, 2026
Digital Nomad Visa
7 min read

India's Digital Nomad Visa Explained

Visa Remote Work

Eligibility, application process, and what the new visa means for remote workers.

Jan 21, 2026
Indian Spices
5 min read

Indian Spices Guide: What They Are & Where to Buy

Food Shopping

From garam masala to cardamom: understanding and sourcing authentic Indian spices.

Jan 21, 2026
Laundry Services
4 min read

Laundry in India: Dhobi vs. Modern Services

Living Services

Traditional dhobis vs apps: costs, quality, and turnaround times compared.

Jan 21, 2026
Luxury Trains
6 min read

Luxury Trains: Palace on Wheels & More

Railways Luxury

Exploring India's luxury train experiences, routes, and pricing.

Jan 21, 2026
Mental Health
5 min read

Finding Mental Health Support in India

Health Wellness

Therapists, online counseling, and mental health resources for expats.

Jan 21, 2026
PAN Card
5 min read

Getting a PAN Card as a Foreigner

Admin Tax

Why you need one, application process, and required documents explained.

Jan 21, 2026
Pharmacies Medicine
4 min read

Pharmacies & Medicine: What to Know

Healthcare Medicine

Prescription requirements, generic vs branded drugs, and 24-hour pharmacies.

Jan 21, 2026
Power Adapters
3 min read

Power Plugs & Voltage in India

Tech Travel

Everything about plug types, voltage, and surge protection for your electronics.

Jan 21, 2026
Street Food Safety
5 min read

Street Food Safety: What to Eat & Avoid

Food Safety

How to choose safe street food vendors and must-try dishes across India.

Jan 21, 2026
Top Apps India
6 min read

Essential Apps Every Foreigner Needs

Apps Tech

From UPI wallets to cab apps: the complete app toolkit for India.

Jan 21, 2026
Tourist Prices
4 min read

Tourist Prices vs. Local Prices Explained

Pricing Tips

Understanding dual pricing and how to get fair deals without overpaying.

Jan 21, 2026
Cab Apps
5 min read

Uber vs Ola vs BluSmart: Which is Best?

Transport Apps

Comparing India's ride-hailing apps on pricing, safety, and availability.

Jan 21, 2026
UPI Business Travel
7 min read

UPI for Business Travel: Corporate Guide

Business UPI

How companies can leverage UPI for seamless employee expense management.

Jan 21, 2026
Vegetarian Food
5 min read

Vegetarian Paradise: India's Plant-Based Culture

Food Vegetarian

Why India is a vegetarian's dream and navigating meat-free dining.

Jan 21, 2026
VPN Internet
5 min read

Do You Need a VPN in India?

Internet Security

VPN legality, best providers, and when you actually need one in India.

Jan 21, 2026
Yoga Retreats
6 min read

Best Yoga Retreats in India

Wellness Yoga

From Rishikesh to Kerala: authentic ashrams and luxury wellness resorts.

Jan 21, 2026
Food Delivery Apps
4 min read

Zomato vs Swiggy: Food Delivery Guide

Apps Food

Comparing India's top food delivery apps on selection, pricing, and speed.

Jan 21, 2026

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