Gurugram Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local Mobile Services

Major network providers: Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea. Activation needs passport, visa, photo.

SIM Card Acquisition

Purchase at official stores or authorized dealers.
Passport, visa copy, and photo are needed.
Activation takes a few hours to a day.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls. Strong 4G/5G mobile data coverage.

Connectivity Options

Free Wi-Fi in many establishments.
Reliable 4G and 5G networks in Gurugram.
Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable hotspot access.

Postal Services & Language Aids

India Post for mail; DHL, FedEx for international. Hindi and English are official languages.

Useful Resources

India Post branches available for parcels.
Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Google Translate app for quick help.

Essential Hindi Phrases

Knowing a few basic Hindi phrases supports smoother interactions with locals.

Greetings & Questions

Namaste (Hello/Goodbye) for all greetings.
Dhanyavaad (Thank you) shows appreciation.
Kitne ka hai? (How much?) for shopping.

E-SIM for Global Travelers

Digital Connectivity

Instant global network access.
No physical SIM card needed for operation.
Manage mobile data plans directly from your phone.
Stay connected immediately upon arrival.

Affiliate Options

Airalo for convenient e-SIMs.
Affordable data plans for various regions.
Easy installation process.
Wide coverage across India.

Connectivity Tip

An ESIM from Airalo has network access before landing. Bringing a portable charger for your phone is also good.

Business Hours & Local Schedules

General operating times for various services and establishments across Gurugram. Note potential holiday changes.

Office & Bank Hours

Generally 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday-Friday; some banks open on Saturdays).

Retail & Mall Hours

Local markets often 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM; malls 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (daily).

Restaurant Service

Lunch 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Dinner 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Cafes open earlier.

Banking & ATMs

Bank branches operate weekdays with limited Saturday hours. ATMs are widely accessible.

Financial Access

Banks 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri).
ATMs are available 24/7 across the city.
Found inside malls and commercial centers.

Holiday Impact

National and religious holidays can close banks, government offices, and some businesses.

Plan Around Holidays

Check public holiday calendar for India.
Transportation services might be affected.
Expect crowds during major festivals.

Seasonal & Specific Schedules

General Operations

Local markets often close one day a week.
Supermarkets are open 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.
Most services run on standard weekday schedules.

Special Considerations

Gurugram does not have widespread seasonal closures.
Some businesses adjust hours during major festivals.
Diwali is a time for checking adjusted schedules in advance.

Travel Planning

A quick check of the public holiday calendar for India before your travel gives insight into service changes. Travel often coincides with special events.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction with Gurugram's diverse cultural landscape enriches your travel experience. These guidelines offer a smoother cultural journey.

Greeting Customs

Traditional Indian greetings express respect. Handshakes are common in business settings.

Forms of Greeting

Namaste/Namaskar: palms together, slight bow.
Handshakes: common among men plus Occidentalers.
With women: Wait on their behalf to offer a handshake.

Appropriate Dress

Modest attire is suitable for various settings, especially religious sites. Consider local customs.

Dress Guidelines

General: Modest dress for women (shoulders/knees covered).
Religious Sites: Mandatory modest dress, remove footwear.
Business: Formal business attire is appropriate.

Dining & Tipping Practices

Eating with your right hand is customary. Tipping for amenities is appreciated.

Dining Habits

Eat with your right hand always.
Sharing food at meals is common.
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants.

Photography & Privacy

Always seek permission before photographing individuals, specifically women and children.

Visual Respect

Public places are fine for photography.
Individuals: Always ask for permission first.
Military/Government: Never photograph restricted areas.

Cultural Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Things to Avoid

Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects.
Public displays of affection are generally not common.
Exercise caution with religious or discussions about politics.

Interaction distinctions

Bargaining is expected at local markets, do so politely.
A genuine smile and respectful demeanor go far.
Respect a "no" when asking for photos.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

India is generally a patriarchal society.
Women may receive more unsolicited attention.
Dressing modestly is good for female travelers's safety.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Homosexuality has been decriminalized in India.
Public acceptance varies; discretion is good.
Public affection is generally not common for any couples.

Walking Tip

Walk with self-assurance and purpose. An awareness of your surroundings is valuable, especially during evening hours. Displaying cultural sensitivity shows respect for local traditions.

Accessibility Information

Gurugram's infrastructure development continues. Accessibility for travelers with challenges can vary, but modern areas offer better facilities.

Mobility Challenges

Gurugram's infrastructure does not uniformly support comprehensive accessibility. Sidewalks are often uneven.

Infrastructure Notes

Uneven sidewalks and rare ramps exist.
Newer malls and luxury hotels have improved access.
Delhi/Rapid Metro stations are more accessible.

Accessible Transportation

The metro system is a accessible transport option. Modern buildings are also better equipped.

Accessible Options

Metro has elevators and escalators.
Dedicated wheelchair spaces on metro.
Malls and modern buildings have ramps.

Visual/Hearing Impairments

Dedicated limited services are available. English signage does assist visually impaired travelers.

Assistance Notes

Limited dedicated services.
English signage available in some settings.
Local assistance may be available upon request.

Accessibility Resources

Specialized travel agencies and online forums provide valuable insights for disabled travelers.

Seeking Information

Look for specialized accessible travel agencies.
Online forums and communities offer advice.
Planning with a local expert gives good outcomes.

General Travel Aids

Offline Maps

Download offline maps for navigation without internet, saving data.

Get maps

Portable Charger

Carry an external battery for your phone to stay connected for all needs.

Find chargers

First-Aid Kit

A well-stocked kit is good for minor emergencies during your travels.

Prepare your kit

Navigation Support

Google Maps with offline download capabilities is a robust tool for navigating Gurugram, especially for planning accessible routes.

Gurugram Travel Tips