Meghalaya Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards

Major mobile providers in India include Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at Guwahati Airport or authorized stores in Shillong.

Requirements & Connectivity

Passport copy, visa copy, and a passport-sized photograph.
Fingerprints are often necessary for activation.
Good 4G in towns; patchy in remote rural areas.

Internet & Wi-Fi Access

Availability varies by location and accommodation type. Mobile data with a local SIM is the most reliable.

Access Points

Most mid-range and luxury accommodations have free Wi-Fi.
Many cafes in Shillong provide free Wi-Fi for customers.
A local SIM with data plan is a reliable option.

Postal Services

India Post offices are present in major towns like Shillong and Jowai.

Usage

Offices in Shillong and Jowai.
Reliable for sending postcards or parcels.
International delivery can be slow.

Language Barriers & Resources

English is the official language. Major regional languages are Khasi, Garo, and Pnar. Hindi is widely understood.

Helpful Tools

The Google Translate app is useful.
Download offline language packs for major languages.
Learning a few local phrases makes a big difference.

Essential Phrases

Khasi Phrases

Hello / Thank you: Khublei (Khoo-blei)
Yes: Ho-oid (Hoh-oyd)
No: Em (Em)
Water: Um (Oom)

Hindi Phrases

Hello: Namaste (Nah-mah-stay)
Thank you: Dhanyawad (Dhan-yah-wahd)
Yes: Haan (Hahn)
Water: Paani (Pah-nee)

Traveler's Tip

Consider an Airalo eSIM or Solis Wi-Fi for reliable internet, especially for multiple devices. For language learning, explore Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours to plan your days efficiently.

Shops

Generally open from 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM.

Restaurants

Lunch 12:00 PM-3:00 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM-10:00 PM. Cafes open earlier for breakfast.

Government Offices

Typically operate from 9:30 AM/10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Banking & ATMs

Banks open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Mon-Fri) and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Sat). Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Access

ATMs widely available in Shillong and major towns.
Less frequent in remote areas.
Withdraw cash during banking hours or before rural trips.

Holidays & Seasonal Closures

India observes numerous public holidays. Meghalaya also has specific state holidays. These times can affect services.

Important Notes

Services may be limited, shops might be closed.
Transport can be busier.
Monsoon may limit outdoor activities due to heavy rains.

Attraction Timings

General Hours

Hours vary, generally 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 4:30 PM/5:00 PM.
Some viewpoints or natural sites are accessible from dawn to dusk.
It is always good to verify locally.

Seasonal Impact

Some activities have limited access during monsoon (July-August).
Due to heavy rains and safety concerns.
Always check local conditions and advisories.

Planning Ahead

Check a public holiday calendar for India before your trip to understand potential impacts on your plans. Explore services like Priority Pass for airport lounge access or Compensair for flight disruptions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observe local customs for a respectful and engaging experience.

Greeting Customs

A gentle "Namaste" (palms pressed together, bowing slightly) is a respectful greeting throughout India. In Khasi areas, "Khublei" is appreciated.

Interactions

Namaste or Khublei with a slight bow.
Handshakes are common, especially among men.
For women, wait for them to extend their hand.

Appropriate Attire

Modest clothing is generally appreciated. This demonstrates respect for local customs.

Dress Code

Cover your shoulders and knees.
Necessary when visiting religious sites.
Also appropriate in traditional villages.

Dining & Tipping

If eating traditional meals, use your right hand. Avoid wasting food. Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated.

Practices

Use your right hand for traditional meals.
Avoid wasting food.
Tipping is appreciated for good service.

Photography Ethics

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially children, or in rural areas and traditional settings.

Permissions

Always ask permission for photos of people.
Respect "No Photography" signs.
Avoid intrusive photography and people's privacy.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Things to Avoid

Avoid public displays of affection.
Do not discuss politics or religion unless locals initiate.
Do not point with your feet, as they are considered unclean.

Cultural Awareness

Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, or gurdwaras.
Approach sensitive topics with respect for differing views.
People are not tourist attractions; respect their privacy.

Gender & LGBTQ+

Gender Dynamics

Meghalaya has a matrilineal society among the Khasis and Garos.
A relatively progressive environment for women.
Women travelers generally feel safe.

LGBTQ+ Considerations

India has decriminalized homosexuality.
Public displays of affection might draw attention outside Shillong.
Most communities are traditional; exercise discretion.

Mindful Travel

Learning a few local phrases and being aware of customs will make your journey more rewarding and foster positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Meghalaya's beautiful but rugged terrain has challenges for travelers with mobility impairments. Infrastructure is generally underdeveloped.

Infrastructure Challenges

Meghalaya's hilly terrain, uneven roads, and the nature of its attractions present significant barriers. Facilities like ramps and accessible restrooms are generally lacking.

Obstacles

Hilly terrain and uneven roads.
Numerous steps to waterfalls.
Narrow passages in caves.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Very few attractions are fully wheelchair accessible. Many iconic natural wonders involve significant physical effort to reach.

Limited Access

Some viewpoints with paved paths might be manageable.
Many natural wonders require significant physical effort.
Public transport (shared taxis, buses) is not accessible.

Services for Impairments

No specific services are widely available for visual or hearing impairments. Travel with a companion is highly recommended.

Recommendations

Travel with a companion for assistance.
A companion helps with interpretation.
Plan with local tour operators for realistic assessments.

Accessibility Resources

Limited specific resources exist for accessible travel in Meghalaya. Direct communication is .

Best Approach

Contact local tour operators directly.
Clearly communicate your specific needs and limitations.
They can provide realistic assessments of what is feasible.

Helpful Tip

Carry a Small notebook and pen. Drawing a simple map or writing down a name sometimes overcomes language barriers when asking for directions.

Meghalaya Travel Tips