11 Travel Safety Tips for Americans Visiting India

3. Transportation safety

Avoid unlicensed taxis and motorbike taxis, especially after dark when visibility drops. Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola and confirm driver details before you board. Prefer daytime travel and book longer journeys during daylight to reduce risks and delays. At train stations, buy reserved seats when possible and keep luggage close, ideally using locks or straps for security. If you must travel overnight, choose reputable train classes or official buses and avoid isolated bus stops late night. Learn about local traffic patterns and always wear a helmet on rented scooters, which are common in tourist areas. Use official taxi ranks at airports and stations, or have hotels arrange pickups from verified operators to avoid scams. Carry a printed address and the hotel name in local script to show drivers if GPS signals fail occasionally. When using public transport, carry a small day bag and store valuables in an inner pocket or money belt. If a driver seems to take long detours, ask a fare estimate and use a navigation app to verify the route in real time. Save your accommodation contact details and a trusted local number offline, and share your live location with someone back home every day securely.