Basics
Sockets & plugs
India uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C, Type D and Type M.
Read more
Money
Currency
India uses the Indian rupee (symbol: ₹), code INR.
Banknotes come in denominations of 2000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 rupees. Rupee is subdivided into 100 paisas. Coins come in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupees and 50 paisas.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not expected in India. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip. Receipts usually include a service charge. If there is a service charge there is no need to tip.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local names: ATM or स्वचालित गणक मशीन) are rare in India. Your best bet is to look for them in large cities and community places.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in India is on average 2.8 Mbps which is 61% faster than in Somalia (1.7 Mbps).
WiFi coverage in India is very low. It's quite hard to find one.
Mobile phone
You can buy a SIM card for about 23.05 INR (148.19 SOS), which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 5 telecoms: Airtel, BSNL, Jio, MTNL or Vodafone - Idea.
India uses similar GSM mobile networks (GSM 900 and GSM 1800) as Somalia so you should be able to normally use your mobile phone.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in India upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call India from Somalia, dial + or 00 (exit code for Somalia), then 91 (the country code for India), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within India, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 11 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexuality is legal in India.
Same-sex marriage is illegal.
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations listed for this country are recommended for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
