🛬 Delhi Airport Arrival Guide for Foreign Tourists – Don’t Get Cheated! 🇮🇳
Arriving in India can be exciting—but also confusing for first-time travelers. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is modern and well-organized, yet outside its doors, some tourist scams await. Here's your practical, no-nonsense guide to safely navigating Delhi Airport and starting your India journey without being cheated.
✈️ Step-by-Step Guide from Arrival to Exit
1. Immigration & Customs
-
✅ Have your passport, visa, return ticket & hotel booking ready.
-
🧾 Fill out the arrival form if needed.
-
❌ Don’t pay any extra charges. Immigration is free of cost.
2. Currency Exchange
-
💱 Use the official counters inside the terminal (before exiting).
-
⚠️ Avoid exchanging large amounts with random agents outside.
3. SIM Cards & Mobile Data
-
📶 Get a tourist SIM card from authorized counters (Airtel, Jio).
-
📲 You’ll need passport-sized photo, passport & visa copy.
🚖 Transport: Avoid Taxi Scams
🛑 What to Watch Out For:
-
"Sir, your hotel is closed/burned down, come with me."
-
"We are from the Government Tourism Office, best deal."
✅ Safe Options:
-
Prepaid Taxi Booth inside the terminal – fixed rates, safe.
-
App-based rides: Ola, Uber, BluSmart – use Wi-Fi or your SIM.
-
Hotel Pickup? Confirm the name of the driver & vehicle beforehand.
🧳 Luggage Helpers & Porters
-
Uniformed porters at official counters are OK, but always confirm the price in advance.
-
Say no politely to pushy "helpers" who demand tips later.
🏨 Booking Advice & Tourist Desk Scams
🚫 Avoid:
-
Fake tourist desks are outside the terminal or near the parking.
-
Overpriced taxis claiming “cheap packages.”
✅ Do:
-
Use your hotel’s contact, or trusted platforms like:
-
MakeMyTrip
-
Yatra
-
Official Govt. site: incredibleindia.org
⚠️ Safety Tips Recap
-
✅ Don’t share personal documents with strangers.
-
✅ Don’t follow anyone claiming “urgent hotel changes.”
-
✅ Stay alert, firm, and calm – don’t argue.
✅ Helpful Apps
-
📱 Google Maps, Paytm, Swiggy, Zomato, Translator
