The first two days in New Delhi, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For New Delhi
How long you are staying
Must do
Airtel, Jio and Vi sell SIMs at the airport and their own stores. Bring your passport, visa, a photo and a local address and contact; activation can take a few hours. A local number unlocks UPI and most apps.
Tap water is not for drinking anywhere. Use RO-filtered or bottled water, including for ice and brushing teeth in the first weeks.
Buy a smart card at any station, or use QR tickets in the Delhi Metro app. Fares run from about โน11 to โน64, and a card or QR is faster than the ticket queue.
From October to February Delhi's air can be hazardous. Check the AQI each morning, wear an N95 or FFP2 mask on bad days, and run a purifier in the bedroom.
Required on visas of more than 180 days. Prepare the passport, visa, photo, proof of address and your employer's or institution's letter, and keep the registration certificate with your passport.
Landlords in Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida must register tenants with the local police, online or at the station, with your passport, visa and photos. Ask for the acknowledgement; e-FRRO will want your address to match.
Should do
Small notes for autos, tips and street food. Cards work in malls and restaurants, but small traders expect UPI or cash.
The single emergency number for police, ambulance and fire. Private hospitals also run their own ambulances; save the number of the nearest one.
Crossing between Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida at the wrong hour can take well over an hour. Try the actual trip, by metro and by car, before you sign.
The tax number, applied for online with your passport and visa. Banks, employers and landlords ask for it.
With your passport, visa, FRRO registration, PAN or its application, proof of address and photos. Ask colleagues which branch is used to foreign customers.
Nice to do
Street autos rarely use the meter; agree a price first, or book through an app for a fixed fare.
Many embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals living abroad. Two minutes now saves a scramble in an emergency.
Take the Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk early, before the crowds, for parathas, jalebi and chai.
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