What Not to Bring to India

When you’re heading to India, your suitcase isn’t just about clothes and chargers—it’s a reflection of respect. What not to bring to India, the list of items that can cause awkwardness, legal issues, or cultural offense. Also known as India travel dos and don’ts, this isn’t about fear—it’s about smart, simple choices that make your trip smoother and more meaningful. You don’t need to overpack. You don’t need to bring things that are easy to find here. And you definitely don’t need to risk offending someone with something you didn’t realize was inappropriate.

One of the biggest mistakes? Bringing too much Western clothing. India has its own style, and while jeans are fine in cities, they’re not always welcome in temples or rural areas. What you wear matters more than you think. Cultural etiquette India, how locals expect visitors to behave and dress in sacred or public spaces isn’t about rules—it’s about showing awareness. For example, avoid short shorts, tank tops, or revealing outfits near religious sites. It’s not a law, but locals notice. And they remember. The same goes for bringing religious items like Bibles or crosses into conservative areas. You’re free to believe what you want, but flaunting it can create unnecessary tension.

Then there’s the stuff you think you need but don’t. Bottled water? India has plenty of clean options, but importing your own is pointless and wasteful. Stick to sealed bottles bought locally. Bring too many medications? You might not realize some common Western drugs are restricted or require prescriptions here. Antibiotics, sleeping pills, even certain painkillers can get you stopped at customs. Always check the Indian government’s list of controlled substances before packing. And skip the power strips—India uses Type D and M plugs, not the ones you brought. A simple adapter costs less than $5 here.

India customs rules, the official restrictions on what travelers can carry in or out of the country are strict about alcohol, tobacco, and cash. You can bring in a small amount of alcohol, but if you’re packing more than two bottles, you’ll pay high duties. Same with cigarettes—no more than 100. And if you’re carrying over $10,000 in cash, you must declare it. Most travelers skip this step and regret it later.

Don’t bring expensive jewelry. Theft isn’t common, but it happens. A simple necklace is fine. A diamond bracelet? That’s asking for trouble. Same with electronics—bring your phone, your camera, your laptop. But don’t pack a second laptop, a gaming console, or a drone. Drones need permits, and customs officers will confiscate them if you don’t have paperwork. You’ll lose time, money, and peace of mind.

And please—leave the plastic bags at home. India is cracking down on single-use plastics. Many cities ban them outright. You’ll be handed cloth bags or paper wraps anyway. Carrying them just makes you look out of touch.

What you should bring instead? A scarf (for temple cover-ups), a reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit with basics like anti-diarrheal, and a power bank. That’s it. India is full of things you can buy cheaply—spices, clothes, souvenirs, tea. Don’t fill your bag with stuff you can get here. Let your suitcase be light, your mind open, and your respect clear.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from travelers who learned these lessons the hard way. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works—and what gets you into trouble.