As you prepare for your holiday on the continent, it’s legitimate to ask yourself about this trip to India, the price and cost of living there? As usual, I’m not going to give you a peremptory answer that is far removed from any reality, yours in particular. In fact, the amount spent can be as much as three times as much, depending on the comfort you choose and the region of India.
On the contrary, this dossier will give you some food for thought, to help you work out what you can expect to achieve with the holiday budget you have. The real question is not ‘how much do you need? but rather ’how much do you have? This will help you decide whether you’re ready to go or whether it’s better to save a little more.
The good news is that the cost of living in India is so much lower than in France that, whatever your overall budget, you’ll feel rich, even very rich. Of course, everything is cheaper, but while the cost of living in India is 67% lower than in France, local purchasing power is 40% less developed. In other words, the average wage of Indian workers is also too low to ensure a decent standard of living for the majority of the population.
Transport for a trip to India, prices and conditions
In truth, the transport budget will be the biggest expense for your trip to India, costing hundreds of euros, while all other expenses will be no more than ten euros or so.
Of course you know the adage ‘time is money’. The same applies to space and comfort. In other words, the more expensive your ticket, the quicker and more comfortable your journey will be, particularly in terms of space.
Flying to India
You don’t have to go far to realise that a low-cost plane with tight, narrow seats is less comfortable than a business cabin with fewer, wider seats. This detail is all the more important the longer the journey. For your trip to India, the price also takes into account stopovers. Do you want to spend a night in a Turkish airport waiting for a connection on an economy route, or head straight for your final destination?
Air travel from France to India will cost you a minimum of €500 for one person in economy class. With a budget of €700, you’ll have much more choice of flights, such as a Paris-Mumbai flight with a single stopover, or a direct route. At this price, meals and drinks, as well as one piece of hold luggage and one piece of hand luggage, are included in the price. Please note these two points:
- Prices vary according to the season. Fares rise in July and August, when European demand is strong.
- If you book well in advance, you will benefit from a substantial discount.
In any case, don’t forget to include the return journey in your holiday budget for discovering India. The price of the plane ticket should therefore be doubled.
While we’re on the subject of air travel, remember that low-cost airlines, adapted to the cost of living in India, are very practical for long-distance travel within India, a continental country. These intra-India trips are very affordable, starting at INR 3,320, or €45. Thanks to this economical mode of transport, you’ll also save precious time during your holidays, so you can visit more of the wonders of faraway lands.
Getting around during your stay in India
When you arrive in India, you’ll need to get to your final destination. Between jet lag and culture shock, during this first leg of your trip to India, the price will seem an insignificant detail. But when, after a good night’s sleep, you’re refreshed and ready to enjoy your holiday, don’t take the subject lightly. At first sight, train, bus, rickshaw, transport costs only a few euros or even a few cents, but it is more expensive in the big cities. These fares only hold up after tough negotiations. But is it worth wasting time haggling to save a few euro cents? Bear in mind that even if you pay the full, non-negotiated price, because of the cost of living in India, the rates will still be symbolic compared with French rates.
Car hire in India
When you arrive in India, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that car hire to visit India costs between €30 and €70 a day, with fuel at around €1.20 a litre. This ridiculous price for an individual means of transport is indicative of the cost of living in India. On the other hand, driving a vehicle in India is confusing, no pun intended, as traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, just like in the UK. Respect for the highway code is not scrupulous. So if you’d rather avoid this anxiety-inducing experience, and perhaps even a road accident, opt for public transport.
Hiring a chauffeur-driven car or taxi is an interesting alternative for a trip to India, at a reasonable price. As long as you avoid the trickery of the driver, who often refuses to turn on the taximeter. In fact, they take advantage of your ignorance of both the language and the cost of living in India to charge tourists 3 to 10 times the normal fare.
In this case, the negotiated price can be as low as €0.20 per kilometre. However, it is advisable to agree on a fixed price before the journey, regardless of the intensity of traffic and whether or not there are justified detours along the way.
Travelling by train or bus in India
With over 6,500 stations, India has one of the densest rail networks in the world. During a trip to India, the price of trains will seem ridiculously low, encouraging you to opt for this mode of travel. The price of a train ticket from New Delhi to Mumbai starts at 5.20 euros. As there are 3 classes of carriage, Westerners are advised to travel at least 2nd class to avoid the ultra-spartial comfort of 3rd class. In fact, the very low cost of living in India means that everyday life and standards are far below what you are used to. The cultural divide nestles in every detail all day long.
A low-cost train journey is only worthwhile if you have the patience for it! Indian trains are notorious for their epic delays, which can run into tens of hours. In short, you know when you’re leaving, but you can’t be sure when you’ll arrive. So of course, if you’re visiting India for a very short stay, you won’t want to waste your time on a crowded train stuck in the middle of nowhere under a scorching sun.
What’s more, you’ll need to keep your dates in mind, as you may have to book tickets for your train journey at least 24 hours in advance.
The same applies to bus travel in India, although prices are slightly more expensive.
The most suitable means of transport in India
That leaves you with the rickshaw. Be aware that some drivers are self-employed, while others work for a company. In all cases, it is advisable to negotiate the price of the journey. If you feel reluctant to do this, consider that it is a rule of etiquette in India. In other words, it is impolite not to negotiate. To find out what the local market price is, download the Indian Uber or Ola cabs applications, or Goa-Miles, which give the average price of a journey. This way, you can limit scams by taking into account the cost of living in India.
Choosing accommodation in India
It doesn’t matter what type of accommodation you choose for your holiday in India. Thanks to the difference in the cost of living in India, you’ll be installed like a pacha!
Extreme hotels in India
Indian hotels offer a much wider range of quality than in France. If you travel to India, at the cost of severe savings, at €10 to €25 a night for one person, the room will be of mediocre hygiene. At €30 a night, the comfort level is that of a 3-star hotel, half that of France. If you prefer a hotel of international standing with top-of-the-range service, you can enjoy a luxurious stay for around €60 a night. Because of the difference in the cost of living, for the price of an ordinary French hotel, in India you will sleep in a palace converted into a luxury palace. Both experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to India, at an affordable price, which you’ll be sure to treat your loved ones to on your return!
As a general rule, breakfasts are not included in the budget, except for bed and breakfasts and very upmarket establishments, as in France. In all cases, check that the reality of the establishment matches the description.
Homestay in India
When you’ve travelled so far to discover another culture, opt for a home-stay, with or without full board as an option. There, at least, you’ll be at the heart of the daily life of an average Indian family. The decor and food will be authentic, and they will be absolutely determined to make you feel welcome. In Maharashtra, there’s an adage that says my guest is my god.
Here, you can see for yourself the impact of such a huge difference between the cost of living in India and in France.
Renting accommodation in India
As much as a hotel or bed and breakfast is suitable for a trip across India, or even a single state, a fixed rental can be interesting for an extended stay in the same place. Suitable for a detailed visit to a large city or for star-shaped tours starting from a central point, a rental guarantees you autonomy. A great trip to India, where the monthly rental price is equivalent to a few nights in a hotel. Note that some new-generation travellers are organising fluctuating flat-sharing arrangements.
For expatriates attracted by the cost of living in India who decide to live there all year round, the requirements and budget, even for accommodation, are very different. This is why expatriation is not the subject of this report.
Food prices in India
As in France, the price of a meal in India varies depending on where you eat it. You should also consider the circumstances under which you will be eating in India, which will determine the appropriate price. On the day of your arrival, or after a tiring day of sightseeing, or during a special occasion, you’ll enjoy eating in a quiet, comfortable setting with staff on hand to serve you. At €5 to €8 per dish. The famous Indian dishes with curry or tandoori cost around 2 to 3 euros in most restaurants. Local beer starts at €1.70. In India, it is also advisable to look for a restaurant away from the tourist attractions, to experience the joys of the cost of living in India in every sense of the word.
In this case, a dinner in one of India’s top restaurants will cost from €10 to €20. However, the chicest restaurants charge European prices.
On a day-to-day basis, however, you can make the most of the cultural change of scene by adopting the local culinary customs. In fact, India is renowned the world over for its spicy cuisine and exotic dishes.
Street food in India, an institution
Street food is a widespread concept in India. So you’re likely to buy many, if not all, of your meals from a street vendor who has set up his kiosk on a pavement or street corner, in keeping with the cost of living in India.
As well as price, quality and authenticity depend on the street where the stall is set up. In fact, near a tourist area with a large influx of foreigners, prices soar, while quality falls just as quickly. On the other hand, in small streets frequented mainly by Indians, the trend is exactly the opposite. Here, numerous street stalls offer dishes from as little as 1 euro. If you go for street food, a full meal will cost less than 2 euros.
So, during your trip to India, the price of an ordinary meal is better for your wallet and your taste experience if you buy like a local Indian. Don’t forget to negotiate, as usual, and above all, remember to check the level of chilli added to the recipe.
Follow the same logic when it comes to street-side restaurants. Of course, the hotel restaurant, especially if it is of a high standard, will be beyond reproach. But you have to admit that it would be a shame to travel so far just to eat at home.
Food and food products in India
Chances are you won’t be thinking of ‘shopping’ in a supermarket or local grocery shop on your Indian holiday. However, if you’re planning a hike off the beaten track, a picnic and bottled water will be essential. Similarly, for a long journey by train or car, you’ll probably want to pack snacks. An average budget of €2 to €3 is enough for a decent meal. To be honest, the hardest thing about eating in India will not be the cost of living, but finding your bearings among ingredients you don’t know or whose Indian presentation differs from your French habits. Here too, check the spices.
Activities during a trip to India, special prices
As you should know, in India, tourist and leisure activities are the privilege of visiting foreigners. So the prices are aimed at this clientele, who are reputed to be richer than Indians. Popular activities in India cost between 10 and 45 euros per person. A visit to a palace costs 80 euros per person. This price includes a personal guide and a traditional North Indian lunch.
In this respect, the cost of living in India no longer comes into play, except to encourage the development of tourism among middle-class Indians. So the expression ‘They take us for Americans’ takes on its full meaning.
Two-speed tourist visits in India
In order to protect tourist sites from the overcrowding of visitors, and to be able to finance the restoration and maintenance of monuments, the Indian State has decided that tourists, during their trip to India, pay a special price, much higher than the rate reserved for locals.
That is to say, in this area, you will not benefit from the low cost of living in India. As tourists, you will have to pay for entrance tickets to all tourist sites at the classic price in our country. That is to say, the equivalent of several euros, or even tens of euros, while in the same place, Indian visitors pay a preferential rate of a few rupees adapted to their low income. This last measure aims to encourage the development of local tourism among the Indian middle class.
For visits to monuments and museums, you should expect an average of 100 to 500 rupees per visitor, or a maximum of 7 euros. On the other hand, entry to the Taj Mahal, the most expensive site in the country, costs 1000 INR, or 13€.
Usual leisure activities during a trip to India, normal prices
Given the few holidays and the limited economic means available to Indians, most sports, cultural or artistic leisure activities are an inaccessible luxury for them. In this context, these activities are aimed primarily at foreigners, therefore at a limited clientele who can afford such a pleasure. Taking into account the cost of living in India, the prices charged are crazy, but for you, they will be ordinary. For example, a canoe trip in Kerala can reach up to €45.
Tip for a little pleasure: Most choice hotels open their swimming pool to visitors for around €3 or €4. Enough to cool off and taste luxury at a lower cost.
Other expenses related to a trip to India, prices and warnings
Ah, the famous incidentals! Even the most scrupulous preparation, such as reading this article, will not save you from unexpected expenses. In order to reduce this margin of error, here are some more indications regarding the cost of living in India.
Bank charges for a trip to India, prices of exchange transactions
The currency used in India is the Rupee whose symbol is “INR”. The current exchange rate is approximately 1€ = 92 INR, or 100 INR = 1.10€. But of course the conversion rate changes up or down every day. In truth, unless your budget is really very tight, do not bother to calculate prices taking into account decimals. In this context, applying a factor of 100 in both directions will be much simpler. In practice, consider the prices announced in rupees as euro cents. To tell the truth, does it really matter if your 100 INR meal costs you 0.80 or 1.20 euros? The price is so ridiculous!
On the other hand, be careful of bank charges. Especially since this parameter does not vary according to the cost of living in India, since it is charged by your bank. Indeed, when traveling abroad, most banks charge exchange fees for each payment and cash withdrawal from an ATM. To reduce these fees, reserve card payments for large purchases. For everyday expenses, withdraw cash from an ATM at an agency or post office. Another solution during a long stay, business or leisure trip to India: reduce the price of exchange fees by subscribing to an online bank.
Telecommunications during your trip to India, prices and unpleasant surprises
Telecommunications spending is a double-edged sword. The potential danger is its pernicious effect. In fact, the bill for your phone plan will be waiting for you when you return! And here, do not count on the low cost of living in India, because your French operator will charge you in euros according to your subscription. For this reason, it is imperative to check with customer service these two points:
- Price of the “internet package” option.
If it is paid, specify whether the one-off supplement is billed over the normal month or from date to date
- Price of communications, telephone and internet.
This last point concerns both outgoing communications, that is to say when you call. For example, to confirm to your loved ones that you have arrived in India. But also incoming calls, when someone calls you, knowing or not, that you are abroad.
The wisest thing for a trip to India, at the price of communications outside Europe, is to correspond via social networks, such as WhatsApp, when you can connect to the internet with unlimited wifi.
Also remember to block the automatic update settings of the telephone software. Without this, you risk that your device will perform a download every time you pass near a public Wi-Fi hotspot: airport, hotel, train station, etc.
Price of clothing
Before looking at the price of clothes in India, ask yourself above all about the use you plan for this purchase.
Western clothing at Indian prices
Fewer intermediaries between producers and buyers, and fewer taxes considerably reduce the final price of a common item. These economic characteristics accentuate the difference in the cost of living in India
This is how a trip to India, at the prices there, offers you the opportunity to renew your wardrobe by following the fashion here. Think about it before leaving, leaving empty space in your suitcase. Unless during your stay, the proximity of factories and the company of their workers disgusts you with globalization and fast fashion?
Indian clothing as a souvenir
Have you ever noticed that everything is more beautiful in its natural environment? A wild animal free in its normal living space, a plant flourishing in its healthy ecosystem, etc. So don’t be surprised to find Indian women magnificent in their saris and Indian men very elegant in their kurtas and sarouels. The color of their skin and the sunlight enhance this perfect clothing adaptation of the local population to the country.
As for you, it is undeniable that these outfits will be more comfortable to respect the rules of Indian etiquette and decency. It is with this in mind that I recommend that you dress like an Indian during your trip to India, especially at the current price. A quality sari made to measure costs barely €15.
However, be aware that when you return, by wearing it in France, you will no longer be dressed but disguised. So, unless your professional activity justifies it or your style is already very hippie, it may be better to avoid bringing back a full suitcase. Thanks to the delta in the cost of living in India, all your clothing purchases at a symbolic price for you represent a fortune for a disadvantaged Indian. So before you leave, do not hesitate to offer what you will not wear at home to a charity.
Tipping in India: an eternal debate!
To negotiate or not, in India?
First of all, let’s go back to the principle that this file evokes in several chapters regarding the negotiation of prices during a trip to India.
Unless your budget is very tight and you are forced to count every rupee, or you consider that negotiating is a game, or even a sport, you may consider it harmless to pay more than the normal price, because even the high price for an Indian remains ridiculous for you. Nevertheless, your largesse contributes to unbalancing the local market and aggravates the problem of the cost of living in India. In this way, what tourists pay without complaining becomes the new norm for everyone. From there, the service or item is out of reach for an Indian.
Your negligence or generosity work against your intention.
Charity and tipping in India
International tourism professionals will never repeat enough how much giving a tip or a mite without taking into account the cost of living in India causes the misfortune of the person you were hoping to help. Read and reread all the recommendations to know how to help the poor during a trip to India, price and impact of a mite.
Nevertheless, do not forget the customs with professionals who need your tip to supplement their salary, because this bonus is included in the benefits in kind of their job. Not giving them anything amounts to underpaying them, in other words exploiting them.
- Porter: 10 to 20 rupees
- Private driver: 250 rupees per day
- Indian guide to a tourist spot: around 300 rupees, more if he speaks your mother tongue
Souvenir items to bring back from a trip to India, indicative prices
This chapter does not list impersonally what you should bring back in your luggage to prolong the magic of the trip to your home. Here again, the cost of living in India works in your favor. So do not hesitate to give in to pleasure and plan surprises for those you love and who were not lucky enough to accompany you. Jewelry, carpets, paintings, trinkets, dishes, religious objects, cashmere … The bazaar of all the big cities in India, understand the stalls of the small alleys in the old city, is a real Ali Baba’s cave. Each object is imbued with a captivating exotic charm. In addition, the typical style of Indian culture is so marked that at first glance everyone will know that this souvenir is authentic. At this moment, by making Indian crafts work, you support the economy of this country. Your purchases of souvenir items help the population.
On this subject, the taxi driver or the tour guide will happily take you to their favorite shops. It is likely that they have commission agreements with these sellers. What do you care if a commission is involved, if everyone, including you, is a winner? Nevertheless, accept the approach only if these shops respond to your request. And above all, be wary of scam attempts, for example a piece of jewelry in simple gold or silver metal sold at the price of solid precious metal. Here the low cost of living in India misleads you to foil a false good deal that you would have suspected in France.
Long stay in India
During your first trip to India, the price of things will quickly become natural to you, about ten days. As you experience everyday situations, you will assimilate the cost of living in India.
Also, remember that if you stay in India for a long time, you will have additional expenses unrelated to the trip itself but as a consequence of its duration: cleaning your clothes and hairdresser for example.
Maybe also health costs if you get sick, even if not serious, or get slightly injured. So many small ailments that do not justify requesting medical repatriation paid for by your insurance or your mutual health insurance. But which will cost a visit to the doctor and/or pharmacy fees. In our Western social protection system, health costs are an unnecessary worry. Whereas here, no matter the cost of living in India, you will not be reimbursed. However, before you leave, check with your insurance and your mutual insurance company, the limits and extensions of your contract for travel to India, maximum price and documents to provide to obtain compensation.
Conclusion for a trip to India, prices and cost of living
In summary, here is how to plan your travel expenses in India, according to some indicative daily budgets, excluding travel between the two countries. Adjust the length or conditions of your stay based on your available budget,
- €15 per day for a trip to India, low cost
– Cheap youth hostel or guesthouse with shared bathrooms
– Simple catering or street stalls
– 3rd class public transport or rickshaw
– Public participation in the legendary festivals that punctuate the fervor and spirituality of the Indians - €34 per day, cheap but basic comfort
– 1 or 2 Star hotel with private bathroom
– Mid-range restaurant
– 2nd class public transport - €50 per day, good compromise between the cost of living in India and Western comfort
– Hotel meeting European standards
– Taxi or rental car
– Free visits to buildings: Hindu temples, fortresses, caves, sanctuaries, monasteries
– Excursions to natural parks to admire the lush nature of India: tea plantations or rice fields - €75 per day, affordable luxury
– 3 Star hotel in a converted old palace
– Refined restaurant
– Rental of a car with driver or train in 1st class
– Cultural or leisure activities
– Small group visits with a French-speaking guide
– Excursions off the beaten track for a photo safari: monkeys, tigers, birds etc. - Over 200€ per day, luxury, the real thing!
– Sumptuous 5-star hotel worthy of a maharaja
– Exceptional gourmet restaurant
– Private tour with a specialist guide from India
You can discover our tours that will meet your expectations in terms of quality and price. We remind you that part of our profits go towards sustainable and harmonious development in the state of Maharashtra.
