FAQs
Question
What should I expect on the wedding day?
Answer
Indian ceremonies and receptions are traditional and spiritual and filled with rituals, music, and dancing. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything—just enjoy the celebration!
Question
What should I wear to the wedding/reception?
Answer
The dress code is cocktail attire. We encourage you to wear Indian outfits if able. Indian weddings are colorful and vibrant! Women can wear a saree, lehenga, Anarkali or Western style outfit, and men can wear kurta-pajama, sherwani, or a Western style suit. Bright colors and embroidery are encouraged but avoid white (associated with mourning), black (considered inauspicious), and red (bridal color). Information about places in Mumbai to rent or buy your wedding outfit will be updated later.
Question
Where should we stay?
Answer
Stay near Chembur (an area of Mumbai) during the wedding weekend as it will make attending the event easier and more fun since many guests will be nearby. The wedding party is staying at The Royal Orchid in Chembur which is close to the wedding venue. Hotel Swamiraj and The Fern Residency Chembur are two other options close to the venue. Airbnb or Vrbo is not common in Mumbai and we do not recommend using these short stay platforms during your trip. If you'd prefer to stay elsewhere, Mumbai has plenty of options across all budgets — from luxury hotels to trusted international chains.
Question
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Answer
U.S. citizens and permanent residents need a visa to enter India. The easiest option is the e-Tourist Visa, which can be applied for online (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/). Apply at least a week or two in advance of your travel dates. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at mytravel.state.gov, which will send you immediate alerts about important safety and travel precautions while you are in India.
Question
Do I need vaccinations for travel to India?
Answer
Common recommendations include Chickenpox, Flu, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus if you have not received these vaccinations previously. COVID-19 vaccination is not required but recommended. Additional guidelines can be found on the US Government (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html) and CDC (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india) websites.
Question
What is the best time to travel to India for the event?
Answer
We recommend arriving in India at least 2–3 days before the wedding to adjust to the time zone, relax, and visit before the wedding festivities.
Question
What are some of the preferred airlines and what airport to fly into Mumbai?
Answer
Plan for a long travel day from the US - East Coast is ~18–22 hours (with one stop) and from the West Coast ~20–24 hours (with one stop). We recommend you select flight plans with layovers at least two hours long for any travel delays. Ketan prefers flying with Air France or Turkish Airlines — their layovers in Paris or Istanbul are a well-timed break between the two legs of the flight. Recommended alternatives are Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways with stopovers typically in Abu Dhabi or Doha, although that can vary depending on your departure location. Direct flights to Mumbai depart from JFK International Airport, New York. Your destination airport will be Mumbai (BOM), Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
Question
What’s the weather like in Mumbai during November?
Answer
November weather is hot with dry and sunny weather as it transitions into the post-monsoon season. Daytime highs are around 32-34°C (90-93°F) and nighttime lows are approximately 20-24°C (68-75°F). The humidity will be high, around 70%.
Question
How do I dress appropriately in Mumbai?
Answer
Likely, your normal clothes will be acceptable for the trip. Modesty is appreciated. When visiting temples or older parts of the city, long pants or skirts and covered shoulders are respectful. Modest shorts and dresses are common in other parts of the city. Hats are acceptable to wear for men and women, but you should remove any hats when entering a temple. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton are best for India’s climate. It’s easy to go to a local market or shop and buy clothing if needed.
Question
Anything specific that I should pack?
Answer
Indian/ethnic outfits or plan to shop locally (great prices and options) Power adapter for Indian sockets - you need 230V with a type C, type D, and type M If needed, Travelan for digestive protection before food and/or imodium or antacids (TUMS, Pepto, etc.) as the specific brands of medicines you like may not be sold in India. If needed, outdoor protection such as mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, etc. This can also be bought at stores in India once you arrive. Light shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders if exposed (for temples or sun protection)
Question
What about money—can I use U.S. dollars?
Answer
No, India uses the Indian Rupee (INR). Carry some rupees for small purchases, but credit/debit cards are widely accepted in cities. Commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Diners Club network cards. Order a small amount of rupees from your bank before your trip. You can also apply and use UPI (Unified Payment Interface) in India where you can pay almost anywhere using your phone by scanning the QR code: https://www.npci.org.in/blog/upi-one-world-your-digital-passport-to-seamless-payments-in-india.
Question
How can I travel locally around Mumbai?
Answer
For safety and convenience, use rideshare apps like Uber or Ola. Local auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are another affordable and easy-to-use option. Carry cash or use UPI to pay for the auto rickshaw ride (although not all rickshaws accept UPI, so you should ask before riding). Metro systems are also available, but you should only use them if you're familiar with the routes and stations. We recommend doing some research beforehand, as the experience can be quite different from metro systems in the U.S.
Question
Do I need to learn Hindi for the trip?
Answer
As with any international travel, it is polite to learn some basic words and phrases for where you are traveling. English is taught widely in India, and you will not have a problem traveling around Mumbai speaking English.
Question
Are there any gestures or behaviors to avoid while in India?
Answer
Holding hands and hugging is acceptable for public displays of affection. Avoid kissing in public. Public displays of affection of any kind are not appropriate in temples. Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some indoor areas where signs are posted. Do not be showy with your items of value. Keep an eye on your bags, purses, pockets, etc. when out in the city.
Question
Will my phone work in India?
Answer
This depends on your phone plan. You can use international roaming or add a temporary international service plan. A cheaper option may be to buy a local SIM card (e.g., Jio, Airtel) at the airport or a mobile store. Your phone will need to be unlocked for a local SIM card, and this will not work with newer phones with e-SIM cards. We recommend that you download the WhatsApp app before arriving. Add your close friends/family as contacts, as well as the bride and groom. WhatsApp is a text and call platform that you can use with cell service or on Wifi from anywhere in the world without international rates.
Question
Can I drink tap water?
Answer
No - always drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice unless you're sure it is made with purified water. Many tourists opt for bottled beverages and avoid raw street food to prevent stomach issues.
Question
Is tipping expected?
Answer
Yes, tipping is customary: Restaurants: 5–10% Hotel porters: 50–100 rupees when you check-in and check-out Reserved Driver: 100–300 rupees per day Uber/Rickshaw Driver: No tip expected, but appreciated