Jaipur, India

• Jaipur is Rajasthan's capital, nicknamed the Pink City because of the terracotta buildings in the old town. The elevation makes evenings cooler, though April to June gets unbearably hot - you won't want to be outside during midday.
• Sitting alone at cafes with chai or coffee for hours is normal here, so dining solo isn't awkward like it can be in other parts of India. English works fine in tourist areas - Bani Park, C-Scheme, and around the main monuments. Basic Hindi helps everywhere else.
• Tourist Police patrol the major sites and speak English. Scams are more common than violent crime - watch out for gem cons, overpriced rickshaws, and fake tickets. Always agree on prices before getting into anything. Jaipur consistently ranks among India's safer cities.
• Stick to official prepaid taxis, Uber, or Ola. If a rickshaw driver won't use the meter, find another one - they often charge foreigners ten times what locals pay. Bani Park, C-Scheme, and Malviya Nagar are safe to walk around during the day and early evening with decent lighting and regular police presence.

Hindi is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale neighborhoods. Tourist Police (1363) and emergency services (112) have English-speaking operators available 24/7.

• Dress modestly, especially outside tourist zones and at temples. Cover shoulders and chest, wear loose trousers or skirts below the knee. Bare arms are fine but skip spaghetti straps. Bring a scarf for temples that require head covering. Men should wear shirts instead of tank tops.
• Take off shoes before entering temples, homes, and some small shops. Carry flip-flops in your bag. Leather items (belts, wallets, shoes) aren't allowed in Jain temples.
• Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and giving money - the left hand is considered unclean. A smile and slight bow with hands together (namaste) works as a respectful greeting.
• Hotels and restaurants in tourist areas speak English, same with upscale neighborhoods like C-Scheme and Bani Park. Learn a few Hindi words: namaste (hello), dhanyavaad (thank you), haan/nahi (yes/no), kitna paisa (how much).
• People will stare. It's usually curiosity rather than a threat, especially in traditional areas. The Old Pink City and around Hawa Mahal are more conservative than modern neighborhoods like Malviya Nagar and C-Scheme.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (All): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The Jaipur Metro Pink Line runs from Mansarovar to Chandpole covering 9.63 km with 9 stations, operating 6 AM to 10 PM. Trains run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours. Fares range from ₹10-25 ($0.12-0.30).
• City buses run by JCTSL cover major sites for around ₹10-20 ($0.12-0.25) per ride. Only about 13% of people use public transport due to limited buses, so most visitors use other options.
• Uber and Ola work throughout the city and are more reliable than negotiating with rickshaw drivers. Use government-approved prepaid taxis from the airport. Skip unmarked vehicles, and always insist rickshaw drivers use meters - they commonly overcharge foreigners by 10x or more.
• Walking works in Bani Park, C-Scheme, and around Amber Fort during cooler months. Summer heat makes it impractical. Tourist areas have decent lighting for early evening walks, but take a vehicle after 10 PM.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Jaipur with local guides and curated experiences.