Travel Tips & Safety

Travel Tips & Safety

Ahmedabad is a vibrant, historic, and safe city for travelers, but following a few tips can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

 Transport & Getting Around

✔ Public Transport: Use BRTS buses, AMTS buses, auto-rickshaws, and the Ahmedabad Metro for affordable travel.
✔ App-Based Cabs: Ola & Uber are widely available for safe and convenient rides.
✔ Auto-Rickshaws: Negotiate fares or ask the driver to use the meter.
✔ Walking in Old City: Streets can be narrow & crowded; wear comfortable shoes.
✔ Self-Driving: Roads are busy, and traffic rules are sometimes ignored – drive cautiously.

 Tip: For local travel, use Rapido (bike taxis) for quick & cheap rides.

 Food & Water Safety

✔ Street Food: Try popular spots like Manek Chowk, Law Garden, and Bhatiyar Gali, but eat from clean stalls.
✔ Spicy Food: Gujarati food is sweet & spicy; if you have a sensitive stomach, eat moderately.
✔ Drinking Water: Always drink bottled or filtered water (Avoid tap water).
✔ Restaurant Safety: Eat at reputable local eateries like Agashiye, Vishalla, or Swati Snacks.

 Tip: Carry ORS or digestive tablets if you're trying street food for the first time.

 Shopping & Bargaining Tips

✔ Where to Shop: Visit Law Garden, Sindhi Market, and Manek Chowk for traditional shopping.
✔ Bargaining is Key: Always negotiate at street markets – start at 50% of the quoted price.
✔ Fixed-Price Stores: Visit Kapasi Handicrafts, Gurjari Emporium, or Bandhej for quality fixed-price goods.
✔ Avoid Fake Products: Be cautious when buying silver jewelry, antique items, or textiles – buy from trusted shops.

 Tip: Avoid shopping at tourist traps where vendors overcharge.

 Safety Tips for Solo & Women Travelers

✔ Ahmedabad is Safe: The city is generally safe for solo and women travelers, even at night.
✔ Night Travel: Use Uber/Ola or pre-booked cabs for late-night commutes.
✔ Crowded Areas: Keep belongings secure in markets like Manek Chowk & Law Garden.
✔ Dressing: Ahmedabad is conservative but modern – dress comfortably but respectfully.
✔ Emergency Helpline: Women’s Helpline: 1091 | Police: 100

 Tip: Share your live location with a friend/family member when taking cabs at night.

 Sightseeing & Cultural Etiquette

✔ Temple Visits: Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
✔ Jama Masjid & Mosques: Women may need to cover their heads – carry a scarf.
✔ Photography: Always ask before clicking pictures, especially in religious places.
✔ Festivals & Crowds: During Navratri or Uttarayan (Kite Festival), crowds can be overwhelming – stay alert.

 Tip: Carry a small backpack to keep essentials while exploring markets & heritage sites.

 Accommodation & Hotel Safety

✔ Book in Advance: Hotels can be fully booked during festivals & wedding seasons (Oct–Feb).
✔ Safe Areas to Stay: CG Road, SG Highway, Satellite, and Navrangpura are the best areas for tourists.
✔ Budget Stays: Zostel Ahmedabad, Hotel Nest, and FabHotels offer affordable options.
✔ Luxury Stays: Taj Skyline, Hyatt Regency, House of MG for a premium experience.

 Tip: Check hotel reviews & ratings before booking online.

 Money & ATM Safety

✔ Cash vs Digital Payments: Ahmedabad is a cash-friendly city, but Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are widely accepted.
✔ ATMs: Always withdraw cash from reputed banks like SBI, ICICI, HDFC.
✔ Avoid ATM Scams: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN & check for skimming devices.
✔ Keep Small Change: Carry ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes for street shopping & auto fares.

 Tip: Avoid exchanging money at random shops – use banks or authorized forex centers.

 Weather & Best Time to Visit

✔ Best Time to Visit: October to March (Pleasant weather for sightseeing).
✔ Summer (March–June): Very hot (40°C+) – avoid outdoor sightseeing in afternoons.
✔ Monsoon (July–September): Humidity increases, but it's a great time for nature trips.
✔ Winter (November–February): Perfect for festivals, food, and shopping.

 Tip: Carry sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle if visiting during summer.

 Important Emergency Numbers

✔ Police: 100
✔ Ambulance: 108
✔ Fire Brigade: 101
✔ Women’s Helpline: 1091
✔ Tourist Helpline: 1800-11-1363
✔ Ahmedabad Traffic Helpline: 1095

 Tip: Save these numbers on your phone before traveling.

 Final Safety & Travel Tips

✔ Ahmedabad is Safe – But always be alert in crowded areas.
✔ Respect Local Culture – Gujarat is a dry state (alcohol is restricted) – tourists need a permit.
✔ Be Cautious with Strangers – Avoid giving personal details to unknown people.
✔ Keep Copies of Documents – Carry a digital & physical copy of ID proof, hotel bookings, and emergency contacts.

Ahmedabad is a safe, welcoming, and culturally rich city. With proper planning, you can enjoy delicious food, amazing shopping, and heritage sites without any hassle.

 Plan your trip well, stay safe, and enjoy Ahmedabad’s beauty!