Travel Tips & Safety

1. Safety & Travel Tips

Hyderabad is one of India’s safest cities, with a low crime rate compared to other metros. However, like any major city, travelers should be aware of basic safety guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential safety and travel tips for visiting Hyderabad.

1. General Safety Tips

✅ Emergency Numbers

• Police:  100
• Ambulance:  108
• Women’s Helpline:  1091
• Tourist Helpline:  1800-425-46464

✅ Best Areas to Stay for Safety

• HITEC City, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills – Safe & upscale neighborhoods.
• Madhapur, Gachibowli – Ideal for business travelers.
• Begumpet, Secunderabad – Well-connected & budget-friendly.

✅ Areas to Avoid at Night

• Old City (near Charminar) after late hours due to crowded streets & low lighting.
• Isolated areas like outskirts & industrial zones after dark.

✅ Solo Women Travelers

• Hyderabad is generally safe for women, but avoid late-night travel alone in remote areas.
• Prefer app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) over auto-rickshaws at night.
• Use She Cabs (women-driven taxis) for added safety.

2. Transportation & Commuting Safety

✅ Safe Travel Options

• Hyderabad Metro – Best for fast, safe & affordable travel (6 AM - 11 PM).
• Ola/Uber Cabs – Safer than local autos, especially for late-night travel.
• TSRTC Buses – Budget-friendly but can be crowded.
• Prepaid Auto Stands – Available at major locations like Nampally, Secunderabad Railway Station.

❌ Avoid Unofficial Taxis & Auto-Rickshaws at Night

• Some auto drivers may overcharge tourists—always use a fare meter or pre-agreed fare.

✅ Best Apps for Public Transport & Navigation

• Google Maps – For real-time navigation.
• Tummoc & Moovit – Hyderabad’s public transport apps.
• Rapido – For affordable bike taxis.

3. Food & Water Safety

✅ Safe Places to Eat

• Stick to popular restaurants, food courts, and well-reviewed street food stalls.
• Best areas for food: HITEC City, Banjara Hills, Tank Bund, Secunderabad.

❌ Avoid Eating from Unhygienic Street Vendors

• If trying street food, pick stalls with high turnover & fresh ingredients.

✅ Drink Bottled or Filtered Water

• Avoid tap water—buy sealed bottled water (Bisleri, Kinley, Aquafina).
• Use water purifiers if staying long-term.

4. Health & Medical Safety

✅ Top Hospitals for Emergencies

• Apollo Hospitals (Jubilee Hills)  – Best for all medical needs.
• Yashoda Hospitals (Somajiguda, Secunderabad) – Multi-specialty care.
• AIG Hospital (Gachibowli) – Best for gastro & general medicine.

✅ Travel Health Tips

• Carry basic medicines for food poisoning, fever, and motion sickness.
• Hyderabad’s climate is warm – Stay hydrated & use sunscreen.
• If visiting in summer (March-May), wear light cotton clothes.

5. Currency & Money Safety

✅ Best Places to Exchange Currency

• Thomas Cook, Western Union, UAE Exchange (Banjara Hills, Secunderabad).
• Airport & major malls have currency exchange counters.
• Use ATMs in secure locations (inside malls, banks, metro stations).

❌ Avoid Street Money Changers

• Risk of counterfeit notes & poor exchange rates.

✅ Digital Payments are Widely Accepted

• UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is widely used in Hyderabad.
• Carry some cash for auto fares, local markets, and small shops.

6. Best Time to Visit & Weather Safety

✅ Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

• October - March (Pleasant weather, best for sightseeing).

 Summer (March - May) – Hot (35-45°C), stay hydrated & avoid afternoon sun.
 Monsoon (June - September) – Moderate rainfall; carry an umbrella.
 Winter (October - February) – Best weather (15-25°C), ideal for exploring.

7. Local Laws & Cultural Etiquette

✅ Respect Local Culture

• Hyderabad is a culturally diverse city—dress modestly in religious places.
• If visiting mosques or temples, remove footwear before entering.

✅ Photography Rules

• Allowed at most places, but some palaces & museums may have restrictions.
• Seek permission before photographing people, especially in Old City markets.

✅ Alcohol & Smoking Rules

• Legal drinking age: 21+ years.
• Alcohol is available in bars, clubs & licensed wine shops.
• Smoking is banned in public places—use designated smoking zones.

8. Shopping Safety & Bargaining Tips

✅ Best Safe Markets

• Laad Bazaar (Pearls & Bangles)
• Begum Bazaar (Spices & Dry Fruits)
• Shilparamam (Handicrafts & Souvenirs)

✅ Bargaining is Common in Local Markets

• Ask for 50% less than the quoted price & negotiate smartly.
• Avoid buying "real pearls" from street vendors—visit reputed stores instead.

9. Internet & SIM Cards

✅ Best SIM Cards for Tourists

• Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) provide good coverage.
• Buy a SIM card at the airport or major telecom stores (need passport & ID proof).

✅ Free Wi-Fi in Hyderabad

• Available in malls, cafes, and metro stations.

10. Must-Have Travel Apps for Hyderabad

 Ola, Uber, Rapido – For safe & convenient transportation.
 Google Maps, Tummoc – For navigation & metro schedules.
 Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe – For digital payments.
 Hyderabad Police App – For safety & emergency help.

Hyderabad is one of India’s safest & most tourist-friendly cities. By following these safety & travel tips, you can have a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions of this amazing city!