Kolkata Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kolkata.
Healthcare System
Kolkata has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private facilities. The city is a major medical hub in Eastern India with several world-class private hospitals and medical colleges. Public hospitals offer free or low-cost treatment but are often overcrowded with long wait times. Private hospitals provide excellent care with modern facilities and English-speaking staff, but costs can be high without insurance.
Hospitals
For tourists, recommended private hospitals include Apollo Gleneagles Hospital (58 Canal Circular Road), AMRI Hospitals (multiple locations including Salt Lake and Dhakuria), Fortis Hospital (730 Anandapur), and Belle Vue Clinic (9 Dr U N Brahmachari Street). These facilities have 24/7 emergency departments, international patient services, and accept international insurance. Medical College Hospital (88 College Street) is the main public hospital if budget is a concern.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are abundant throughout Kolkata, with many open until late evening. Major chains include Apollo Pharmacy, MedPlus, and Fortis LifeCare. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter, but always verify authenticity. Pharmacists can be helpful but may not always speak English fluently. Bring prescriptions in generic drug names rather than brand names.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended. While not legally required, medical treatment at quality private hospitals can be expensive. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as serious conditions may require transfer to facilities in Delhi or international destinations. Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, and any prescription medications
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks unless at reputable establishments
- Use mosquito repellent and consider antimalarial prophylaxis depending on season and areas you'll visit
- Be cautious with street food initially; allow your system to adjust gradually
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records, including blood type and allergies
- Register with your embassy/consulate, especially if you have serious medical conditions
- Consider getting vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations are up-to-date before arrival
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims. Snatch-and-grab theft from vehicles stopped in traffic is also reported.
Kolkata's chaotic traffic poses significant risk. Roads are congested with cars, buses, trams, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and pedestrians sharing space. Traffic rules are loosely followed, and accidents are common. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
Traveler's diarrhea, food poisoning, and waterborne diseases like typhoid and hepatitis A are common risks. The local cuisine is rich and spicy, which can upset unaccustomed stomachs. Water quality varies significantly.
Kolkata experiences severe air pollution, particularly during winter months (November-February) and pre-monsoon season. Air quality can reach hazardous levels, affecting respiratory health and visibility.
During monsoon season (June-September), Kolkata experiences heavy rainfall leading to waterlogging, flooding, and traffic disruption. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria increase during this period.
March to June brings extreme heat and humidity, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and humidity above 80%. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks for unacclimatized visitors.
Persistent touts, unofficial guides, and vendors can be aggressive at tourist sites, stations, and airports. While generally not dangerous, they can be overwhelming and may overcharge significantly.
Kolkata has a politically active population, and strikes (bandhs), protests, and demonstrations occur periodically. While usually peaceful, they can disrupt transportation and occasionally turn confrontational.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers claim meters are broken and quote inflated fares, take unnecessarily long routes, or use tampered meters that run fast. Airport and station taxis may refuse to use meters entirely.
Unofficial guides approach tourists at major sites claiming to be official guides, then demand high fees or pressure visitors into unwanted purchases. At temples, fake priests perform rituals then demand large donations.
Friendly locals befriend tourists and suggest a business opportunity to buy gems or jewelry to export for profit. Purchased items turn out to be worthless or victims are asked to pay customs fees that go to scammers.
Scammers approach tourists with stories about orphanages or charities needing donations, sometimes offering to take visitors to see the facility. Money rarely reaches legitimate causes.
Taxi drivers or touts claim your booked hotel is closed, full, or has problems and suggest an alternative where they receive commission. The alternative is usually overpriced and substandard.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, swap bills, or provide counterfeit notes. Some authorized exchangers also manipulate counts.
People dressed in traditional attire or with animals approach tourists for photos, then demand exorbitant fees. Sometimes locals offer to take your photo and run off with your camera or phone.
Tourists are lured into shops with promises of special tours or demonstrations, then subjected to high-pressure sales tactics for overpriced, low-quality spices, tea, or handicrafts with false claims about quality or origin.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use app-based ride services (Uber, Ola) for reliable, trackable transportation
- Use prepaid taxi services at airport and railway stations to avoid fare disputes
- The Kolkata Metro is safe, affordable, and efficient for avoiding traffic
- Yellow Ambassador taxis are iconic but insist on meter use or agree fare beforehand
- Avoid traveling alone in auto-rickshaws late at night; taxis are safer
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when stopped in traffic
- Share your ride details with someone when using taxis, especially at night
- Trams are charming but very slow; use for short distances only
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets; traffic rarely stops for pedestrians
Money and Valuables
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extra valuables in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls during daylight hours
- Keep money in multiple locations (front pocket, money belt, hotel safe)
- Small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100 notes) are essential as change is often scarce
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Photocopy important documents; store separately from originals
- Be discreet when handling money; don't display large amounts
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Keep emergency cash and a backup card separate from your main wallet
Food and Water Safety
- Always drink bottled water; verify seals are intact before purchasing
- Brush teeth with bottled water in budget accommodations
- Avoid salads, cut fruits, and ice unless at reputable establishments
- Street food can be delicious but choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Ensure food is served piping hot; avoid lukewarm dishes
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Start with mild dishes and gradually try spicier foods to avoid stomach upset
- Carry anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
- Popular safe restaurant areas include Park Street, Salt Lake, and upscale hotels
Personal Security
- Stay aware of surroundings, especially in crowded areas and markets
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark
- Keep bags in front of you in crowds; use anti-theft bags with slash-proof material
- Don't accept food or drinks from strangers (drugging incidents are rare but reported)
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; respect local customs
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or opportunities
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Keep your accommodation address private from casual acquaintances
- Register with your embassy and keep emergency contacts accessible
Health Precautions
- Get recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit including prescription medications
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, especially during dawn and dusk
- Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your face, especially before hand washing
- Be prepared for air pollution; consider bringing N95 masks
- Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces during extreme heat
- Seek medical attention promptly for persistent diarrhea, high fever, or unusual symptoms
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation
Cultural Awareness
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially at religious sites
- Dress conservatively when visiting temples; cover shoulders and knees
- Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items (left hand considered unclean)
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon; keep them minimal
- Be respectful during religious festivals and ceremonies
- Learn a few basic Bengali phrases; locals appreciate the effort
- Bargaining is expected in markets but remain polite and good-natured
- Respect queue systems even when they seem chaotic; don't push
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea) for reliable connectivity
- Keep your hotel's business card in Bengali for showing taxi drivers
- Download offline maps (Google Maps works well in Kolkata)
- Save important numbers in your phone including emergency contacts
- Many locals speak English, especially younger people and in tourist areas
- Use translation apps for basic Bengali communication
- WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily accessible
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms with verified reviews
- Check that rooms have working locks and consider using a door wedge
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passport, and excess cash
- Know emergency exits and fire escape routes
- Keep emergency numbers and hotel address written in Bengali
- Verify staff identity before allowing entry to your room
- Popular safe neighborhoods for tourists include Park Street, Sudder Street, Salt Lake, and Alipore
- Budget accommodations on Sudder Street are popular with backpackers but vary in quality
- Consider higher floors for better air quality and less street noise
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Kolkata safely with appropriate precautions. Kolkata is considered one of India's safer cities for women, with generally respectful attitudes compared to some other Indian metros. However, women may experience staring, unwanted attention, and occasional verbal harassment. Solo female travelers are increasingly common, and the city has women-only facilities including metro compartments and taxi services. Local women are often helpful and friendly. Trust your instincts, dress modestly, and take standard safety precautions, especially after dark.
- Use women-only metro compartments (first coach) during rush hours for more comfort
- Consider women-only taxi services or app-based rides; share trip details with someone
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; avoid revealing clothing to minimize attention
- Carry a dupatta (scarf) to cover up when needed, especially in religious sites
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark; use reliable transportation
- Ignore staring and catcalls; confident, purposeful walking deters harassment
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) to discourage unwanted advances
- Book accommodations in well-populated areas like Park Street, Sudder Street, or Salt Lake
- Join group tours for visiting less touristy areas or going out at night
- Keep phone charged and emergency numbers saved; women's helpline is 1091
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Solo dining is acceptable; choose busy restaurants or hotel dining
- Connect with other women travelers through hostels or online travel communities
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Consider staying in female-only dorm rooms in hostels if budget traveling
- Sanitary products are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships were decriminalized in India in 2018 when the Supreme Court struck down Section 377. However, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized, and LGBTQ+ rights remain limited. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is not explicitly prohibited by law in most contexts.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; avoid in most public areas
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations; some hotels are more welcoming than others
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ communities through organizations like Sappho for Equality or Pratyay Gender Trust
- Areas like Park Street and South Kolkata tend to be more liberal and accepting
- Be cautious when using dating apps; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- Some cafes and cultural spaces in Kolkata are known to be LGBTQ+-friendly; research before visiting
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with strangers, taxi drivers, or in conservative settings
- The Rainbow Pride Walk is held annually in Kolkata, usually in December
- Hotel staff may question unmarried same-sex couples sharing rooms; book rooms separately if uncomfortable
- Be aware that while legal protections exist, enforcement and social attitudes lag behind
- Consider joining LGBTQ+ travel groups or tours for added safety and community
- Emergency services and police are legally obligated to help but attitudes may vary
- Transgender travelers may face additional challenges; research specific resources and support networks
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Kolkata and India. Medical care at quality private hospitals can be expensive, and evacuation to facilities in Delhi or international destinations may be necessary for serious conditions. India's healthcare system varies dramatically in quality and cost. Insurance provides crucial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. Many hospitals require payment guarantees before treatment, which insurance can facilitate. Given risks like traffic accidents, food-borne illness, and monsoon-related disruptions, comprehensive coverage provides both financial protection and peace of mind.
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