Your Complete Guide
Europe for Indian Travelers
Everything you need to know as an Indian traveling to Europe — from visas to vegetarian food, culture to community
Your Comfort Matters
Traveling to a new continent can feel intimidating. As an Indian who's made Europe home, I understand your concerns — from finding familiar food to navigating cultural differences. This guide addresses everything that makes your journey comfortable and confident.
Visa & Documentation
Most Indian travelers need a Schengen visa to visit Europe. The process is straightforward if you have the right documentation. For a complete step-by-step guide, check out my detailed Schengen Visa Guide.
Quick Checklist:
- Valid passport (6 months validity)
- Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Flight itinerary & hotel bookings
- Employment letter or business documents
- Cover letter explaining your trip
Indian Restaurants Across Europe
Barcelona
- •Taste of India
- •Shalimar
- •Rasoi
- •Mumbai Masala
Madrid
- •Tandoori Station
- •Namaste India
- •Punjab Grill
Paris
- •Saravanaa Bhavan
- •Krishna Bhavan
- •Jaipur Café
Vienna
- •Govinda
- •Sangam
- •Shakthi
Zurich
- •Sala of Tokyo
- •Rupali
- •Dal Restaurant
Rome
- •Maharajah
- •Jaipur
- •Himalaya's Kashmir
Pro Tip: Download the "HappyCow" app to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants everywhere you go. Most European cities have great veggie options beyond Indian food!
Temples & Religious Places
Barcelona
- • ISKCON Temple
- • Sindhu Hindu Temple
Paris
- • Ganesh Temple
- • ISKCON Paris
Vienna
- • Hindu Temple Vienna
Zurich
- • ISKCON Zurich
- • Hindu Temple
London
- • Neasden Temple
- • Swaminarayan Temple
Safety Tips for Indian Travelers
👛 Protect Against Pickpockets
Pickpockets target tourists in crowded areas like metros, tourist attractions, and markets. Keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags. Stay especially alert in Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.
🚕 Beware of Taxi Scams
Use official taxis or Uber/Bolt apps. Avoid unmarked cabs at airports. Some drivers take longer routes — use Google Maps to track your route.
👥 Solo Female Travelers
Europe is generally safe for solo women. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. Share your location with family. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.
📱 Emergency Numbers
Universal emergency number across Europe: 112. Save Indian Embassy numbers for countries you're visiting. Keep copies of important documents in cloud storage.
Cultural Do's & Don'ts
✓ Do's
- • Greet with a handshake or "hello"
- • Queue patiently — line-jumping is frowned upon
- • Tip 10% at restaurants (if service not included)
- • Keep voice low in public spaces
- • Learn basic phrases in local language
- • Dress modestly when visiting churches
✗ Don'ts
- • Don't talk loudly in metros/trains
- • Don't expect everything to be open on Sundays
- • Don't assume everyone speaks English
- • Don't drink tap water without checking
- • Don't compare everything to India
- • Don't take photos inside churches without permission
Staying Connected
SIM Cards & Internet
- Best option: Buy a European SIM card at the airport (Orange, Vodafone, or local carriers)
- eSIM: Services like Airalo offer convenient eSIMs for multiple countries
- Roaming: Indian roaming is expensive — avoid unless emergency
- WiFi: Most cafes, restaurants, and accommodations offer free WiFi
Money Matters
- Carry a forex card (HDFC, ICICI, Axis have good rates)
- Credit cards work everywhere (inform your bank before traveling)
- Keep some cash for small purchases and markets
- ATMs are widely available, but check withdrawal fees