Bengaluru Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bengaluru.
Healthcare System
Bengaluru has excellent healthcare facilities with numerous world-class private hospitals and clinics. The city is a major medical tourism destination in India, offering high-quality care at costs significantly lower than Western countries. Public hospitals exist but private facilities are strongly recommended for tourists.
Hospitals
Major hospitals for tourists include Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road), Apollo Hospital (Bannerghatta Road), Fortis Hospital (Bannerghatta Road), Columbia Asia (multiple locations), and Narayana Health City. Most accept international insurance with direct billing arrangements. Emergency rooms are well-equipped and available 24/7.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'medical shops' locally) are abundant throughout the city. Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus are reliable chains open until late. Many medications available only by prescription in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter, but always consult a doctor first. Generic medications are widely available and inexpensive. 24-hour pharmacies exist near major hospitals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment in India, as healthcare costs can add up quickly even though they're lower than Western countries. Many private hospitals require payment upfront or insurance guarantee before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions for any medications you bring, including generic names
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Private hospitals may require advance payment or insurance guarantee; keep credit cards accessible
- For minor ailments, consult pharmacists who are often knowledgeable and helpful
- Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations are recommended before travel
- Air pollution can be significant; those with respiratory conditions should carry necessary medications
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Bengaluru's traffic is chaotic with minimal lane discipline, aggressive driving, and a mix of vehicles including cars, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Road accidents are common and represent one of the highest risks to travelers.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, and on public buses. Thieves often work in teams to distract victims. Phone snatching from pedestrians by motorcyclists has been reported.
Travelers commonly experience digestive issues from unfamiliar bacteria, spicy food, or contaminated water. Delhi Belly or traveler's diarrhea affects many visitors. More serious illnesses like typhoid or hepatitis A are possible but less common.
Bengaluru experiences moderate to high air pollution levels, particularly during dry months. This can affect those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or sensitivities. The problem has worsened with increased traffic and construction.
Tourists are often quoted inflated prices by auto-rickshaw drivers, souvenir sellers, and some shopkeepers. Some auto drivers refuse to use meters or claim meters are broken.
Bengaluru has a significant stray dog population. Most are harmless, but some can be territorial or aggressive, especially at night or if they feel threatened. Rabies is present in India.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers claim their meter is broken or refuse to use it, then charge 2-3 times the normal fare. Some have tampered meters that run fast. Others take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
Unlicensed agents offer cheap tours or travel packages, take payment, and either provide substandard service or disappear. Some operate from legitimate-looking offices near tourist areas.
Friendly locals befriend tourists and convince them to buy gemstones to export for profit, claiming they'll help resell them. The gems are worthless or the promised buyer never materializes. This is a classic long con.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police or officials, claim you've violated a law (drug possession, visa issues), and demand payment to avoid arrest. They may show fake badges.
Some restaurants add extra items to bills, charge for items not ordered, or add excessive service charges beyond what's stated on the menu. GST and service charges can be confusing.
Mobile phone shops near tourist areas charge inflated prices for SIM cards and activation, or sell plans with hidden limitations and charges.
Taxi or auto drivers claim your booked hotel is closed, fully booked, or has problems, then take you to another hotel where they earn commission. The alternate hotel is usually overpriced or substandard.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use Uber, Ola, or prepaid taxi services rather than hailing cabs on the street
- Share your ride details with friends or family when using ride-hailing apps
- Avoid traveling alone in auto-rickshaws late at night; use app-based cabs instead
- The Namma Metro is safe, clean, and efficient for major routes; women have reserved coaches
- Wear helmets if riding motorcycles or scooters, and avoid riding during rush hours
- Keep car doors locked and windows up while driving, especially at traffic lights
- Avoid public buses during peak hours as they're overcrowded and pickpocketing is common
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in reputable hotels or verified properties on trusted booking platforms
- Keep valuables in room safes; don't leave expensive items visible
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the emergency exits and fire escape routes in your hotel
- Use door chains and additional locks provided in rooms
- Keep a copy of your hotel's address and phone number in local language
- Choose accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, or Whitefield
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than standalone machines
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Keep small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50) for small purchases as vendors often claim no change
- Be discreet when accessing money; don't count large amounts in public
- Keep photocopies of passport, visa, and important documents separate from originals
- Use credit cards at established businesses; inform your bank of travel dates
- Download digital payment apps like Paytm or Google Pay for convenience and safety
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
- Carry a basic medical kit with anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and bandages
- Avoid touching your face, especially before washing hands
- Use mosquito repellent, especially during evening hours
- Get travel vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before departure
- Carry prescription medications in original containers with doctor's notes
- Consider taking probiotics to help your digestive system adjust
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious sites
- Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving (left hand is considered unclean)
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon; keep interactions modest
- Learn a few basic Kannada phrases; locals appreciate the effort
- Respect religious customs and festivals; be aware of temple timings and dress codes
Communication and Connectivity
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Airtel or Jio recommended)
- Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery pack
- Save important numbers including hotel, embassy, and emergency contacts
- Download offline maps (Google Maps allows offline downloads)
- Share your itinerary and check in regularly with family or friends
- Learn your hotel address in Kannada or have it written down
- Use translation apps like Google Translate for language barriers
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Bengaluru is considered one of the safer Indian cities for women travelers, with a relatively progressive culture and significant female workforce participation. However, women should still take additional precautions, especially when traveling alone. Street harassment (eve-teasing) can occur, though it's less common than in some other Indian cities. Most locals are respectful, and the city has specific safety measures including women-only metro coaches, auto-rickshaw services, and a dedicated women's helpline.
- Dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees, especially outside of cosmopolitan areas and malls
- Avoid traveling alone late at night; if necessary, use reputable cab services and share ride details
- Use women-only compartments in the metro (marked with pink signage)
- Consider women-only accommodations or hotels with good security and female staff
- Trust your instincts—if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Carry a fully charged phone with emergency numbers saved, including Women's Helpline (1091)
- Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers due to drink spiking concerns
- When using ride-hailing apps, check driver details match and sit in the back seat
- Join women traveler groups or tours to explore with others
- Wear a fake wedding ring or mention a husband to deter unwanted attention
- Avoid isolated areas, parks, and beaches after dark
- Be firm and loud if harassed; don't worry about causing a scene
- Keep a scarf or shawl handy to cover up when needed in conservative areas
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Indiranagar, Koramangala, or near MG Road
- Research restaurants and venues beforehand; choose well-reviewed, busy establishments
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships were decriminalized in India in 2018 when Section 377 was struck down by the Supreme Court. However, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized, and legal protections against discrimination are limited. Transgender individuals have legal recognition as a third gender.
- Bengaluru Pride is held annually (usually in November); it's a good opportunity to connect with the community
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection to avoid unwanted attention
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations; some hotels may be unwelcoming or ask intrusive questions
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Good As You (GAY) or Bengaluru Queer Film Festival
- Venues in areas like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and MG Road tend to be more accepting
- Be cautious on dating apps; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- Social attitudes are more accepting in cosmopolitan areas and among younger generations
- Consider booking private accommodations through LGBTQ+-friendly platforms
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with auto drivers, shopkeepers, or casual acquaintances
- The LGBTQ+ community in Bengaluru is welcoming but relatively small; connect through social media groups
- Some clubs and bars are known to be LGBTQ+-friendly; research beforehand
- Be aware that family values are strong in India; questions about marriage and children are common
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Bengaluru and India. While healthcare costs are significantly lower than Western countries, medical emergencies can still be expensive, and many private hospitals require upfront payment or insurance guarantees. Insurance also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and emergency evacuation. Given the risks of traffic accidents, food-borne illness, and petty crime, comprehensive coverage provides crucial financial protection and peace of mind.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries