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Information for foreign visitors to India

We’re thrilled you’re planning to visit JoyCorps in India!

This page is your guide to help in preparing for your journey.

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We’re thrilled you’re planning to join JoyCorps in India! This page is your guide to help in preparing for your journey.

Information for foreign visitors to India

Visa and E-Arrival Card

  • Visitors will need to apply for the e-Tourist visa, on the following application link: 

    • We recommend applying before the end of September. 

    • Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have 2 blank pages.

  • From 2026, visitors must also fill out the E-Arrival Card, 24-72 hours before your flight’s departure, on the following link: 

    • Once you complete the e-arrival card, you will receive a QR code you'll need at immigration in India. 

Your destination: Dehradun and Mussoorie

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Rajpur, a beautiful Hamlet in Dehradun

Nestled in the lower Himalayan foothills near Dehradun, Rajpur is a cozy and vibrant cultural crossroads of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepali influences, creating a rich haven for visitors while offering great coffee and food options. 

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Mussoorie, the Queen of the Hills and Landour

Just up the mountain from Rajpur, the historic hill towns of Mussoorie and Landour offer a quiet, timeless sanctuary where scenic mountain trails, cozy bakeries, and ancient deodar forests frame breathtaking Himalayan views.

Our Founders, Mel & Dave Murray, are based in Dehradun, about 3 hours north of New Delhi. Many JoyCorps team members are based here too. This is a beautiful area at the base of the Himalayas, and you'll spend your time in two places: Rajpur, Dehradun, and Mussoorie/Landour.

Reaching Us 

Your flight from the US will land in New Delhi, and you can reach Dehradun via taxi or a short flight.  

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  • Taxi: The drive to Dehradun is about 4 hours, and we are happy to arrange taxis for our visitors. Our trusted driver Prem has been driving the JoyCorps team and our guests for over a decade now, and is the kindest and funniest person, and a really great driver!
     

  • Flight: You can book a 45-minute flight from New Delhi to Dehradun (DED) using MakeMyTrip or your preferred online travel company. Indigo or Air India are good carriers, but please note that the baggage allowance for domestic flights is 15 kg (~33 lbs). Allow at least 3 hours between your arrival in New Delhi and your next flight's departure, as clearing immigration can often take a long time. 

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Prem

Packing for November

  • November temperatures are as follows:

    • Dehradun ~60–66°F

    • Landour ~50–54°F 

  • Days will be bright and sunny, but nights will be significantly colder. Bring warm layers, a down or fleece jacket for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for Landour's cobbled paths. 

  • Locally, people dress modestly here, and you will feel more comfortable in loose clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. 

Currency Conversion (USD to Indian rupees)

Carry some Indian Rupees (INR) for daily purchases, as shopkeepers don't accept USD and foreign cards aren't always accepted. A few ways to get currency include:

  • ATMs: Use major bank ATMs (like HDFC, ICICI, or SBI) at the airport to withdraw cash with a US debit card. Choose "charge in local currency" for a better exchange rate.

  • Airport Exchange: Swap a small amount of cash upon landing for initial taxis or tips, though rates are generally unfavorable.

  • Local Exchange Bureau: In Dehradun, we partner with MoneyHop to offer better rates and deliver cash to you. Email Shweta (shweta@joycorps.org) to arrange this; we’ll need a passport copy and can bring the currency when picking you up.

  • Digital payments: India has a very strong cashless payment culture (Watch NBC’s report on this). Foreign visitors can set up Mony UPI to make digital payments without an Indian bank account. Setup takes a little effort, but it offers a convenient, cashless way to pay across India.

Mobile and internet connectivity in India

  • You will have pretty consistent wifi connectivity in all meeting places and hotels. 

  • If you would like internet data on your phone, you can do it in one of three ways: 

    • Get a local SIM in India: either from the airport or ask a JoyCorps team member to arrange one for you.

    • Purchase a travel eSIM in your home country for digital data roaming while you are traveling. 

Digital apps to use in India

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  • Google Maps: Essential for getting live directions, local transit options, and finding nearby spots.

  • WhatsApp: Widely used by hotels, drivers, and tour operators to confirm details and chat. Google Translate: English is widely spoken in India, but you may need the assistance of Google Translate from time to time. 

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  • Zomato / Swiggy: The top two choices for finding nearby restaurants, reading reviews, or getting food delivered straight to your door. 

  • Blinkit/Swiggy Instamart: These are highly reliable 10-20-minute grocery delivery apps that are incredibly useful for tourists in India to get quick essentials delivered directly to your hotel or stay, serving as an excellent lifeline if you need immediate access to convenience items without having to find a physical store. 

    • Quick Snacks & Water: Order bottled water, soft drinks, chips, chocolates, or local snacks instantly.

    • Emergency Toiletries: Get immediate delivery of toothpaste, sunscreen, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, or sanitary products.

    • Over-the-Counter Healthcare: Order basic wellness supplies such as band-aids, rehydration salts (ORS), antacids, or pain-relief sprays.

    • Tech Accessories: Replace lost items quickly with fast delivery of phone chargers, charging cables, power banks, or earphones.

Navigation and Communication: 

FOOD AND GROCERIES

(With a domestic SIM, use popular quick-delivery apps with Cash on Delivery (COD).  A 750-100 tip is appreciated)

India runs on digital apps, which are not only convenient but a great experience for travelers coming from abroad. Some apps would be familiar to you, while others may be a new thing to try! 

Hear from American travel vloggers and bloggers!

  • Benjamin Jenks - American in India:   This video gives detailed information from an American living in India about everything you may be thinking about as you prepare to come to India.  

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  • Beth Whitman- Wanderlust and Lipstick:   Beth has made a name for herself as a women’s travel expert, and her packing list is extensive and practical. 

Here are some American YouTube videos and travel blogs to browse if you would like to know more:

Reach  out to us!

If you have any questions or would like help creating an extended itinerary, please connect with Shweta, our Dehradun-based Operations Lead (shweta@joycorps.org). She is always happy to assist with travel planning and local recommendations.

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