Chennai Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Chennai.
Healthcare System
Chennai is known as the 'Health Capital of India' and offers world-class medical facilities, particularly in the private sector. The city attracts medical tourists from around the world and has numerous internationally accredited hospitals with English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Top hospitals for tourists include Apollo Hospitals (multiple locations), Fortis Malar Hospital, MIOT International, and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre. These accept international insurance and have dedicated international patient services. Emergency rooms operate 24/7 and most specialists are available on short notice.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'medical shops' locally) are abundant throughout the city. Many operate 24/7, especially near hospitals. Most common medications are available without prescription, though you should verify authenticity. Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus are reliable chains. Bring prescriptions for controlled substances.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is highly recommended. While treatment costs are lower than Western countries, serious medical issues can still be expensive, and evacuation coverage is valuable. Most private hospitals require payment guarantees or upfront deposits.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, and any prescription medications in original packaging
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks unless at reputable establishments
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date; consider Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters before travel
- Private hospitals may require deposits before treatment; keep emergency cash or credit cards accessible
- Save your hotel's address in Tamil script on your phone to show taxi drivers if seeking medical help
- Dengue fever occurs during and after monsoon season (October-January); use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves during dawn and dusk
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, tourist sites, and public transportation, though less common than in many other major cities. Snatch-and-grab thefts from moving vehicles occasionally occur.
Chennai's chaotic traffic poses the highest risk to travelers. Roads are congested, driving rules are loosely followed, and pedestrian infrastructure is limited. Accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheelers are common.
Chennai's tropical climate with temperatures reaching 40-45°C (104-113°F) in summer and high humidity year-round can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, especially for those unaccustomed to such conditions.
Traveler's diarrhea, food poisoning, and waterborne diseases are common risks. Street food and unhygienic food handling can lead to stomach issues, especially for those unaccustomed to local bacteria and spices.
Staring, unsolicited photography, and verbal comments can occur, particularly toward women and foreign tourists. Physical harassment is less common but can happen. Men may experience persistent touts and vendors.
Chennai experiences heavy monsoon rains (October-December and occasionally in November-January) that can cause severe flooding, disrupting transportation and creating health hazards from contaminated water.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers refuse to use meters, claim meters are broken, quote inflated fixed prices, or take unnecessarily long routes. Some drivers claim hotels are closed or full to take you to commission-paying alternatives.
Friendly locals befriend tourists and convince them to buy gems or jewelry to export for profit, claiming they'll help arrange sales abroad. The gems are worthless, and promised profits never materialize.
Unofficial 'guides' or 'priests' at temples offer blessings or tours, then demand large donations or fees. Some claim special pujas (prayers) require expensive offerings. Fake donation books may be presented.
Card details are copied at ATMs with skimming devices or at restaurants/shops where cards are taken out of sight. Cloned cards are then used for fraudulent transactions.
Unlicensed operators offer cheap tours or transport services but provide substandard service, don't show up, or disappear with advance payments. Some operate from legitimate-looking offices.
Tourist-area establishments may not display prices clearly, add unauthorized service charges, bring items not ordered, or present inflated bills. Some shops quote different prices to foreigners.
Agents selling tourist SIM cards may overcharge, activate expensive plans, or fail to properly activate cards. Some claim foreign phones won't work and push expensive local phone purchases.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- Use app-based services (Ola, Uber) for reliable, trackable transportation with upfront pricing
- Always wear seatbelts in cars; sit in the back seat of taxis and auto-rickshaws when traveling alone
- Avoid traveling in auto-rickshaws at night, especially if alone; use metered taxis or app-based cars instead
- Share your trip details with someone when using taxis, especially at night
- Use prepaid taxi services at Chennai Airport and Central Railway Station to avoid fare disputes
- If renting a car, hire a driver rather than driving yourself unless very experienced with Indian traffic
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; traffic rarely stops for pedestrians
- Avoid the front seats of buses and the edges of train platforms during rush hours
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations in established areas like Anna Nagar, Adyar, T. Nagar, or near Marina Beach
- Read recent reviews focusing on safety and location before booking
- Ensure your room has working locks, preferably with additional chain or deadbolt
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables; photograph important documents
- Verify hotel staff identity before opening doors; use peepholes or ask for ID
- Keep hotel business cards with address in English and Tamil for easy returns
- Check for emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon arrival
- Inform hotel reception if you notice suspicious individuals or activities
Money and Valuables
- Carry only necessary cash and one credit card; leave extras in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks during daytime hours; cover keypad when entering PIN
- Keep money in multiple locations (front pocket, money belt, hotel safe)
- Carry small denominations (10, 20, 50, 100 rupee notes) for daily transactions
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks; have backup payment methods
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones unnecessarily
- Be discreet when accessing money; don't count large amounts in public
- Keep photocopies of important documents separate from originals
Food and Water Safety
- Drink only bottled water from sealed bottles; check seals before purchasing
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high and hygiene is visible
- Choose thoroughly cooked foods; avoid raw salads, cut fruits, and mayonnaise-based items
- Peel fruits yourself; avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors
- Wash hands with soap before eating or use alcohol-based sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
- Try street food at popular stalls with long queues, but start with small portions
- Avoid dairy products unless from reputable sources; ice cream should be from sealed packages
- Carry oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication for quick response to stomach issues
Cultural Sensitivity and Etiquette
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees, especially at temples and in traditional neighborhoods
- Remove shoes before entering temples, homes, and some shops; follow local lead
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious sites
- Use right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items; left hand is considered unclean
- Respect religious customs; don't touch religious objects or enter restricted temple areas
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon; avoid kissing or excessive touching in public
- Learn basic Tamil phrases ('Vanakkam' for hello, 'Nandri' for thank you) to show respect
- Be patient with different concepts of personal space, time, and queuing
Communication and Connectivity
- Purchase a local SIM card from official stores (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea) for affordable data and calls
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before arriving
- Save important contacts including hotel, embassy, and emergency numbers
- Learn basic Tamil phrases or use translation apps (Google Translate works offline with downloaded languages)
- Share your itinerary and regular check-ins with family or friends back home
- Keep your phone charged; carry a power bank for long days out
- Use WhatsApp for free communication with locals and other travelers
- Screenshot important information (addresses, confirmations) in case of connectivity issues
Beach and Water Safety
- Swim only in designated safe areas with lifeguards present; Marina Beach has strong currents and is not safe for swimming
- Avoid beaches after dark; they become isolated and poorly lit
- Don't leave valuables unattended on beaches; bring minimal items
- Be cautious of beach vendors and touts; politely but firmly decline if not interested
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
- Stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours
- Watch children closely near water; currents can be unpredictable
- Avoid beach visits during monsoon season due to rough seas and strong waves
Shopping Safety
- Shop at established stores, malls, and government-run emporiums (Poompuhar) for authentic products
- Bargain at markets (expect to pay 30-50% of initial asking price), but prices are fixed at malls
- Verify authenticity of silk, jewelry, and handicrafts; ask for certificates for expensive items
- Don't feel pressured to buy; walk away if uncomfortable with pricing or tactics
- Use credit cards at reputable stores; keep cards in sight during transactions
- Check items carefully before purchasing; returns can be difficult
- Be wary of 'special deals' or 'export quality' claims from street vendors
- Keep receipts for all purchases, especially for customs purposes
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Chennai is considered one of India's safer cities for women travelers, with a more conservative culture that can actually provide some protection. However, women should still take precautions against staring, unwanted photography, verbal harassment, and occasional groping in crowded areas. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, but exercising caution, especially after dark, is essential. The city has dedicated women's helplines and some women-only services.
- Dress modestly by covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees; wear loose-fitting clothes to blend in and avoid unwanted attention
- Use women-only compartments on trains and ladies' seats on buses (front seats usually reserved)
- Book accommodations in safe, well-reviewed areas; inform reception of your solo status for added attention
- Avoid traveling alone late at night; use app-based taxis rather than auto-rickshaws after dark
- Carry a fully charged phone with local SIM and emergency numbers saved
- Walk confidently and purposefully; avoid appearing lost or consulting maps obviously in public
- Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact with men who stare; ignore catcalls and comments
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted attention
- Join group tours for visiting isolated sites or temples rather than going alone
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Keep hotel room numbers private; don't share travel plans with strangers
- Use the Women's Helpline (181) or Tourist Police if experiencing harassment
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm; making noise attracts attention and deters harassers
- Be cautious when accepting help from men; seek assistance from women, families, or shopkeepers when possible
- Avoid isolated beaches, parks, and poorly lit areas at all times
- Take photos of taxi/auto license plates and share with friends before journeys
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2018 (Section 377 struck down), making same-sex relationships legal. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and legal protections against discrimination are limited. Chennai follows national law, so LGBTQ+ travelers face no legal risks.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of sexual orientation
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics with strangers or in conservative settings
- Book accommodations at international hotel chains or LGBTQ+-friendly properties (research reviews)
- Be prepared for questions about marital status; some travelers find vague answers easier than coming out
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online before visiting for advice and community events
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps and forums to find safe spaces and supportive venues
- Consider Chennai's conservative nature when choosing what to share on social media with location tags
- Hotel staff may question unmarried couples sharing rooms, though this is becoming less common at modern hotels
- Transgender travelers may face more visible challenges; research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and services
- Be aware that while legal, same-sex relationships aren't widely understood or accepted
- Focus on Chennai's cultural attractions and use the city as a base for exploring Tamil Nadu rather than seeking LGBTQ+ nightlife
- Exercise standard safety precautions; avoid isolated areas and trust your instincts about situations and people
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Chennai despite excellent affordable healthcare. Insurance provides peace of mind for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and evacuation if needed. While medical costs are lower than Western countries, serious illnesses or accidents can still be expensive, and evacuation to home country or Singapore could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance also covers non-medical issues like trip interruptions due to monsoon flooding, lost passports, or stolen belongings.
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