What to pack for your first international trip from India — the actual list
Real packing list for first international trip from India. India-specific items. What's not worth bringing.
Documents: Passport (2+ blank pages, valid 6+ months past return), Visa printout × 2, hotel bookings, return flight, insurance, Aadhaar, 2 passport photos, ₹2,000 INR for return airport, $50 destination currency.
Electronics: Universal adapter (Boots/Belkin ₹500 — India is Type D/M/C, most countries A/B/F/G), 10-20k mAh power bank (airline limit 100Wh), charging cables, Airalo eSIM (₹800/10GB; don't rely on roaming), noise-cancelling earphones.
Clothes: 5-7 days worth (laundromats SE Asia ₹300/load), ONE warm layer for flights+AC, broken-in walking shoes, modest top + long pants for temples (Bali, Cambodia, Sri Lanka require), underwear/socks for 5 days max.
Toiletries: 100ml ziplock for carry-on. Sunscreen ₹400 — buy in India (2-3x abroad). DEET 30%+ mosquito repellent. Prescription meds + doctor's note.
What NOT to bring: Indian SIM (won't roam usefully — Airalo eSIM beats it), full-size shampoo (hotels have it), excessive snacks (7-Eleven everywhere SE Asia).
Always forget but always need: lip balm (flight dryness), foldable bag for souvenirs, ziplock for wet swimwear, small tape roll.
NoMadYa's pre-departure checklist calculates dates counted back from your trip day.