Check your terminal
Most international flights use Terminal 3, but airlines and terminals change, so check your booking and the airport's official website before you fly. If someone is meeting you, send them your terminal and flight number; we track flights and confirm the meeting point on WhatsApp.
Money: cash, cards and the exchange-rate trap
You'll find ATMs and currency exchange counters in the arrivals area. Withdrawing a small amount of rupees for tips, snacks and small vendors is useful. When an ATM or card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose INR instead: the 'convenience' conversion usually comes with a worse rate.
- Cards work at hotels, larger restaurants and for online bookings.
- Small shops and roadside dhabas in the hills often prefer cash or UPI.
- See our guide to paying for taxis in India for UPI options for visitors.
A local SIM card
SIM counters operate in the arrivals area. Expect to show your passport, and sometimes a photo; activation can take anywhere from minutes to a few hours. A local number makes WhatsApp, maps and payments much easier. An eSIM bought before you fly is a good alternative if your phone supports it.
Getting to your hotel
Use only official options: prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal, app-based cabs from their marked pickup zones, the Airport Express metro, or a pre-booked transfer. Ignore anyone in the arrivals hall who approaches offering a taxi or a 'better hotel'. If you've booked with us, your driver waits outside arrivals with a name board and has already shared their name, photo and number.
A simple first-hour checklist
If you're travelling with children or older relatives, ask for a driver who can help with luggage at the kerb and plan a meal stop within the first two hours of a long transfer. And if your flight lands in the early hours, there's no shame in sleeping first: the mountains will still be there in the morning.
- Clear immigration and customs, then collect your bags.
- Withdraw or exchange a small amount of rupees, choosing to be charged in INR.
- Buy a SIM card, or switch on the eSIM you bought before travelling.
- Message your driver or hotel that you've landed.
- Head to the official taxi counter, app pickup zone, metro, or your waiting driver, and ignore anyone who approaches you inside the hall.
Going straight to the hills?
Shimla is about 8–9 hours by road from the airport and Manali 12–14. After an overnight long-haul flight, we usually recommend one night near the airport and an early start, or a short connecting flight to Chandigarh, Kullu or Amritsar. Long hill drives are safer and far more enjoyable when you've slept.
Frequently asked questions
Will my driver wait if my flight is late?+
Yes. We track the flight number and the driver waits at no extra charge for delays.
Should I drive to Shimla or Manali the same day I land?+
After a long-haul flight, we recommend a night near the airport or a connecting flight to Chandigarh. Same-day transfers are possible if you land early and feel fresh.
Do I need rupees in cash?+
A little cash is useful for tips and small purchases. Most of your trip, including our advance payment, can be paid by card.
