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Foreign traveller busts stereotypes with ‘honest guide’ for first-time visitors to India: ‘Try spending more than $10’

Porter, who has already visited India twice this year, breaks down what newcomers should really expect when it comes to transport, food and the country’s trademark warmth.

3 min readNew DelhiDec 4, 2025 06:37 PM IST

Foreign traveller busts stereotypes for first-time visitors to India

Porter insists that the real magic of India lies in its hospitality

A foreign traveller has gone viral for posting a refreshingly honest and practical guide for anyone planning their first trip to India. In an Instagram reel that’s now making the rounds, creator Rory Porter, who has already visited India twice this year, breaks down what newcomers should really expect when it comes to transport, food, and the country’s trademark warmth.

“You are thinking of going to India, but you don’t want to do like every other broke backpacker you see on the internet,” Porter begins, before diving straight into his top advice. He urges travellers to ditch the outdated stereotypes and consider taking India’s modern trains, including the Vande Bharat Express.

“Indian trains aren’t really that bad… Trains like Vande Bharat are high-speed and common in India. They are also very affordable,” he says, pointing out that a Delhi–Amritsar journey can cost around 12 pounds, meal included. Porter also recommends hiring a driver for longer trips, something he did across North India, calling it both comfortable and “surprisingly budget-friendly”.

On food, he reminds visitors not to cut corners unnecessarily. Spending a little more, he says, goes a long way in ensuring good hygiene and great flavours. According to him, with just a few pounds, travellers can enjoy fresh, tasty meals in clean restaurants.

Watch the video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rory Porter (@roryporter.1)

Also Read | ‘India’s most modern train’: German lauds Vande Bharat in viral video, compares it to Japan and China’s trains

But his most cherished piece of advice is about people. Porter insists that the real magic of India lies in its hospitality. “People in India are extremely friendly… If your friend invites you round for a chai or some food, definitely say yes,” he says, adding that these moments often lead to the best memories, and the best chai.

He also tells tourists to read reviews from fellow foreign travellers to avoid being misled while choosing accommodation.

The video has resonated widely, with many Indians agreeing wholeheartedly. One commenter noted that in a country of 1.5 billion people, experiences can vary massively, and research is key. Another pointed out that many tourists limit their visit to Delhi, missing the vastness of the world’s seventh-largest country. Others appreciated Porter’s balanced, stereotype-free perspective, with one user writing, “Unfortunately, there are less like you on the internet,” while another added, “India is a nice country… Wish I could visit!”

Another user commented, “Just one tit bit try spending more than $10, if you can’t afford that then you definitely can’t afford India.”