Indian Student’s First International Flight — Complete Checklist for Study Abroad

Your visa is stamped. Your university confirmation is printed. And now, the part nobody quite prepared you for — actually getting on that plane, navigating a foreign airport, and starting a new life thousands of kilometres from home. If you’re an Indian student about to take your first international flight for studies, this guide walks you through every step from documents to landing day, in the order you’ll need them.

We’ve written this checklist based on what trips up students most often: missed paperwork at immigration, overweight bags at check-in, forex card surprises, and confusion about what to declare at customs. Read it once now, then again the night before your flight.

Pre-Flight Documents Checklist for Indian Students

Document errors are the single biggest cause of denied boarding and immigration delays for first-time student flyers. According to the U.S. Department of State, an F-1 student must present their original I-20 along with the passport-visa at the port of entry — a copy is not sufficient. Build your folder in this order:

Passport with 6+ Months Validity

Your passport must have at least six months of validity beyond your intended date of return — this is a standard ICAO rule enforced by airlines at check-in. Many Indian students get caught here because they assumed “valid till next year” was enough. If your passport expires within 12 months, renew it before flying.

Stamped Student Visa

Your visa stamp must be in the same passport you’re flying with. Common stamps for Indian students include the U.S. F-1, U.K. Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), Canadian Study Permit, Australian Subclass 500, German National Visa, and Irish Stamp 2. Verify the visa is for the correct intake and university.

University Confirmation Letters

Carry the I-20 (USA), CAS letter (UK), Letter of Acceptance (Canada), CoE (Australia), or Admission Letter (Europe). The UK Home Office requires students to carry their CAS reference and a printed offer letter for border checks. Also bring your tuition fee receipt or first-semester payment proof.

Financial and Sponsorship Documents

Pack bank statements, education loan sanction letter, sponsor affidavits, and proof of any scholarships. Immigration officers in the U.S., Canada, and Australia routinely ask first-time student arrivals to demonstrate funding for at least one year.

Vaccination and Medical Records

Carry your COVID-19 vaccination certificate, MMR (mandatory for many U.S. universities), Tdap, and Meningococcal records. The U.S. CDC lists required vaccinations for university enrolment that you may need on arrival.

[INTERNAL-LINK: passport 6-month validity rule → /passport-6-month-validity-rule-india-travellers/]

How Do You Book Your First International Student Flight via HappyFares?

According to the IATA Global Outlook (December 2024), international fares peak 4-6 weeks before departure for long-haul routes. Indian student peak intake months (August-September for US/UK/Canada; January-February for spring intakes) see fares rise sharply. Book 8-12 weeks ahead via HappyFares to lock in lower fares and seat preference.

Best Travel Dates for August Intake

For Fall 2026 intake, target departure dates between July 25 and August 15. Universities typically open dorms 3-5 days before orientation. Arriving 7-10 days early gives you buffer for jet lag and bank/SIM setup — but check your visa “earliest entry” rules. The U.S. F-1 visa allows entry up to 30 days before the I-20 program start date.

One-Stop vs Non-Stop Flights

Non-stop flights cost more but reduce missed-connection risk for first-time flyers. If choosing a one-stop route, pick layovers of 3+ hours at major hubs (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, Istanbul). Avoid 90-minute layovers — international terminal transfers eat time.

Checked Baggage Before Booking

Always check the airline’s student baggage policy before booking, not after. Some airlines offer “student fares” with 2×23 kg or 2×32 kg checked allowance on long-haul to USA/UK/Canada/Australia. The displayed price difference between economy and student fare often pays back twice in saved excess-baggage fees.

[INTERNAL-LINK: book flights → https://happyfares.in/]

What Is the Baggage Allowance for Indian Students Flying Internationally?

Standard international economy baggage allowance is 23 kg checked plus 7 kg cabin, but student fares often expand this. According to Air India’s baggage policy, students flying on a valid student visa to the USA on economy receive 2 pieces of 23 kg each — effectively 46 kg total. Always verify your specific fare’s policy on the airline’s website before packing.

Carrier-by-Carrier Student Baggage

Air India typically permits 2×23 kg checked plus 8 kg cabin on USA routes for students. IndiGo’s international long-haul economy allows up to 30 kg checked depending on route. British Airways and Lufthansa offer 23 kg standard, with student-fare extras available on select bookings. Always confirm policy on the airline’s website 24 hours before departure — baggage rules change.

Excess Baggage Costs

Excess baggage at the airport averages USD 100-200 per extra piece for transatlantic flights, per published carrier rate cards. Pre-paying excess online is typically 30-50% cheaper than at the counter. If you’re over by 2-3 kg, redistribute into your cabin bag before queuing.

[CITATION CAPSULE: Air India’s published baggage policy permits Indian students with a valid student visa to the USA two checked pieces of 23 kg each on economy fares, totalling 46 kg of checked allowance plus an 8 kg cabin bag — significantly higher than the standard 23 kg economy limit.]

How Should You Pack for Studying Abroad — What to Take and Skip?

Indian students consistently over-pack clothes and under-pack documents, electronics adapters, and prescription medication. We’ve found that the 50-30-20 split works well: 50% clothes (mostly weather-appropriate), 30% kitchen and home goods that are expensive abroad, and 20% documents, electronics, medicines and snacks. Aim to land with a fully functional first month, not a full wardrobe.

Winter Clothes — Buy There or Bring?

Bring 1 medium jacket from India for the airport-to-dorm transit. Buy a proper down jacket locally — Indian woollens often aren’t built for sustained -10°C. For Canada, UK, and Germany, the locally bought winter gear is cheaper and warmer than what you’d find in Delhi or Mumbai winter stores.

Kitchen and Indian Pantry Items

Pack pressure cooker (small 2L), masala dabba pre-filled, basic spices in sealed pouches, a steel tiffin set, and 2-3 ready-to-eat MTR/Haldiram packets for the first 48 hours. Indian groceries are available in most university cities but at 2-3x Indian prices.

Electronics and Universal Adapter

Carry your laptop, phone, chargers, and a Type-A/Type-G universal adapter in your cabin bag, never checked. The U.S. uses Type-A/B (110V), the U.K. uses Type-G (230V), Europe uses Type-F (230V). A multi-region adapter avoids surprises at landing.

Medicines With Doctor’s Note

Pack a 3-6 month supply of any regular prescription medicines in original packaging, with a doctor’s note listing generic names, dosages, and your condition. U.S. CBP guidance requires prescription medicines to be in original labelled containers with a copy of the prescription.

Forex Card vs Cash vs Wire Transfer — What’s Best for Students?

According to RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) rules, an Indian resident can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for permissible purposes including education. For students, a forex card holding USD 5,000-10,000 at departure, plus parental wire transfers for tuition, is the standard split. Carry minimal physical cash — under USD 500 — for immediate landing needs only.

Forex Card Benefits

Forex cards lock in the exchange rate at the time of loading, protecting you from rupee depreciation. They also avoid the 2-3% foreign transaction fee that Indian debit cards charge abroad. Most issuers allow 5-7 currencies on a single multi-currency card.

Cash Limits at the Airport

You’re legally allowed to carry up to USD 3,000 in foreign currency notes per trip out of India, with a higher limit of USD 5,000 in cash plus traveller’s cheques (per RBI). On arrival at U.S./UK/Canada/Australia airports, amounts above USD 10,000 equivalent must be declared.

Wire Transfer for Tuition

For tuition above USD 7,000, request your bank to wire directly to the university’s bank account — this avoids paying TCS twice (once on forex card loading, again on remittance). Most Indian banks offer SWIFT transfers at INR 1,500-2,500 flat fee plus exchange margin.

[INTERNAL-LINK: best forex cards for Indian students → /best-forex-cards-india-2026/]

What Is TCS on Foreign Remittance for Education?

According to the Income Tax Department of India, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas remittances under LRS applies as follows for education purposes: NIL up to ₹7 lakh per financial year, 0.5% above ₹7 lakh when the remittance is funded by an education loan from a notified financial institution, and 5% above ₹7 lakh when self-funded. TCS is creditable against your income tax liability — it’s not a permanent loss.

How to Avoid TCS Shock

Plan your remittances across financial years where possible. If parents wire USD 9,000 in March and USD 9,000 in April, both fall under different financial years’ ₹7 lakh thresholds, potentially avoiding the higher TCS slab on the second remittance.

TCS on Forex Card Loading

Loading a forex card is treated as an LRS remittance and counts toward your annual ₹7 lakh threshold. Plan your forex card top-ups to stay below the threshold for the financial year, or accept the 5% TCS knowing it’s reclaimable when filing taxes.

Education Loan TCS Benefit

If your study abroad is funded via an education loan from a scheduled bank or notified non-banking financial company, the TCS rate above ₹7 lakh drops to 0.5% instead of 5% — a meaningful saving on larger remittances. Keep your loan sanction letter handy when remitting.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Indian Students Going Abroad?

Travel and health insurance is mandatory for student visas to Australia (OSHC), Germany (statutory or private), France, Italy, Ireland, and recommended for the USA, UK, and Canada. According to Australian Department of Home Affairs, all Subclass 500 student visa holders must hold OSHC for the full duration of their stay. Budget INR 25,000-60,000 for the first year’s policy.

What Travel Insurance Should Cover

Look for: emergency medical (minimum USD 100,000), trip delay and cancellation, lost baggage (USD 1,500+), passport loss, mental health coverage (now standard for student policies), and study interruption cover. Pre-existing condition coverage requires medical declaration.

University-Provided vs Private Insurance

Many U.S. and Canadian universities enrol students into a campus health plan by default. Some accept proof of equivalent Indian-issued international student insurance; others mandate the campus plan. Decide before flying — campus plans often cost USD 1,500-3,500/year, vs INR 30,000-50,000 for a comparable Indian policy.

What Must You Pack in Your Cabin Baggage?

Your cabin bag should function as your survival kit if checked luggage is delayed by 24-72 hours. The IATA Baggage Tracking 2024 report noted that 7.6 bags per 1,000 international passengers were mishandled in 2023 — a small but real risk. Pack 48 hours of essentials in your cabin, regardless of how trustworthy you find your airline.

Documents Folder

All original documents must travel in your cabin, never in checked bags. Use a clear plastic folder so you can pull documents without opening your bag at immigration. Include passport, visa stamp page printout, I-20/CAS/CoE, admission letter, financial proof, insurance copy, and university orientation invite.

Laptop, Charger, Adapter

Laptop and any device with lithium batteries above 100Wh must travel in cabin, not checked. Carry your phone charger, laptop charger, power bank (under 100Wh / 27,000 mAh), and a universal adapter. Pre-download offline maps for your destination city.

Change of Clothes, Toiletries, Snacks

Pack one full change of clothes (especially underwear and a fresh t-shirt), travel-size toiletries (under 100ml each, in a clear pouch per TSA/IATA rules), a refillable water bottle (empty through security), and dry snacks: namkeen, dry fruits, biscuits. Long-haul aircraft meals may not arrive when you’re hungry.

What Goes in Your Carry-On Documents Folder?

Build your documents folder in the same order an immigration officer will ask for them. We’ve seen first-time student arrivals lose 30+ minutes at U.S./UK secondary inspection simply because they couldn’t find their I-20 or admission letter in time. Tab or colour-code each document for fast retrieval.

Layer 1 — Immediate Access

Top of folder: passport with visa page bookmarked, printout of visa approval/grant, boarding pass. These three documents come out at every checkpoint from Indian departure to destination arrival.

Layer 2 — Immigration at Destination

I-20 (USA) / CAS (UK) / LoA (Canada) / CoE (Australia), admission letter from university, proof of tuition payment, financial proof (bank statement, sponsor letter, or loan sanction), and travel insurance certificate.

Layer 3 — Backup and Setup

Vaccination records, university orientation invitation, dorm/accommodation confirmation, emergency contact sheet with parents’ numbers and the Indian embassy in the destination country, and a printed list of “what to do in the first 48 hours” (covered below).

What Should You Do at the Departure Airport?

Arrive at the international terminal 3.5 hours before departure for your first international flight — not the 2-3 hours suggested for domestic. According to Airports Authority of India guidance for international terminals at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, queues at security and immigration during peak student-departure season (July-August) can exceed 90 minutes.

Web Check-In 24-48 Hours Before

Most airlines open web check-in 24-48 hours before international departure. Doing this saves 30-45 minutes at the counter and lets you choose seats. Print the boarding pass plus carry it on your phone — some immigration counters still ask for paper.

Baggage Drop and Weighing

Reach the baggage drop counter 3 hours before departure. Have your passport, visa, I-20/CAS, and boarding pass ready. Confirm baggage tag goes to your final destination, not just your layover airport. If asked for “interline check-through”, say yes — your bag travels through to the final stop.

Indian Immigration and Security

At Indian emigration, the officer will stamp your passport with an exit stamp. Have your visa page open and ready. Security check follows — laptops, liquids under 100ml in a clear bag, no power banks above 100Wh in checked luggage. Reach the boarding gate 60 minutes before departure.

How Do You Survive a Long-Haul International Flight?

A typical Delhi-to-New York flight runs 14-17 hours including a one-stop. According to World Health Organization travel health guidance, dehydration, immobility-related circulation issues, and disrupted sleep are the top three health risks on flights over 8 hours. Build your in-flight routine around hydration, movement, and structured rest.

Hydration and Diet

Drink 250ml of water every 2 hours. Cabin air is dry — 10-20% humidity vs 40-60% on the ground. Avoid alcohol and limit coffee; both worsen jet lag. Carry a refillable bottle and ask cabin crew to top it up.

Sleep Schedule Shift

Start adjusting sleep 3-4 days before departure. For India to USA East Coast (-9.5 to -10.5 hours), sleep 1-2 hours later each night. For India to UK (-4.5 to -5.5 hours), shift slightly later. Use the flight to nap on destination-time schedule, not Indian time.

Movement and Compression Socks

Walk to the lavatory and stretch every 2-3 hours. Consider compression socks for flights over 10 hours — they reduce risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Calf raises and ankle rotations in your seat improve circulation.

What About Layovers and Connecting Flights?

Most first-time Indian student flyers route via Gulf hubs (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) or European hubs (Frankfurt, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Paris). The single biggest layover mistake is underestimating transit times — a 90-minute layover at Frankfurt or Heathrow with a terminal change is risky.

Do You Need a Transit Visa?

Indians transiting through Schengen airports without leaving the international transit area generally do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours. However, UK transit rules require a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) for most Indian passport holders even when not exiting the airside area. Check before booking.

Baggage Transfer Between Flights

If your tickets are on a single PNR (or interline partners), your bag transfers automatically to your final destination. If you booked two separate tickets, you must collect bags at the layover, clear customs, and re-check — budget 4+ hours.

Layover Survival

For layovers under 4 hours, stay near your gate. For 4-8 hour layovers, most major hubs offer transit hotels (USD 50-150/4 hours), shower facilities, and lounges (free with select credit cards). Verify your gate at least 60 minutes before boarding — terminal changes happen.

What Happens at the Destination Airport?

Arrival immigration is where most first-time student flyers feel the most anxious. Officers will ask why you’re here, where you’re studying, who’s paying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer simply, factually, and have documents ready. The U.S. CBP requires students to declare all food items, including snacks and spices, on the customs form.

Immigration Interview Tips

Have these ready: passport, I-20/CAS/CoE, admission letter, tuition payment proof, accommodation address, and a confident answer to “How long are you staying?” (Answer: the duration of your program, e.g., “Until May 2028 for my Master’s at University of XYZ”). Stay calm, answer only what’s asked.

Customs Declaration and Limits

The U.S. requires declaration of any food items, currency above USD 10,000, gifts above USD 100, and certain plant or animal products. The UK has similar rules. Australia is strictest — declare all food, even sealed packets. Failing to declare can mean a fine; declaring is free.

Baggage Claim and Transport

Collect bags from the carousel matching your flight number. If a bag is missing, file a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airline’s lost baggage desk before leaving the airport — you’ll need the PIR number to claim later. Book pre-paid airport transfer (Lyft/Uber equivalent or university shuttle) in advance.

What Should You Do in the First 48 Hours After Landing?

The first 48 hours set the tone for your semester. Based on patterns we’ve seen among Indian students, the consistent priorities are: SIM/connectivity (within 6 hours), accommodation check-in (within 12 hours), university check-in and ID card (within 24 hours), bank account opening (within 48 hours), and groceries (within 48 hours).

Get a Local SIM

Get a local SIM card or eSIM at the airport — most major airports have kiosks. Plans run USD 30-50/month with unlimited talk and data. Avoid using Indian roaming beyond the first 6 hours — costs are 10-20x local plans.

University Check-in

Visit the international student office on day 1 or 2. They handle SEVIS check-in (USA), BRP collection (UK), Study Permit confirmation (Canada), and your student ID. Bring your passport, visa, and I-20/CAS/CoE.

Open a Local Bank Account

Indian forex cards work well for 1-3 months, but a local bank account is essential for receiving stipends, paying rent, and avoiding ATM fees. Most universities have on-campus banking partners (Bank of America, Chase, RBC, NatWest, Commonwealth Bank, etc.). Carry passport, visa, university enrolment letter, and accommodation proof.

Stock Up Essentials

First grocery run: rice, dal, oil, salt, sugar, milk, bread, eggs, basic vegetables, and toiletries. Budget USD 80-150 for the first run. Indian grocery stores exist in most university cities — locate the nearest one on day 1.

[INTERNAL-LINK: first-time flyer guide → /first-time-flyer-guide-india-2026/]

What Common Mistakes Do First-Time Indian Student Flyers Make?

The same five mistakes show up repeatedly among first-time Indian student flyers, regardless of destination. Avoiding these saves money, time, and emotional stress. Read this section twice — it’s the most actionable part of the guide.

Putting Documents in Checked Baggage

Never put original documents in checked luggage. If your bag is delayed or lost, you cannot complete immigration. All originals — passport, I-20, admission letter, financial proof — go in your cabin folder. Always.

Overweight Bags at Check-In

Students consistently exceed 23 kg per bag by 3-7 kg, paying USD 100-200 in excess fees. Weigh both bags at home with a luggage scale (₹500 on any e-commerce app). If overweight, redistribute into your cabin bag or remove non-essentials.

Underestimating Layover Times

A 90-minute layover at Frankfurt, Heathrow, or JFK is high-risk for first-time flyers. Aim for 3+ hours at major hubs, especially if changing terminals.

Forex Card Activation Surprises

Many forex cards arrive un-activated. Confirm activation with the issuer 48 hours before departure, test a small transaction online, and set a PIN you can remember under stress.

Not Carrying Enough Indian Snacks

Most students underestimate how much they’ll miss home food in the first week. Pack 3-5 kg of dry Indian snacks (namkeen, theplas vacuum-sealed for 7-10 days, dry fruits, instant noodles, ready-to-eat MTR packets, masala mixes). These get you through the first week’s emotional adjustment.

Country-Specific Customs and Immigration Notes for Indian Students

Different destinations have different declaration rules, baggage scrutiny, and immigration interview styles. Below are the high-priority notes for the top five destinations Indian students fly to. Country rules change — verify your specific country’s official customs page within a week of flying.

USA — F-1 Student Visa

Carry original I-20, passport with F-1 visa, SEVIS fee receipt, admission letter, financial proof. Declare all food items on the CBP Form. SEVIS check-in must be completed within 30 days of program start. Do not bring meat, dairy, fresh produce, or seeds.

UK — Student Visa

Carry CAS letter, passport with visa vignette, tuberculosis test certificate (if required), admission letter, financial proof. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arrival from the designated post office.

Canada — Study Permit

Carry Letter of Acceptance, port-of-entry letter from IRCC, passport with TRV stamp, financial proof, Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if required. At immigration, you’ll receive your physical study permit — verify program details before leaving the airport.

Australia — Subclass 500

Carry CoE, passport with visa grant notification, OSHC certificate, accommodation proof. Australia’s biosecurity is strict — declare every food item including spices, snacks, and herbal medicines. Penalties for non-declaration are heavy.

Germany — National Visa

Carry blocked account proof (Sperrkonto, currently EUR 11,904 minimum), university admission letter, statutory health insurance proof, accommodation proof. Register with the local Anmeldung office within 14 days of arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for my first international student flight from India?

You need a passport valid 6+ months beyond return, the stamped student visa (F-1/Tier 4/Subclass 500/Study Permit), your I-20/CAS/LoA/CoE/admission letter, financial proof (bank statement or loan sanction), travel insurance certificate, vaccination records, university orientation invite, and printed boarding pass. Carry all originals in your cabin bag — never in checked luggage. Keep digital copies on Google Drive as backup.

How much luggage can I take as a student to USA?

On Air India and most U.S. carriers, students flying to the USA on economy with a valid F-1 visa typically receive 2×23 kg checked baggage plus 7-8 kg cabin, per Air India’s published baggage policy. Premium economy and business class fares allow 32 kg per piece. Always verify your specific fare and route on the airline’s website 48 hours before departure — rules change by route.

Is travel insurance mandatory for students going abroad?

Travel insurance is mandatory for student visas to Australia (OSHC), Germany (statutory or private), France, Italy, and Ireland. It’s strongly recommended for USA, UK, and Canada — and required by many universities even when not mandated by the visa. Budget INR 25,000-60,000 for a first-year policy covering USD 100,000+ medical, baggage loss, trip delays, and study interruption.

Should I take a forex card or cash for studying abroad?

Take a forex card for 70-80% of your first-month budget (USD 3,000-5,000 loaded), plus USD 300-500 cash for immediate needs like SIM card, transport, and first meal. Forex cards lock in exchange rates and avoid 2-3% foreign transaction fees that Indian debit cards charge. Use wire transfers from parents for tuition above USD 7,000.

How much money can I take when leaving India for studies?

Under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year for education, per RBI LRS guidelines. You can carry up to USD 3,000 in foreign cash per trip out of India, with declaration required for amounts above USD 10,000 equivalent at most international arrival airports.

What is TCS on foreign remittance for education?

Per Income Tax India rules, TCS on overseas remittances for education is: NIL up to ₹7 lakh per financial year, 0.5% above ₹7 lakh if funded by an education loan from a notified bank, and 5% above ₹7 lakh if self-funded. TCS is credited against your annual income tax liability, so it’s reclaimable — not a permanent loss.

How early should I book my student visa flight?

Book 8-12 weeks ahead via HappyFares for the best fares. Peak Indian student departure months (July-August for Fall intake; January-February for Spring intake) see fares rise sharply 4-6 weeks before departure per IATA Global Outlook data. Book once your visa is stamped — never before, since unconfirmed visa can force costly cancellations.

Can I take Indian medicines abroad?

Yes, in original packaging with a doctor’s prescription listing generic names and dosages. The U.S. CBP, UK Border Force, and Australian Border Force all permit prescription medicines for personal use up to a 90-day supply. Controlled substances (some painkillers, ADHD medications) may need additional documentation. Carry essential medicines in your cabin, not checked baggage.

Can I take Indian groceries in my luggage?

Most spices, dry snacks, packaged sweets, and sealed instant-food packets are allowed but must be declared at customs. The U.S. and Australia are strict — declare every food item on arrival forms. Banned items include meat, dairy, fresh produce, seeds, and certain plant materials. When in doubt, declare it; declaring is free, hiding can be fined.

What if I miss my connecting flight as a student?

If both flights are on a single PNR, the airline rebooks you on the next available flight at no charge. Go directly to the transfer desk or airline counter at the layover airport. If your tickets were booked separately, you’re responsible for rebooking — which is why we strongly recommend single-PNR bookings via HappyFares for first-time student flyers.

Final Pre-Flight Reminders

Your first international flight as a student is the start of something significant, not a logistics challenge to overcome. Print this checklist, work through it in the order above, and check off each item as you go. Most of what worries first-time student flyers — missing a connection, getting questioned at immigration, struggling with the first 48 hours — is solved by preparation, not by luck.

Pack your documents folder before your clothes. Confirm your forex card activation 48 hours before flying. Save your university’s international student office number on your phone. And when you land, take a deep breath — you’ve already done the hardest parts: getting accepted, getting your visa, and getting here.

Book your study abroad flight via HappyFares 8-12 weeks ahead to lock in the best fare with student baggage allowance built in. For more guides on first-time international travel from India, see our first-time flyer guide, forex card comparison, and India-USA visa wait times.