Is Hyderabad Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Unauthorized taxi touts outside Rajiv Gandhi International Airport's arrivals hall recruit passengers into "shared" rides at seemingly discounted fares, but only reveal the sharing arrangement mid-journey. When passengers attempt to exit partway through, drivers refuse to open the boot and hold luggage hostage until the full individual fare — not the shared rate — is paid. In 2024, Hyderabad police recorded 446 touting cases at RGIA alone, and multiple traveler accounts on Reddit and TripAdvisor describe nearly identical intimidation tactics, particularly targeting passengers arriving at night.

How to avoid: Use only the official pre-paid taxi counter inside the terminal, or book Ola or Uber from within the designated app-cab pickup zone before exiting arrivals. Ignore all touts approaching you in the arrivals hall. Never place luggage in a vehicle's boot until you have confirmed the fare, destination, and that the driver is licensed.

Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) arrivals exit, particularly the unauthorized pickup area outside the terminal building in Shamshabad

Scammers call or video-call victims posing as CBI officers, RBI officials, or Hyderabad police, claiming the victim's phone number or bank account has been linked to a money laundering or narcotics case. Victims are told they are "digitally arrested" and must remain on call continuously — sometimes for days — while being coerced into transferring large sums to "clear their name." In Hyderabad, documented losses reached Rs 33.81 crore in 2025, with a single family losing Rs 5.5 crore after 17 days of continuous video call surveillance.

How to avoid: Know that no legitimate law enforcement agency — including CBI, RBI, Customs, or Hyderabad Police — contacts citizens via video call, demands money to avoid arrest, or conducts "digital arrests." Hang up immediately. Do not share personal details, bank credentials, or OTPs. Report to the Cyber Crime helpline at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Where: Operates via phone and video call citywide; Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Station (Banjara Hills) handles the majority of reported cases

The UK FCDO travel advisory for India specifically warns that British nationals have reported having beverages spiked with sedatives, resulting in robbery or assault. In Hyderabad, this risk is concentrated in bars and nightlife venues around Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills, as well as in situations where strangers on trains or at tourist sites offer food or drinks. Victims typically become drowsy or incapacitated and wake to find money, phones, and passports stolen.

How to avoid: Never accept food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers you have just met, whether at a bar, on a train, or near a tourist site. At bars and restaurants, keep your drink in sight at all times and be cautious if a new acquaintance insists on ordering your drinks for you.

Where: Bars and lounges in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills entertainment districts; also reported on long-distance trains departing from Secunderabad and Hyderabad Deccan railway stations