Surat City Guide

Strong vegetarian-friendly cuisine with dishes like Surati Locho and Undhiyu. Some international options are available. Street food stays open late in popular areas.

Nightlife is quiet due to alcohol restrictions. Some cafes and lounges open late but clubs are rare.

Coffee scene is growing with a mix of traditional and modern cafes. Tea is more common but specialty coffee is emerging.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Small tips or rounding up the bill is common in restaurants. Tipping drivers is optional.

SIM cards are sold at authorized stores near airports and city centers. Major providers are Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea. Registration requires passport, visa, and photo. Activation may take several hours to a day.

Surat is known as one of India's cleanest cities with effective waste management.

Some pharmacies and stores open 24/7. Hospitals have emergency services around the clock.

Supermarkets have some imported goods. Local markets offer fresh produce and local items. Bargaining is common in local markets, not in supermarkets.

Digital payments via UPI are common even at small shops, but cash is still widely used for smaller purchases.

ATMs are easy to find throughout the city. Check your bank's fee policy for international cards before use.

Private and international schools use English mostly. Local schools teach in Gujarati and Hindi. Admissions usually open before new academic year starts.

No strong digital nomad community or meetups. A few cafes offer Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces.

Parks like Sneh Rashmi Botanical Garden and the riverfront offer greenery and running spaces.

Good running routes along Tapi Riverfront, parks, and residential areas. Generally safe during day.

Several gyms and sports clubs offer fitness options including badminton and swimming.

Tennis courts exist at sports clubs and some residential complexes.

Padel courts are rare and mostly absent.

Many yoga studios offer classes in various styles, with some English-speaking instructors.

Several martial arts schools teach Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. English-speaking instructors sometimes available.

No skiing available near Surat.

Limited water sports directly in Surat. Some activities may be available further out at beaches.

No surfing spots; coastline does not have good surfable waves.

No dive sites close to Surat.

Private hospitals offer better quality and usually have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and some open late or 24/7.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water.

Several parks, playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and attractions like Science Centre and Aquamagicaa Waterpark.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is limited; few dedicated safe spaces and events.

Pet policies vary; vet services and pet shops exist but pet parks are few.