City guideKolkata
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Airport
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
Time zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Currency
INR (₹)
Language
Bengali, Hindi and English understood
Getting to your hospital
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is typically 15-20km from the main hospital areas, generally a 30-45 minute drive.
Weather & best time to visit
Summers are hot and humid, with the monsoon running roughly June to September. November to February is mild and generally the most comfortable period for travel and recovery.
Hospital districts
Kolkata is West Bengal's capital and a major entry point for patients from Bangladesh and the wider eastern region, with a strong medical heritage and several well-established hospital groups.
Accommodation
Guesthouses and extended-stay hotels are available near the main hospital clusters, with a range of price points.
Accessible transport
Generally safe for international visitors; ride-hailing and pre-paid taxis both operate reliably from the airport and around the city.
Dietary support
Bengali cuisine is rice- and fish-based, with good vegetarian options also available.
Recovery-friendly communication
Bengali is the local language, with Hindi and English both understood, particularly in professional and hospital settings.
Staying connected
SIM/eSIM availability and connectivity are reliable in hospital and accommodation areas.
Emergency numbers
- All-in-one emergency112
- Ambulance102
- Police100
- Fire101
Keep the treating hospital's helpline; Kolkata hosts a Bangladesh consulate directly, relevant given the significant Bangladeshi patient corridor through this city, alongside other consular services.
Planning checklist
- Passport, visa and medical letter
- Hospital 24-hour helpline saved offline
- Prescription list and medical records
- Local SIM or eSIM activated on arrival
- Cash plus card (INR) for the first 48 hours
- Travel and medical insurance details
- Companion contact info shared with hospital