We are going to India in May, and today while talking to a person who happens to be originally from India, told me that we should take a good face mask. He suggested one from 3M that comes with a valve. He said that one mask should last us for the whole month and it goes for about $12 if we buy it here in North America. Has anybody used a face mask in India? And do you really need it in all major cities, i.e., Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore?

Hi - I was in Northern India in February--Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. A mask is not necessary at all. It will be terribly hot though in May.

No. Never occurred to me. It's way too hot and humid for me to consider it now I've heard about it!

You may see surgical type masks or scarves in other Asian cities, but virtually never in India. If you wear a face mask with a valve as you describe, you will nearly suffocate in the heat and you could possibly be questioned by the police. India is very security conscience and a foreigner walking around with what may look like a gas mask will immediately attract a lot of attention.

The air is polluted and smoggy, but unless you have asthma or other respiratory problem, you'll do better than you think.

I think your "friend" is pulling your leg...

I have lived in India for a few years I would say there is absolutely no need for a mask. Depending on where you are visiting, if the pollution and dust gets to you just wrap your handkerchief/towel over your nose and you will be ok till you get somewhere with less dust/pollution. Going for a gas mask with a valve is overkill and is bound to attract attention and possibly a question or two from the authorities.

Thank you ALL. I am convinced from your comments that a mask is not necessary. We would just have a small towel or handkerchief in case we need it.

Thank you kindly.

Before we left for India, I checked the weather for Delhi. It said "smoke" and that was absolutely what we encountered when we deplaned. I have some allergy/asthma problems and found the first couple of nights in Delhi unpleasant for sleeping, but once we got to Amritsar and the rest of India, I was fine.

Thanks a lot indianapearl. Neither of us has any asthma or allergies as such, thus with your experience we should be fine too without any mask.