Anyone freelancing within India?

I have to take some exams this month and after that I will be applying for some freelance gigs. I have to get some things in order before I can apply for international payment processors so I am thinking about doing some freelancing with Indian clients for the time being. So I have some questions and will appreciate if anyone can answer them

1. Do you work with local clients (within your city) or are you comfortable with a client anywhere in the country?
2. Do you make a work contract? If yes then do you make a digital contract or a physical one?
3. Has a client ever refused to pay you after you completed the job? How did you deal with it?

If there is any other stuff or experience that anyone would like to share that would be great too!

Point No 3. happens if you ignore Point No. 2. Always have a digital contract and take a monetary commitment upfront. While doing that, be confident that you can delight the client with your work. Anything less than a delighted client at the end of your gig will run you into point no. 3.

If you are newbie, hard to get clients who will pay before work. As you learn and grow, you will be the one making the terms and can demand payment before working on a freelance project.