Money :
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100
paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and
authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to obtain rupees outside
India, but no matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange
office open at the airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black
market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations.
Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in
tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are not generally available.
Time :
Local time is GMT +5.5.
Electricity :
240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two
or three round pins.
Language :
Although English is generally used for official and business purposes,
Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of
the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic.
There are 16 other languages also spoken.
Health :
There are a number of health risks associated with travel to India, including malaria and
dengue fever, and travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three
weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur,
both being transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are common in areas above
6,562 feet (2,000m), particularly in the northeastern state of Assam. Outbreaks of
cholera also occur frequently. Those travelling from an infected area should hold a yellow
fever certificate. Food poisoning is a major risk in India; all water and ice should
be regarded as contaminated and visitors should drink only bottled water and ensure
that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in
all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and
unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities but
limited in rural areas. Travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. Bird
flu was first discovered in domestic poultry in February 2006, but no human infections
have been reported. The risk for travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with wild,
domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well
cooked.
Tipping :
Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however all other services expect small tips, including
porters, guides, hotel staff and waiters in small establishments. In tourist restaurants or
hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. Baksheesh is common in India,
it is more a bribe than a tip and will ensure better service; it is given before rather
than after the service.
Safety :
The vast majority of visits to India are trouble-free, however
in light of the dispute with Pakistan most governments advise against all travel to the
Jammu (except Jammu City) and Kashmir regions, all but essential travel to Srinagar
(fatal attacks continue), and anywhere near the border with Pakistan, with the exception
of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh, as well as to Jaisalmer and Amritsar. A number of recent
grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir, have targeted tourists and tourist buses,
causing several deaths and numerous injuries. Manipur and Tripura should also be avoided
and travel to Imphal is not recommended. There has been an increase in the severity of
terrorist attacks in the east and northeast of the country with a spate of bomb attacks,
and visitors should keep up to date with the situation. Many people, including tourists,
have been killed. Violent extremist groups are active in Bihar, Jharkland, Chattisgarh,
West Bengal and Orissa where attacks and violent crime has caused fatalities. In July 2006,
seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore apart commuter trains in suburban Mumbai killing
187 people and injuring over 700, and in February 2007 over 60 people were killed in bomb
blasts on the Samjhauta Express travelling between Delhi and Lahore; security has
been increased at transport hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Visitors should be aware that there
are tensions between the Muslim and Hindu populations, and there is a risk of terrorism
throughout India, and they should remain particularly vigilant in public places,
on public transport and at tourist sites, especially around Mumbai and Delhi.
Crime is an issue at major tourist spots and visitors are advised to keep an eye of their
valuables and, in particular, passports. Be aware of confidence tricksters, often
involving fake jewellery, particularly in Agra and Jaipur, and never accept food from
strangers, particularly on trains as travellers have been drugged and robbed. Road accidents
are common and claim hundreds of lives every year. Bus accidents are blamed on reckless
driving and speeding, and old vehicles. The monsoon season, usually from June to September,
causes great flooding, loss of life and destruction in India every year.
Customs :
India is generally a fairly tolerant society but visitors should be aware of religious and social
customs; smoking in public was banned in October 2008. When visiting temples visitors will
be required to remove their footwear and cover their heads. In general women should dress
conservatively both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid unwanted attention. Topless
bathing is illegal. Indians do not like to disappoint and instead of saying 'no' will
come up with something positive, even if incorrect. Social order and status are very
important in Indian culture. Avoid using the left hand, particularly when eating.
Business :
Business in India is conducted formally, with punctuality an important aspect. Suits and ties
are appropriate, and women in particular should dress modestly. If it is very hot,
jackets are usually not required and short sleeve shirts are deemed appropriate.
It is customary to engage in small talk before getting down to business and topics
can range from anything from cricket to politics. Business cards are usually exchanged
on initial introduction, using the right hand only. Handshakes are fairly common, though
one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a 'namaste' - a traditional Indian
greeting of a small bow accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should
return the greeting. It is common for women to participate in business meetings, and
hold high positions in companies, and foreign businesswomen are readily accepted.
Business hours are usually from 9.30 to 5.30pm (weekdays) with a lunch break from 1pm to 2pm,
and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.
Duty Free :
Travellers to India over 17 years do not have to pay
duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; medicine
in reasonable amounts; 59ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and goods for personal
use. Prohibited items include livestock, bird and pig meat products.
Communications :
The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing code is 00 followed
by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom).
City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi. International calls can be quite
expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is
cheaper to use a calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most towns
which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance internal calls and ISD
for the international service. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and
have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet
Contacts :
Emergencies: 100 (Police); 102 (Ambulance).
