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TRAVEL GUIDE TO INDIA
Airport Taxes
Passengers embarking on trips to any place outside India from a
Customs airport/seaport will have to pay a Foreign Travel Tax (FTT) of
Rs. 500 (approx. $11) and Rs. 150 (approx. $3) on trips to Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
Climate
and Clothing
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November-March is the best time to visit India. During this
period, temperatures range from 40-60 F/5-15 C in the north to 65-85
F/19-30 C in the south. March-June is dry and exceedingly hot (85-110
F/30-44 C), and June-October is monsoon time (20-80 in/50-200 cm of rain
will fall in one season). During the rainy period, the monsoon washes
away many roads in game parks and rural areas. During the winter,
Kashmir (30-45 F/0-7 C) and Ladakh are one of the coldest inhabited
regions on Earth.
Plain cottons or cotton/synthetic blends are the most practical and
the coolest in summer. It's best to avoid synthetic fabrics that don't
'breathe'. For protection from the harsh sun a hat with a wide brim is
recommended. When traveling during monsoons, a collapsible umbrella
comes handy. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are
required. For functions carry formal suits for men and skirts and tops
for women. To enter a holy shrine, women should wear a long skirt or
dress or trousers. Travel in a Muslim community calls for even more
discretion.
Communications
Telephones & fax facilities are available in major hotels and
tourist locations. Postal mail is fairly reliable but slow . Most places you travel on cultural tours have some basic
internet/email service. Cyber Cafes are common in the major cities and
in many tourist areas.
Currency
The units of Indian currency are the rupee and the paisa (100 paisa
is equal to one rupee). Paper money comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5,
10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 rupees. Coins are in denominations of 25, and
50 paisa, one rupee, two rupees, and five rupees. The current
exchange rate is approximately Rs45 to $1.
International airports have currency-exchange booths that are always
open for arriving or departing overseas flights. It is a good idea to
change certain amount of money in small denominations. Always change
money from an authorized money-changer and do not forget to take the
encashment slip. Some banks now charge a nominal fee for this slip,
which is necessary for paying hotel bills or travel expenses in rupees.
The encashment slip is also required when reconverting rupees into
another currency.
Customs Regulations
Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration
in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are
also required to obtain the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs.
They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed over to them by the
airline during the course of the flight.
Electricity
The voltage in India is 220 Volts AC.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take the 220 Volt current.
Food and
Water
Tap water is not potable in India. Only drink
purified bottle water. Bring water with you at all times. Eat
only thoroughly cooked meat. Avoid pork products, fried food from street
vendors and dishes using excessive oil.
Heath
Matters
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No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless coming from or
passing through an infected area. originate or are transiting through
Yellow Fever endemic countries. Otherwise,
foreign tourists should carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
conforming to International Health Regulation.
Health risks include Cholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis,
malaria, meningitis (trekking areas only) and typhoid. Travelers with
respiratory ailments may wish to take precautionary measures. As a
precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended, if
staying for a longer duration. To avoid Malaria, Dengue, carrying
mosquito repellents, nets, clothes covering the body and using sprays
against insects in rooms is sufficient. Drinking only mineral or
boiled water curbs down the chances of stomach ailments, thus whenever
going out carrying a bottle always comes handy. This will also keep
dehydration at bay.
Holidays
Republic Day - Jan 26th
Idu’z Zuha/Bakrid (Feast of the Sacrifice) - Jan/Feb
Muharram (Islamic New Year) - Feb
Holi - Mar
Sri Rama Navami (Birthday of Sri Rama) - Mar
Mahavir Jayanthi - Mar/Apr
Good Friday - Apr
Milad-Un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet) - May
Buddha Purnima - May 4th
Independence Day - Aug 15th
Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday - Oct
Vijaya Dasami/Dussera - Oct
Diwali - Nov
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) - Nov (3 days)
Guru Nanak’s Birthday - Nov 26th
Christmas Day - Dec 25th
Passports and Visas
Visas are required for US Citizens for entry to India. Click
here to obtain Visa application instructions.
Time Difference
Standard Time in
India is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern
Standard Time, USA.
Tipping
Tipping is important.
In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to
bills. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a
few rupees, not a percentage of your bill. Most major hotels include a
service charge of 10%. Waiters, room service boys, housekeepers,
porters, and doormen all expect to be tipped. Railroad porters should be
paid Rs. 5 - Rs. 10 per bag, depending on the weight. Set the rate
before you let him take your bags. Taxi drivers don't expect tips unless
they go through a great deal of trouble to get to your destination, but
if you hire a car with a driver, tip him about Rs.50-Rs. 100 per day,
depending on the distance traveled. If you hire a local guide, tip him
or her Rs. 40 for four hours, Rs. 80 for a full day.
The Indian concept of
baksheesh includes tipping, but is broader: In India you'll be
expected to pay small amounts in order to get things done, as well as to
reward for jobs already accomplished.
Transportation
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All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide. Taxis are available from major hotels and the
use of mass public transportation is not recommended.
While the transportation network is extensive, traveling
in India can be quite challenging. Infrastructure can be poor and
conveyances are almost always crowded.
What to Pack?
Valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket.
Mosquitoes
repellent. Your Medicines.
Medications for diarrhea
and other digestive system ailments. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock. Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
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