Travel Tips

Currency
India ’s currency is 'Rupee', abbreviated as Rs. One Rupee is equal to 100 paise. Coins are in various small denominations of 10, 25, 50 Paise & 1, 2, & 5, Rupees. Notes (Bills) are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, & 500 Rupees.

Foreign Exchange
You can exchange money at international airports where 24-hour exchange facilities are available through banks and approved money changers. You can also change money at nationalised banks and other banks in the country. Some of the larger nationalised banks include the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Punjab and Sindh Bank, Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank and Union Bank of India . You will find international banks such as ANZ Grindlays, Standard Chartered, Citibank, BNP, Bank of America, Hong Kong Bank and others in the major metro cities.  Most of these have 24-hour ATMs. American Express and Thomas Cook offices may be found in major metros and tourist cities. Banks timings are usually from 1000 hrs to 1600 hrs on week days and 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs on Saturdays. Please remember that not all banks will exchange foreign currency or travelers cheques — particularly in small towns.  

Travelers Cheques/Credit Cards
Travelers’ cheques should be of well-known brands like Thomas Cook, American  Express and Visa. Major Credit Cards like American Express, Master Cards, Diners Club, Visa, are  generally accepted by large establishments, including hotels, shops and airlines.

Payments
All foreign nationals must pay their hotel bills in foreign currency (cash, Traveler’s Cheques or even by Credit Cards).  This can  be paid in Rupees  if the visitor has a receipt to show as a proof of currency exchange. Exchange money  only through authorised banks or  Money Changers. Insist on a receipt when changing money. Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion  of unspent  money on  departure from India .

Tipping
It is usual  to tip the waiters, porters, guides and drivers. Tips are not  included in the bills, whether of hotels, transport companies or any other suppliers. At hotels and restaurants, about 10% of the bill is usually acceptable.

Guides
Trained English-speaking guides are available at fixed charges at all important tourist places. Besides English-speaking guides, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, and Japanese speaking guides are also available at some cities. These guides should be approved by the Government of India.

Reconfirmation of Air-Tickets
If your domestic sectors are issued on international tickets, it is advisable to re-confirm them, at least 72 hours before the date of travel. It is also advised that your reservation for international departure be reconfirmed well in advance to avoid any last minute difficulties (at least 72 hours before departure).

Electricity
In India voltage is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, though  some areas also have DC supplies. Visitors  are advised to check the voltage before using  electrical appliances. Socket sizes vary, so it is as well to take a set of plug adapters, available from most electrical stores.

Prohibited Articles
The import of prohibited articles such as dangerous drugs, live plants, gold/silver bullion and coins, not in current use, is either totally prohibited or restricted. The law  provides heavy penalties for the infringement of this restriction, and in some cases punishment can extend to the death sentence. Also, by law, visitors are banned from taking antiques and wildlife products out of the country - any infringement is punishable by fines and imprisonment..

Caution
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment up to 7 years. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives — specially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.

Photography
Visitors to India find varied subjects for photography including people, monuments, wildlife, festivities, and landscapes. Note, however, these formalities, in respect of photography:

Special permission of the Archeological Survey of India, New Delhi , is required for use of tripod and artificial light on monuments.

Special permission of Government of India is required for any photography for the purpose of publicity and commercial use.

Photography is prohibited in tribal areas.

Taking photographs of airports, railway stations, bridges, military installations, and from the air is prohibited.

Visiting Places of Worship
Removing  one’s shoes before entering temples, mosques or Gurudwaras (sikh temple) is essential. Avoid taking leather goods of any kinds (bag, belt etc) and cigarettes into places of worship, as these are often not permitted. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops in places of public worship.

Help
Mugging is not common in India , but tourists should guard against pick-pocketing, bag-snatching and sexual harassment. A few simple precautions should be sufficient to ensure your safety. Always keep a photocopy of your passport and visa safe. In case you need to make a report to the police, obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) and keep it with you. In any case, always get in  touch with the Embassy or High Commission or Consulate for help.   

Insurance
It is always advisable to obtain good travel insurance to cover the worst possible scenario. Do keep a copy of your policy separately as a safeguard.

Disabled Travelers
Although disability  is common in India , there are very few provisions for disabled people — be it special toilets, availability of  wheelchairs, etc. You could employ a guide who will be prepared to help you in moving around. Another option is to go with a paid companion. Some package tour operators arrange travel for people with disabilities, but first ensure that your needs have been understood before making a booking.

Women Traveling Alone
India is a safe country to travel. Still, it is advisable that women travelers take basic precautions such as avoiding over crowded places, night travel, etc. Avoid wearing clothes that  expose legs, arms and cleavage — a large scarf is handy to use as a cover-all when required. More  serious sexual assaults on tourists are rare, but in case something should happen, call for help from passers-by. Remember, for the convenience of women,  there are 'ladies only queues at some train  and bus stations,  'ladies only' waiting rooms and compartments on trains.

Liquor Permits
There is prohibition in the states of Gujarat, Mizoram and Manipur.  However, foreigners visiting India are issued All India Liquor Permits on request from Indian missions abroad. Those who have not been able to obtain these before departure can get them from Government of India Tourist Offices at Delhi or Bombay . Subject to certain conditions,  the permit authorises the holder to buy, possess and use bottled liquor while touring any part where prohibition is in force. Further details may be obtained from Indian missions abroad.