India Travel Tips
Travel Tips, Transport Services, Rules and Regulations,
India Visitor
India has a well established infrastructure
for western travellers. You need just a little extra patience
and consideration to have a wonderful experience. The transport
and the range of hotels in some ways eclipse those you will find
at home (except in speed and luxury) and you will comfortably
get by with English in any established tourist town or city.
What to Take?
As little as possible, you can buy just about everything when
you are out there. Perhaps the only area in which buying in
India is neither cheaper nor easily available is technical
equipment (i.e. found in camping/trekking shops, although in
Nepal, these abound).
What to Wear
Bare minimum - if you buy out there, you blend in better anyway.
During winter months in the North and the highlands in the South
do get cold at night, but at all other times light weight cotton
is best. Respect their culture, discreet clothing for women
especially. For foot wear - comfortable sandals are all you
need.
Email / Internet
Now huge in India, particularly on all well trodden travellers
paths. Connection can be slow but you will rarely fail to find a
selection of Internet cafes. Good tip is to duplicate records of
Travellers Cheque numbers, passport and plane details, etc. on
your email accounts.
Tourist Information Tips Do's and Don'ts
- Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel
visas, airline tickets and travel documents. A list of any
charge or credit cards you are carrying. Remember to keep
the copies separate from the originals.
- An International Driving Licence, which can be obtained
through the automobile association. Even if you are not
planning to drive, bring your driver's licence with photo
for identification.
- Consider purchasing special
Travel insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes.
- Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in
doubt ask for "Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina, Himalaya, etc"
mineral water(check the seal). As a further precaution bring
water purifying tablets.
- As in any location, there are those who steal from
others, so follow the same rules of safety that you follow
traveling anywhere else with respect to using hotel lock
boxes, and keeping travel documents safe. When in public
places, keep them in your hotel, or with you all the time
when moving about.
Men: Don't carry a traditional wallet with you, the
kind you put in your pocket (front or back).
Women: Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can
be easily snatched off your shoulder.
Consider using an "interior wallet",
the kind that is either fastened around your neck, draped
from a belt loop or worn, with a velcro fastener, around the
calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath
clothing.
- Taxis (cabs)/Auto Rickshaw (3 wheeler) are available
from all hotels, and you negotiate the rate before
commencing your journey. Use only authorised, properly
identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick up
additional passengers. Don't accept an offer to share a taxi
to your hotel unless you know the individual.
- Be wary of imposter porters or guides. Assure they are
properly uniformed or identified. Never leave your luggage,
briefcase or other items unattended.
- Train Journey: The image of the
Indian Railways is rated poor with common complaints
being making reservations is difficult or that the signage
is only in Hindi. But the screaming need is for cleaning up
the place or that it is just too dirty for comfort. Avoid
traveling in the Second Class.
- The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts).
You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores for
appliances that do not switch to 220V.Current Spikes are common in india so
use a spike buster
- There are some areas in India where malaria is still
prevalent. Prior to your departure, get a prescription from
your doctor for some anti malarial tablets.
- Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little
town and village and you can buy medication. In case you
need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help
from your hotel (most have doctors on call) or your tour
operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low(less
than a dollar) compared to western countries.
- Do remember to bring some insect repellent, mosquito
coils or even an electronic repellent. Mosquitoes in India
can be fierce.
- Avoid foods which have been laid out in the open, avoid
sweets and candies from local markets.
- Wash fruits before eating them.
- Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Always respect religious shrines and places of worship,
Some places require visitors to observe a decent dress code.
Take care not to violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.
- Change currency only from official moneychangers.
Remember to retain the currency Exchange receipts after each
transaction. You will need them for re-exchange on
departure.
This are some of the big scams
happening with international tourists ...
you try to change currency unofficially as the touts and
brokers promise to give a better exchange rate and as soon
as they get hold of your money..they vanish into thin air
sometimes the police raid while you are exchanging the
currency and you payoff the unscrupulous cops to get out of
it.
- Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although
bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to
tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
- Photography is prohibited in places of military
importance, railway stations, bridges, airports and military
installations.
- If ever you land in trouble, contact your
Embassy and nearest Police Station.
*** In a Indian Police Station always
speak with the Senior Inspector in Charge even if you
have to wait couple of hours.
Credit Cards
American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit
cards are generally accepted by large establishments including
hotels, shops, and airlines.
Complaints:
ln case of complaints against taxi or auto rickshaw for
overcharging or cheating, note down the number of the vehicle
and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic).
you can get the Contact Phone Nos in Telephone Directory.
Ministry of Tourism Help Desk.
Go India Trip
Address: G-37, First Floor West Sager Pur New Delhi-110046
Off Phone:-+91 9990812499,9873352002,9999995591, 9868036617.
Tele Fax:-91-11-25392283.
E-mail :-info@goindiatrip.com