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'India Travel Tips'

Magic India Tour wish you a very safe journey please read below tips before
arrival to India. Health Tips 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. 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. Food Eating at small
restaurants or roadside cafes can be risky because of unhygienic cooking
environments. Food poisoning is common when eating at unreliable places.
Drinking water can also be a health hazard. It is best to carry mineral water
bottles bought from a reliable store. In summer the extreme heat can cause heat
strokes and dehydration. Taking enough fluids is an absolute must. Do not accept
any type of food from strangers while traveling by trains or busses. Always buy
water bottles from a reputable store. Train Tips 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. Safety There have been many cases of tricksters cheating
foreign tourists of their medical insurance. Some touts have even offered a
commission on the insurance money. It is therefore advisable only to go for
medical emergencies to the large hospitals. Tourists coming alone should avoid
late night outings and lonely places. Female tourists should avoid befriending
or going with local peoples (few bad people spoils the name of full country but
i am interested in your safety). Money The local currency is the rupee (INR),
which is divided into 100 paise. Notes are available in denominations of
INR1.00, 2.00, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 50.00, 100.00 and 500.00. Coins come in 5,
10, 20, 25 and 50 paise, and INR1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 (although the latter is very
rare). Be careful not to accept torn notes from anyone as no-one else will
accept them, making them quite useless. Change is often in short supply, so try
not to carry large denominations. Visitors are not allowed to bring Indian
currency into India or take it out of the country. However, you may bring an
unlimited amount of foreign currency or traveler's cheques with you. Note that
any amount exceeding USD2,500.00 must be declared on arrival in India. Most
foreign currencies and traveler's cheques can be changed in the big cities. If
you've been in India for more than 180 days, you must obtain a tax clearance
certificate before leaving the country. These are available at the foreigners'
section of any income tax department in larger cities. You'll need to produce
bank receipts ('encashment certificates') to show that you have changed money
legally. An easy currency­converter is available online. You can check the
value of your money right away. All popular credit cards are easily accepted in
most metropolitans of India. Visas Passports: All travellers to India must
possess a valid passport. It is advisable to carry your passport on your person
all the while in India for possible identification requirements. Citizens of
Nepal and Bhutan can travel without passport but they have to carry some special
permits. Visas: All foreign tourists to India must possess a valid visas. Visas
are not issued on arrival. the cost of Visa is US$ 30 for up to six months. US$
50 for up to one year and US$ 100 for more than one year. Contact the Indian
embassy or consulate in your country for issuing of visas. A tourist visa is
valid for three to six months. Tourist visas allow multiple entry to simplify
visits to neighbouring countries. You will be required to fill in a
disembarkation card on your way to India which will have to be submitted at the
Immigration counters at the entry airport. Do's and Dont's Make travel
arrangements well in advance, especially if you are traveling in the peak season
(between October to March). Drink bottled or mineral water only as water
related diseases may be acquired through unhygienic intake of water or food. Do
not encourage beggars. Be careful of small time pickpockets, chain /
purse-snatchers who take advantage of the crowds. While shopping - it is better
to check with a local friend or your hotel staff for reliable places and
approximate prices - to avoid getting fleeced. A special police force called
Tourist Police is posted at all important places frequented by tourists for
providing assistance to tourists to prevent them from being cheated, harassed,
etc. This force is headed by a Superintendent of Police, designated as Deputy
Director Tourism (Enforcement) and is stationed in the Tourist Reception Centre.
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. Don't carry a
traditional wallet with you Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can be
easily snatched off your shoulder. 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. 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. Consider purchasing special
Travel insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes. 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 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. 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. Time Zone
India Time Standard Time is 5.5 hours (5 hours 30 minutes) ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time (GMT+5.5). :: Recommended Websites on Tourism in India ::
www.anindiatours.com    www.agraguide.com    www.tajmahal-tourism.com
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