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Goa Basics

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Time: 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.

Money: The currency is the Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paisa. Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de change. 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.


Currency Exchange Rates
INR 1.00 = A$ 0.03 C$ 0.02 IRR 0.19 NZ$ 0.03 £ 0.01 US$ 0.02 R 0.18

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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 population. There are 16 other languages also spoken.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport and a visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport and a visa.

Passport/Visa Note: A valid passport and visa is required by all for entry to India, unless they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. Some parts of the country are restricted areas and require a special permit. Travellers planning to go to the far northwest of the country or to the islands should check with India Tourism for the latest information.

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 transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are especially common in Assam state in north east India, which are responsible for hundreds of deaths. 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. General strikes have been called for by political parties in West Bengal, which have caused severe disruption to transport in the past; political rallies on strike days should be avoided due to the likelihood of violence. On 14 March 2007 10 people were killed and at least 100 injured in clashes in Nandigram, West Bengal. Security has been increased in Delhi and other cities following the three bombs that exploded in Delhi on 29 October 2005 that killed over 60 people, and the three bomb explosions in Varanasi that caused a number of deaths and hundreds of injuries on 7 March 2006. On 11 July 2006, seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore apart commuter trains in suburban Mumbai killing more than 190 people and injuring over 700, and on 19 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. The earthquake in Pakistan on 8 October 2005 was felt in the northern region of Kashmir that caused many deaths and widespread damage. 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 however visitors should be aware of religious and social customs. 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.

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 cafes are available in the main cities and resorts.

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.