India travel information

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The Basics

Time: Local time is 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.

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 demographic. There are 16 other languages also spoken.

Travel Health: There are a many health risks associated with travel to India and travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur, both being transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are common in areas above 6,562 feet (2,000m), particularly in the north-east. Outbreaks of cholera occur frequently. Travellers from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a 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 should have medical insurance. Close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked to avoid Bird Flu.

Tipping: In India, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however tipping is expected in other services (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 Information: Travellers in India must be aware of the high general threat from terrorism. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore occured in popular tourist amenities including hotels, railway stations, markets and temples. There is the treat that public places frequented by Western tourists in the metropolitan centres (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai) may be targeted in future. Tourist areas such as Goa are also at risk. Increased security at major airports means travellers can expect delays.

Local Customs: India is generally a fairly tolerant society but visitors should be aware of religious and social customs; smoking in public was banned in October 2008. 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.

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