Before your trip!

Visas

All non-Indian Passport holders require a passport, and an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist) visa, both with validity covering the intended duration of your visit. It is advisable to have the validity of passport 6 months beyond your departure date from India. The Visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian Embassy or High Commission.

Health

While there are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to India, we strongly advise that for all medical and health advice you consult your doctor and/or your appropriate Medical Centre / Health Advisory Service at least six weeks before your intended the date of travel. A valid yellow fever certificate is mandatory for anyone who has been, even in transit, in Africa, South America, or Papua New Guinea in the last six days.

Insurance

International travellers these days are well aware of the importance and advantages of purchasing insurance to cover the maximum number of contingencies. Nevertheless, we feel duty bound to remind you that you should do so.

Regarding Money

In India, the unit of currency is the Rupee (Rs.) divided into 100 paise. Banknote denominations are Rs.1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5. Coins are Rs.5, 2, 1, & Paise 50, 25.Most major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex etc. are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops, as are travellers cheques. Foreign currency should be changed with Authorised Money Changers only - facility is available at most hotels, banks, international airports, and some large shops. Do make sure to obtain an ‘Encashment Certificate’ when you change money. It will help you reconvert any Indian money you might have left over back into your original currency at the time of departure.

Dressing for India

India is generally warm - though it can be bitterly cold in Northern states, particularly in winter months. Generally, clothes that ‘breathe’, and which can be worn in layers are a good idea; in winter, a sweater/cardigan and a windcheater are useful. Outside your hotels, it is generally best to be dressed somewhat conservatively, avoiding clothes that are too revealing, transparent or skimpy. A scarf, hat, or cap provides protection from the sun. At some places of worship – temples and mausoleums – shoes are required to be removed before entering.

Baggage

While baggage (by pieces and/or weight) allowed by international airlines, particularly on trans-Atlantic sectors may be more, if taking any flights in India please keep in mind that our domestic airlines allow each economy class passenger only 20 kilograms of checked baggage. They also require your checked baggage to have your lock on it.

Tipping

At restaurants, if service charge is not included in the bill, 10 to 15% is the normal tip. For hotel porters Rupees 20 per large bag is usual; for sightseeing guides and drivers Rupees 50 to Rs 100 per person per day depending on service.

Photography

Camera fees vary from place to place in India, and we do not include them in our tour prices. Other than restricted areas, airports, and inside some monuments/museums, photography is generally permitted everywhere. Before photographing unknown individuals it is better to seek their permission – and offer a small tip if appropriate.

Note

While the information given above is correct at the time of publication to the best of our knowledge and belief, we regret we cannot accept any responsibility for any discrepancies, changes or consequences. The information is given as a genuine effort on our part to be helpful.