Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:33 pm Post subject: INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS
INDIA TRAVEL & TOURISM TIPS
Arrival & Departure Formalities Information
Arrival Formalities
If the visa, for stay in India, is for more than 180 days, a Registration Certificate and Residential Permit should be obtained from the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office within 15 days of arrival. Four photographs are also required for registration. The foreigners registered at Foreigners' Registration Office are required to report change of their addresses. All persons including Indian nationals are required to fill in a Disembarkation Card, at the time of arrival.
Departure from India
All persons, except nationals of Bhutan & Nepal, leaving by air, road or rail have to fill in an Embarkation Card at the time of departure.
Exit Formalities
Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India must surrender his Certificate of Registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he is registered or of the place from where he plans to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port/Checkpost of exit from India.
Foreign Travel Tax
Passengers embarking on trips to any place outside India from a Customs airport/seaport will have to pay a Foreign Travel Tax (FTT) of Rs. 500 and Rs. 150 on trips to Afganistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Srilanka and Maldives. No tax is payable on trips performed by ship from Rameshwaram to Talaimanar and in case of transit passengers, provided they do not leave the customs barrier. Transit passengers travelling by air who have to leave the airport on accout of mechanical trouble but continue their jouney by the same aircraft and the same flight number by which they arrive are also exempt from FTT. Transit sea passengers leaving the ship for sightseeing, shopping etc. during the ships' call at any of the Indian ports will not be required to pay FTT.
Customs
Visitors are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration in respect of baggage and foreign currency in their possession. They are also required to obtain the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs. They should fill in the Disembarkation Card handed over to them by the airline during the course of the flight.
Dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or high-value articles must be entered on a Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form (TBRE). These articles must be reexported at the time of departure. A failure to re-export anything listed on the TBRE becomes a payable duty levied for each missing item. The following duty-free possessions are permissible- clothes and jewellery, cameras and up to five rolls of film; binoculars, a portable musical instrument, a radio or portable tape recorder, a tent and camping equipment, fishing rod, a pair of skis, two tennis rackets, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars,.95 litres of liquor, and gifts not exceeding a value of Rs. 600 (about $20). Depending on the attitude of the customs' official, one may or may not have to enter a portable computer on a TBRE form.
Currency Allowed In India
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travellers' cheques a tourist may bring into India provided he makes a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form given to him on arrival. This will enable him not only to exchange the currency bought in, but also to take the unspent currency out of India on departure. Cash, bank notes and travellers' cheques up to US$ 1,000 or equivalent, need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travellers' cheques, drafts, bills, cheques, etc. in convertible currencies, which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency, should be exchanged only through authorised money changers and banks who will issue an encashment certificate that is required at the time of reconversion of any unspent money into foreign currency. Exchanging of foreign currency other than banks or authorised money changers is an offense under Foreign Exchange Regulations Act 1973.
Leaving India
Rupees are not allowed out of India. Exchanging them before you depart is the best option. Banking facilities, for the conversion of rupees into foreign currency are usually located in the same airport hall as the check-in counters.Its best to access these facilities before immigration as they are not available thereafter. All animal products, souvenirs, and trophies are subject to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The export of skins made from protected wildlife species is not allowed. Such items cannot be imported into many countries, including the United States. As a general rule, avoiding such souvenirs that could be made of animal skins (except crocodile-leather goods)is best. Generally, items more than 100 years old cannot be exported without a permit from the Archaeological Survey, which has an office in Delhi. Reputable shops will provide you with the required permit or help you procure it. Items without permits will be detained by Indian Customs if they are believed to be over 100 years old.
Airports
The international airports in the metrocities extend services ensuring that the traveller on business can continue working even during his wait for boarding an international connection, or when transferring between international flights. These facilities include restaurants, business centres, rest rooms and telephone booths. Business centres are furnished with state-of-the-art equipment including wordprocessors and telefax. Airports also offer tourist dutyfree & handicrafts shopping, snack bars, nursery and baby care rooms, and an art gallery too for art lovers. Dutyfree prices in the airport shops are very competitive, giving one bargains on international
Safety Precautions And Emergency Information
Contact Information
Never leave an unlocked suitcase in a hotel room. Never leave suitcases unattended on airports or train stations. Women traveling alone should never get into a taxi or rickshaw if there's a second man accompanying the driver. Women should also chain lock their door when they are in their hotel room. Everyone should be alert in crowds for pickpockets. Wear a money belt. One should be careful while using his or her credit cards.
Hospital Emergency Rooms
East West Medical Center
38 Golf Links, New Delhi 110003
Tel. : 11/462-3738, 11/469-9229, 11/469-0955, 11/469-8865
Fax : 11/469-0428 or 11/463-2382
East West can provide a referral list of doctors, dentists, opticians, chemists, and lawyers throughout India. It is also the only clinic in India (so far) recognized by most international insurance companies. Patients, however, pay for services and are reimbursed by their own company or can arrange for payment through S.O.S. East West accepts major cards and is open 24 hours. It also provides 24-hour emergency medical services (including medivac) anywhere in India. Most hotels have chemists that are open daily until about 9 PM. The chemist in Super Bazaar in Connaught Place is open 24 hours.
General Timings to Visit Places
Delhi observes numerous national and religious holidays, in such cases the commercial places are closed. Most government and private banks are open weekdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and on Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, they are closed on government holidays. The international airport and some luxury hotels have 24-hour money-changing facilities. The major offices of American Express that offer check-cashing facilities also have extended hours. Western-style hotels will also change money for their guests. Post offices are open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM,Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and are closed on government holidays and Sundays. Most museums are closed on Mondays and site museums (near archaeological monuments) are normally closed on Fridays. Museums are also closed on government holidays. Business hours of market places, shops, bazaars vary from place to place.
Customs To Keep In Mind
Visiting a religious monument demands respect.
Points to Remember
With all sects, removing shoes is a must before entering a shrine, though sometimes cloth overshoes are provided for a small charge. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the premises or speaking in a raised voice is not permissible. Some structures are off-limits to visitors who don't practice the faith. One should not try to force or bribe to enter such places. Women should always be properly dressed and should cover their head before entering a Sikh gurudwara or a mosque. When you enter a mosque, you are supposed to step right foot first into the courtyard. In some Hindu and Jain temples all leather products inside a shrine like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited. Many temples also expect visitors to purify themselves by washing their hands and feet under a tap or tank available there before entering. No visitor in a gurudwara should keep his feet pointing towards the Holy Book or step over any one sitting in prayer or meditation. Usually try sitting on the floor of a Hindu or Sikh temple with cross-legged or with feet tucked beneath is best.
In a Buddhist monastery always remember to follow a clockwise direction while spinning a prayer wheel, going around the interiors and exteriors of the monastery itself, stupa or mani wall. Inside the monastery, cushions and chairs are reserved for lamas (monks). Sit on the steps outside or on the floor. Incase one gets the opportunity to meet a rimpoche (head lama) or a respected monk, it's polite not to turn one's back on him while leaving. Also removing the hat and lowering an umbrella within the confines of a monastery is advised. This courtesy is also observed in the presence of a lama.
Shopping & Tipping
Tipping is virtually unknown in India, except in swanky establishments in the major cities. In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees, not a percentage of your bill. Most major hotels include a service charge of 10%. Waiters, room service boys, housekeepers, porters, and doormen all expect to be tipped. Railroad porters should be paid Rs. 5 - Rs. 10 per bag, depending on the weight. Set the rate before you let him take your bags. Taxi drivers don't expect tips unless they go through a great deal of trouble to get to your destination, but if you hire a car with a driver, tip him about Rs.50-Rs. 100 per day, depending on the distance travelled. If you hire a local guide, tip him or her Rs. 40 for four hours, Rs. 80 for a full day.
MONEY MATTERS
The units of Indian currency are the rupee and the paisa (100 paise is equal to one rupee). Paper money comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 rupees. Coins are in denominations of 25, and 50 paise, one rupee, two rupees, and five rupees.
Changing Money
Importing and exporting the currency is strictly against the rules. International airports have currency-exchange booths that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights.A good idea would be to change certain amount of money in small denominations.
Always change money from an authorized money-changer and donot forget to take the encashment slip. Some banks now charge a nominal fee for this slip, which is necessary for paying hotel bills or travel expenses in rupees. The encashment slip is also required when reconverting rupees into another currency.
Most hotels have foreign-exchange facilities for their guests and will cash traveller's cheques
American Express
Wenger House, A-Block, Connaught Place
Tel. : 11/332-4149, 11/332-4119
Thomas Cook
Hotel Imperial, Janpath
Tel. : 11/332-7135, 11/335-0562
The above will cash their own traveller's cheques.
The Central Bank of India
Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri
Tel. : 11/601848 is open 24 hours daily, except on national holidays.
Traveller's cheques can also be encashed at
Bank of America
15 Hansaslaya,4 Barakhamba Road Tel. : 11/372-2332
Citibank
Jeewan Bharati Bldg., Connaught Place
Tel. : 11/371-4211
Credit cards are widely accepted in Indian cities and larger towns, particularly American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Credit cards can also be used to get cash advances in rupees. The Bank of Baroda is the best place for such transactions.
Essentials For Packing
In India, delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels. Plain cottons or cotton/synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. It's best to avoid synthetic fabrics that don't 'breathe'. For protection from the harsh sun a hat with a wide brim is recommended. When traveling during monsoons, a collapsable umbrella comes handy. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are required. For functions carry formal suits for men and skirts and tops for women. To enter a holy shrine, women should wear a long skirt or dress or trousers. Travel in a Muslim community calls for even more discretion. Women should consider wearing a salwar kameez, or loose pants and long blouse. Trekkers and travellers going on any outdoor adventure should bring a day pack that will hold a sweater, camera, a water bottle. A good pair of binoculars and sunglasses that block out ultraviolet rays are advised. Also carry strong sunblock, sewing kit, premoistened towelettes, pocket knife with can opener,lock and key for each duffel or bag, high-power impact-resistant flashlight, spare batteries (unless they're a popular size). Sports enthusiasts should bring their own tennis or golf balls, which are expensive in India. Electronic Gadgets For electric-powered equipment, bring a converter and an adapter. The electrical current in India is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC), wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.
Health Precautions And Other Related Information
Foreign tourists should carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate conforming to International Health Regulation, if they originate or are transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries.
Health risks
Cholera, dengue fever, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, meningitis (trekking areas only) and typhoid.Travellers with respiratory ailments may wish to take precautionary measures.
Health Certificate
Citizens and travellers coming from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, do not require any vaccination certificate or innoculations. Though normally an International Health Certificate is not asked for by immigration officials, its better to carry one.It contains valuable information incase one needs medical attention.
Vaccinations
As a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended, if staying for a longer duration.To avoid Malaria, Dengue, carrying mosquito repellents, nets, clothes covering the body and using sprays against insects in rooms is sufficient. A first aid kit carrying adhesive bandages, thermometer, water-purification tablets, antibiotics, antiseptic creams and mosquito repellents is advisable. Drinking only mineral or boiled water curbs down the chances of stomach ailments, thus whenever going out carrying a bottle always comes handy.This will also keep dehydration at bay. If in doubt, one can take a salt-sugar solution 1/2 tsp. salt and 4 tbsp. in one litre of water to rehydrate.
At Eating Joints
Though sticking to a vegetarian diet is recommended, eating only thoroughly cooked meat is advisable.
Avoid
Pork Products
Fried food from vendors
Dishes using excessive oil
Gender: Age: 32 Zodiac: Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 7
Home Country: india
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