Planning your travel

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, all foreign nationals entering India must possess a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post.

Information on visa

India is known to be a hot tropical country. In particular, Mumbai is nestled in the west coast of India. Its weather is hot and humid throughout the year. In September, temperatures can range from 24°C to 30°C. September will also be the end of the monsoon season, so expect short and light rainfall.

India observes the India Standard Time. It is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and Coordinated Universal Time.

India’s hygiene levels are improving. However, certain precautions must still be taken. Whether for consumption or brushing teeth, all water must first be boiled or filtered. Where possible, use bottled water. Check that food is freshly and properly cooked before eating. Bring some medicine with you, in case of stomach upsets.

For ease of mind, have your vaccination shots prior to your trip. Hepatitis, polio, typhoid, varicella, Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies vaccinations are recommended. Check with your doctor for current medical advisory. It is recommended that you get accident and medical insurance coverage before departing for India.

India is a relatively safe country. Travellers should still beware of scams, pick-pockets and bag-snatchers.

India is home to 1.27 billion people. They have a warm and pleasant disposition, and are especially kind to tourists.

Reuters reports that Indians speak 780 languages. The more common languages include Hindi, Tamil and Punjabi. Many locals are fluent in English so there should be no communication barriers. However, learning some basic phrases can make your stay in India smoother.

India is a country that celebrates diversity. It is one of the world’s most religiously-rich nations. Every year, festivals such as Diwali are huge spectacles. Also thriving is the arts sector. Bollywood, which is nestled in Mumbai, has gained much eminence over the years. Its productions have made it all over the world.

India offers a multitude of traditional cuisines that will excite the palate. Made with a blend of spices, the dishes can be overly spicy for first-time visitors. Flatbreads and rice usually accompany the main dishes, and help tame the spiciness.

Liquor in India is generally sold at liquor stores, restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, clubs and discos. The legal drinking age is 25 years.

When eating or passing objects to someone, be sure to use only your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean. Before entering a temple, mosque or house, remove your shoes as a sign of respect. Public displays of affection are not encouraged.

India has a well-established transport network like any other modern city. It also offers interesting transport options such as auto and human-powered rickshaws. It is best that you agree on the fare before starting the journey. The roads in India are congested, so renting a bicycle might be a wiser choice if you are planning a day of free-and-easy sightseeing.

Operating hours of establishments vary. The following is a rough guide.

Indian currency is called Indian rupee (INR). One rupee equals 100 paise. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2,000 rupees. Old 500 and 1000 rupee notes are no longer considered legal tender.

The use of credit cards is becoming increasingly popular in shops. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely-accepted cards, and can be used in upscale restaurants and hotels.

24-hour ATMS can be found in most towns and cities. Some banks will charge a high fee for a transaction. Bringing cash may be a better option. Moneychangers are found almost everywhere, from cafes to travel agencies. When exchanging currencies, it is important to note that some bank branches may only process travellers cheques.

It is a common practice for visitors to tip when service charge is not included. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, although hotel, airport and train porters should be tipped. In restaurants, if the service of the waitstaff is good, tipping between 5% and 10% of the bill is encouraged.

Exercise discretion when taking photographs. Photography in temples, airports or military installations is prohibited. It is advisable to ask for permission before taking photographs of your subject. Bring your own supply of batteries, flashbulbs, films, storage cards, etc.

India uses the Type D electrical plug. Electrical current is rated at 220V, AC 50 Hz. Some areas may have DC supplies. It is advisable to check before suing electrical appliances. Bring along adapters and converters, or borrow them from your hotel housekeeping. Hair dryers and irons are also readily available from hotel housekeeping.

Television in India is huge. It has over 800 channels that produce thousands of programmes in several languages. The country has embraced international channels such as CNN. Keeping up with the times, it also has five Internet Protocol TV platforms available for subscription.

Print is also a critical medium in India. According to Edelman, The Times of India is the world’s largest-selling English-language daily newspaper as of 2014.

In towns and cities, IDD service is available at hotels. Phone cards can be easily purchased in major cities. Mobile phone users can make arrangements for roaming service.

Internet is accessible at tourist centres, cybercafes and business centres in most cities. Free wireless connectivity is rare. Wireless or conventional broadband at 5-star hotels can be many times more expensive than at cybercafés. However, some hotels now offer WiFi.

Should you require assistance while in India, here are some useful numbers to take note of.

100 Police

101 Fire

102 Ambulance

108 Emergency response services

197 Telephone Enquiry