General Information For Traveller

What To Bring

If you are only traveling to a single destination, for example Goa OR Kerala, you can pretty much bring what you like. A suitcase is a good option. It’s lockable, keep your clothes flat and is less likely to get damaged by careless luggage handlers at the airport. Heavy luggage presents few problems if all you have got to do is get into the car and get to a hotel.

Passport

You must have a passport with you all of the time. It is the most basic travel document. Ensure that it will be valid for the entire period you intend to remain over.

Visas For India

Six month multiple – entry visas (valid from the date of issue) are now issued to most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or re-entering the country.

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss & medical problems is a good idea. Some policies offer lower and higher medical expense option, the higher once are chiefly for countries such as the USA , which have high medical costs. There are a wide variety of policies available, so check the small print.

Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’, which can include scuba diving, motorcycling or even trekking. A locally acquired motorcycle license is not valid under some policies.

You may prefer a policy, which pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to center in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.

Check that the policy has Ambulance & Emergency Flight Cover.

Money & Currency

The Rupee (Rs.) comprises of 100 Paise (P). There are coins 25 & 50 paise and Rs. 1, 2, 5 and 10 denominations. The currency notes are in denomination of Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000. You are not allowed to bring in unlimited amounts of foreign currency or unlimited amount of foreign currency or traveller’s cheques, but you are supposed to declare anything over US$ 10000 or equivalent on arrival.

Tipping & Bargaining

In restaurant or hotels, where service charges are usually tacked on in any case, the 10% figure usually applies. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a few rupees, not a percentage of the bill.

Time

Indian Standard Time (IST) is 05.30 Hrs ahead of GMT/UTC, 04.30 Hrs behind Australian EST & 10.30 Hrs ahead of American EST.

Electricity

The electric current is 230-240V AC, 50 cycles. Electricity is widely available in the main towns and cities and main destinations. Socket are the three round pin varieties similar (but not identical) to European round pin plugs will go, into the sockets, but as the pins on Indian plugs are somewhat thicker, the fit is loose and connection is not always guaranteed.

Weights & Measures

Although India is officially metricated, imperial weights and measures are still used in some areas of commerce. You will often here people referring to Lacs
(One lac = 100,000) and crore (One crore = 10 million).

Health

Travel health depends on your pre-departure preparations, your daily health care while traveling and how you handle any medical problem that does develop. While the potential dangers can seem quite frightening, in reality few travelers experience anything more than upset stomachs.

Legal Matters

If you find yourself in a sticky legal predicament, contact your embassy. You should carry your passport with you at all times.

Airports & Airlines

Mumbai ( Bombay ), Delhi , Calcutta & Chennai are the main gateways for international flights. A new international airport has opened near Cochin in Kerala, which is serving direct flights to/from Europe and Asia . India ’s national airline is Air India .

Baggage Allowance

The baggage allowance is normally 23 Kgs per person for Europe & Asia, and the persons who are traveling from USA is allowed to carry 2 pieces (32 Kgs each). Infants under the age of 2 on the date of their return flight have no allowance. The baggage allowance may vary depending on the airline or flight.

Excess Baggage

Airlines are increasingly enforcing stricter controls over excess baggage. You should be aware that if you exceed baggage allowance stated on your ticket, then an excess baggage allowance stated on your ticket, then an excess baggage allowance stated on your ticket, then an excess baggage charge may be levied on you by the airline at the time of check in.

"Based on your itinerary we could give you very specific tips as well"