India travel tips

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	Money		Language
	Health & fitness		Transport
	Safety & security		Electricity
	Food & water		Post & communication
	Responsible travel

Money

The currency in India is known as the Indian Rupee (INR). Exchange rates fluctuate so for current exchange rates please visit www.xe.com.

You are advised to carry a mix of credit and debit cards and cash. ATM access is available in many major destinations but we strongly recommend you have a back-up source of money. Outside of the main cities USD and GBP are preferable, however AUD are easily exchanged in the main tourist destinations. It is a good idea to keep some exchange receipts as you may need these if you want to change Indian rupees back to your own currency at the end of your trip. Credit cards can be used in many of the hotels and in some shops and restaurants in major cities; however they are not widely accepted in more rural areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at most bank branches but you will need your passport for identification purposes. If you bring traveler's checks, it is best to use USD, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

Health & fitness

Travelers to India should take precautions as they would elsewhere in Asia. International-standard medical facilities are available in major cities, however elsewhere facilities can be basic. Some of the diseases known to exist in India include hepatitis A and B, dengue, malaria, tetanus, diptheria and HIV/AIDS. We recommend you take adequate preventative measures to minimise your risk of exposure to these health risks. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up-to-date health advice at least one month prior to travel.

Safety & security

India is generally a safe country, though usual common sense precautions apply. Petty theft can be a problem in large cities and tourist centres so we recommend you wear as little jewelry as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street. Streets are not always well lit at night so we advise you take taxis rather than walk or ride in rickshaws. Taxis are metered and inexpensive.

Throughout your stay, always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveler's checks. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible.

Please check the following websites to get the latest news and travel advice from the region:

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade - www.smarttraveler.gov.au
Canadian Foreign Affairs & International Trade - www.voyage.gc.ca
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs - www.mfat.govt.nz/travel
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office - www.fco.gov.uk
USA Department of State - www.travel.state.gov
World Health Organization - www.who.int/en

Food & water

Indian cuisine can be a highlight of a visit to India, with a seemingly endless variety of styles and regional variations. Indian cuisine is characterised by its use of aromatic spices, with a wide array of vegetables and pulses a common feature. Rice is a staple. In Punjab and Rajasthan, curries tend to be thicker and heavier, with dairy and meats such as lamb being popular. In the south, coconut and tamarind are popular flavors and seafood is more common. Minor stomach upsets are common in India – it is advisable to only eat food that has been freshly prepared. In rural areas, food hygiene of restaurants is not always up to Western standards and your hotel may be the only option outside of very basic local tea houses or dhabas. Tap water should be avoided however bottled water is readily available throughout India.

Language

There are hundreds of languages in India, 50 of which have over 100,000 native speakers, and 18 that are officially recognised. Hindi is the most widely spoken, with around 40% of the population claiming Hindi as a first language. Other widely spoken languages include Bengali, Telugu, Urdu and Tamil. Hindi is the official language of India, with English being the secondary official language (and preferred by many non-Hindi speakers). As such, English is widely spoken and understood throughout India. Hindi is based on a non-Romanised script so most Westerners will have great difficulty trying to understand written Hindi.

Transport

When traveling by road we generally use late model air-conditioned minibuses. For tour groups of 6 or more travelers, air-conditioned Toyota Coaster or Hyundai with 25-40 seats are used on all road journeys. Modern sedan cars or traditional Ambassador cars and Tempo Travelers (minivans) are used for transporting smaller numbers. India has a number of regional airlines which operate relatively modern fleets, however schedules are subject to change, flights can be cancelled and this can result in alternations to your itinerary. India's rail network is extensive and trains can be a great way to travel. In coach class, each passenger has an individual seat, which can recline and is similar in style to an airline seat with plenty of space. Western style washrooms and toilets are usually located at both ends of each carriage, but standards vary from train to train. Compartments are fan-cooled or air-conditioned depending on the class. Air-conditioned sleepers are generally 4 berth arrangements and clean linen is provided. We try to use a variety of other transport methods, including boats and camels, where applicable.

Electricity

Voltage is mainly 220V alternating at 50 cycles per second. Sockets generally feature two or three-prong round pins. We advise you bring a universal adaptor. Electricity supply can be unreliable particularly in rural areas.

Post & communication

Internet cafes are widely available providing email services at very reasonable prices. Connection speeds vary. Wi-Fi is not widely available. International direct dial is available from most hotels for additional charges but the service is not always reliable and is usually relatively expensive. Cheap international calls can be widely made from local shops with an STD/PCO/ISD yellow sign outside and reverse charge (collect) calls are available in many cities. The international calling code for India is (+91). Mobile phones do work in India, although you will need to contact your service provider prior to departure to ensure that you have roaming. International post generally takes 10-14 days to reach its destination with postage charges slightly lower than western rates. Parcels must be inspected by a customs official at the post office before being sealed and boxes are usually available at the post office.

View our full list of India tours.

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