India Information

The South Asian republic of India ranks as the second most populous country in the world. Its vast geographical area rests between the Arabian Sea (west) and the Bay of Bengal (east) while the Indian Ocean borders to the south. India borders six countries: Pakistan (west); China, Nepal, and Bhutan (northeast); and Bangladesh and Myanmar (east).

Time: GMT +5.5.
Electricity: 240 Volts, 50 Hertz; most plugs have two or three round pins.
Language: the national language of India, Hindi, is only spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Other languages commonly spoken include Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali and English.
Currency: India uses the Indian rupee. Banknotes are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 rupees while coins come in 5, 2, and 1 rupee pieces.
Visas: there is no visa on arrival system in place in India therefore all visitors must arrange a tourist visa by post or in person via an Indian embassy in advance. Applications made in person are processed on the same day. Tourist visas are valid for six months while a variety of other visa options are available for stays of up to five years.

Airport: India’s primary airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi while the following airports are also key entry points for tourists: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Mumbai), Chennai International Airport, Goa Airport, Bangalore International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport (Kerala).

Health: many visitors to India experience minor upset stomachs during their stays due to the difference in food, but it is easy to avoid getting sick by only drinking bottled water and ensuring all food is properly cooked. Precautions should be taken against malaria, which is present in some rural areas, while vaccinations against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A and B, and rabies are recommended.

Safety: pickpockets can be an annoyance at busy transport stations and there have been incidents of tourists getting drugged and robbed. It is therefore essential you don’t accept any drinks from strangers. Travel to some parts of the country is restricted due to ongoing political unrest, including travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Swimming can present dangers at some beaches so it’s always best to check with locals whether it is safe beforehand.

Tipping: in India is not expected at casual restaurants but a tip of 10 percent is normal in upmarket restaurants.

Communications: to dial outside from India, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code. The international dialing code for India is +91 while the city code for Delhi is 011. Using a calling card is the cheapest way to make international calls, which can be subject to surcharges in hotels. Mobile phone network coverage is good and internet cafés are widespread in major cities and tourist resorts.

Customs: Indians greet foreigners with a Western handshake, but handshakes are rarely exchanged between sexes. Shoes must be removed before entering a place of worship or a home and dress should be conservative, particularly for women (even at beaches). Public displays of affection are considered impolite, and only the right hand should be used for eating and passing things. Always ask before you take a photograph of someone or their house.

Weather: as a vast country, India’s climate varies from region to region. In general the best time to visit is in winter, when temperatures are warm and nights are cool. In summer, temperatures soar while monsoon weather can hinder travel.

April to June: summer season
November to March: winter season (the best time to visit)
June to September: monsoon season