Visa
Except for nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, all foreigners need to possess a valid passport and obtain a visa for visiting India. A tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and is usually a 90-180 day visa. We can organize this for you.

Money Matters

Currency should be changed only at the authorised dealers at airports, banks and hotels. They will issue an encasement certificate which is later required to reconvert local currency into foreign currency. Local currency cannot be legally be taken out of the country due to exchange regulations. All foreign nationals have to pay their hotel bills in foreign currency only, in cash by credit card or travellers cheques.

Health
Typhoid vaccination, Polio booster and anti-Tetanus are advisable. Stick to mineral water, bottled drinks, coffee, tea, beer or wine during meals. Tap water is not always chlorinated. Bring your own medicines, as all medicines in India are locally manufactured and you may not find the same brand names.Ask your hotel to recommend a doctor if ever you need one.

Food & Drink
Indian cuisine is a part of the Indian Culture and, as such, it should be sampled. Be careful that you eat non-vegetarian dishes only at good restaurants, as the quality can be dubious at the small, cheap establishments.It is advisable to stick to only cooked food and to eat fresh fruits whose skin you can peel off or remove.

Tipping
At hotels and restaurants, tipping is the norm. About 10% of the bill is usually acceptable. It is not mandatory to tip cab drivers. Porters are usually tipped at the end of your stay, though tipping at the beginning may result in a higher standard of service.

Bargaining
India is a shopper’s dream. Shopping is recommended from government emporiums and from suggested shops on the list of the Department of Tourism. All these shops have fixed prices. In small shops, and in small towns and cities, bargaining is a standard practice.

Sightseeing
Mosques and Temples are not always open to foreigners or women. Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot, etc. If travelling in scorching summer heat, remember to drink enough water and use Sunglasses and a wide rimmed hat. Photography is not always permissible and at many places is permitted only at a fee. There is usually a higher fee for video cameras. Museums and monuments are usually closed one day in a week. Photography at airports is prohibited.