104
TRAVEL TIPS AND USEFUL INFORMATION
PRE-DEPARTURE FORMALITIES VISA AND PASSPORT You will need a passport (with a minimum of six months validity before expiration) and appropriate visas to enter India and Nepal. You will need multiple entry visas if you are returning to India from Nepal for onward flights. We can assist you in processing you India Visa application,there is a small service charge. Should you wish to obtain your own visa we will furnish you with the necessary forms, which you may process directly with VFS Global UK.
MEDICAL INFORMATION No compulsory inoculations are required if you are arriving from United States, Canada or Europe. If you are entering from Africa or parts of Latin America, certification of Yellow Fever inoculation is required. General recommendations for travellers to India are: • Anti-malarial medications • Tetanus
• Gamma-Globulin • Viral Meningitis inoculations For further information contact your GP.
PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE • On your international flight, you are allowed two pieces of checked baggage, neither bag exceeding 62inches or 30kg in weight. In addition to the above, one piece totalling no more than 45inches may be carried on board, provided it fits beneath the seat. • On domestic flights within Indian and Nepal you are allowed 20kg for checked luggage, and one carry-on bag at 5kg. There are baggage restrictions on smaller aircraft in domestic sectors. We are not responsible for any excess baggage penalties, which will be charged at the listed rates directly by the airlines.
CLOTHING • Dress informally while on your holiday. Carry lightweight clothes that can be laundered easily. for evening dinner and events, a blazer or suit for men and appropriate evening wear for ladies. • In North India during winter, you will need light woollens, sweaters, a light jacked and woollen wrap. Dress in layers, so you can remove clothing during the warmth of the day when the temperatures average 70 degrees. It can be coller in cars and indoors, as there is no central heating. From March onwards, summer clothes are appropriate everywhere except in mountains regions. • In South India the weather is hot and humid. Light cotton clothes are most comfortable. • Woman should remember that the indian Subcontinent is conservative. Avoid short shorts, miniskirts and low backed sun dresses in public, particularly in the smaller towns. Trousers and Bermuda length shorts are perfectly acceptable.
USEFUL ITEMS TO TAKE ON YOUR TRIP • Personal toiltetries • Prescription medications with their generic names • Flashlight • Insect repelient • Face towels (smaller establishments may not be adequately supplied) • Wet wipes
• A small insulated flask for hot and cold drinks • Plastic cups and straws • Facial tissue and an extra roll of toilet tissue • Swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, sun block. • Comfortable walking shoes • Slipper socks - the kind that airlines hand out. You will need them at all the temples.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE You may purchase local currency at the International airport on arrival. You can also exchange money at hotels in all major cities at the Government fixed rate of exchange. • Major credit cards are accepted at city hotels and most shops. This Visa / Mastercard are more popular than American Express. • Small places and bazaars will accept Rupees cash only. • Obtain small denominations for tips etc. • The Indian notes are well thumbed and worn, and when getting cash you will often get a pack of 100 bills stapled together. Ask for help in detaching these as they can be a source of great frustration. • Do not accept torn bills when changing money, some shopkeepers might refuse it. • At the time of printing, the pound is equivalent to approximately 70 Rupees. There is 100 paisa in a Rupee.
* Each time you change your money at a Bank or hotel or Bureau De Change insist on a receipt known as "encashment certificate".
*On the last day of your departure from India ,after geting your boarding card,but before procedding to immigration and customs; you may please go to a bank at the airport in the check in hall ,where you can change your left over rupees back into UK pounds or US dollars etc, but you will have to present your boarding pass and few encashment certificates (being the proof that you have been changing money at a legal place).
ATM’s • There are ATM’s at branches of all major banks, but they wil give you cash in Rupees only. To get cash in Dollars you will have to go to American Express in Delhior Bombay only. The local staff will help.
INTERNET ACCESS • This is easily available now all over India, though not always high speed lines. • The hotel business centres are reliable and all hotels can arrange internet connection in your room for laptops. • All villa properties offer internet access from special stations in the lobby.
FOOD Each Indian state has its own history, culture and food. To stay healthy keep to a diet of fresh cooked vegetables, rice and Indian breads. Sample the: • Regional vegetarian cusines • Grilled Tandoori food • In coastal areas try the fresh coconut water, it is safe, cooling and delicious. • Freshly ground South Indian coffee
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS One should drink bottled water only and regularly to avoid dehydration. Do not use ice.
• Eat cooked meals, avoid green salads • Do not buy food at street stalls • Eat fruit that you can peel yourself • Avoid seafood except in coastal areas • Local beer, wine, and soda are safe
If an unexpected medical problem should arise, contact your hotel doctor.
ELECTRICITY Voltage in India is 220v/50 cycles. You will need UK plug adapters. Only round pin plugs are used in India. You can purchase these at any airport.
BUSINESS HOURS Shops and offices are generally open from 10:00am to 6:00pm with a break for lunch between 1:00pm and 2:00pm Monday to Saturday.
GRATUITIES/TIPS The following are suggested guidelines based on 2 persons traveling together. For exemplary service please tip at your discretion, baring in mind that the amounts listed are approximate and bare minimum. • Porters: Airports and railway stations: Rs 80 per bag. • Drivers: Rs 450 - 550 per day depending upon the the number of days a particular driver would have spent with you during your trip. • Bell Boys: Rs 80 per bag. • Restaurants: It is normal in India to leave 10% - 15% of the bill amount as tip for the waiters at the restaurants. • Guide: Rs 650 per day for local and approx Rs. 900 for accompanying escort.
BEGGING The governments ask that you do not give handouts to beggars. Make a contribution at a Temple, Mosque or charity instead if you wish.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
Please note: This is included in your airlines ticket.
ITEMS TO CONSIDER • Make sure you have signed, valid passport and visas, If required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! • Read the consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, If applicable) for countries you plan to visit. • Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. • Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs whilst you are overseas. • Familiarise yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are travelling. Remember, whilst in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! • Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. • While abroad avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amount of alcoholic beverages or associating with people who do so. • Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. • Deal only with authorised agents when exchanging money or purchasing art or antiques in order to avoid violating local laws. • When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly.
INSURANCE We recommend that all travellers to India arrange adequate insurance cover against accident, health hazard, missed flight connections, loss of baggage etc. for the entire journey prior to their arrival in India.
TRAVEL TIPS AND USEFUL INFORMATION
TELEPHONE 08444 930 403 |
WWW.TRAVELPACK.COM/BROCHURES
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108