Travel Information for Tourist
Travel Tips & Essentials Section
Passport/Visa
Citizens of all countries need to have a valid passport and an entry, transit
or tourist visa obtained from the Indian mission in their country. Tourist visas
are normally valid for 120 days. Those who wish to visit neighboring countries
like Srilanka or Nepal, need to obtain a double/multiple entry visa.
Registration
All foreigners are required to get themselves registered with the foreigners
regional registration office (FRRO), which is situated in:
Level - II, East Block - 8,
R.K Puram, Sector-1,
New Delhi
Ph: (011) 6711443
Bringing in currency
Any amount in the form of currency, travelers cheques and the like can be brought
in or taken out, and while remitting money to India the full address of the
bank should be given.
Money changing
The unit of currency is the rupee and all money should be changed with authorised
money changers available at various places. You should insist on a receipt which
will help in reconverting the money whenever you desire so.
Time Difference
The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad, and is common to all
Indian cities. IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
Languages Spoken
English and Hindi are commonly spoken in most of the places. In hotels and restaurants
the staff speak English, while the tourist guides are also well versant with
the language. Indians being friendly by nature, help foreigners who may not
understand the local languages.
Tipping
Tipping is very common for porters in hotels as also the stewards and bearers
and tourist guides, though it is nto the practice with taxi and auto drivers
and other means of transport within the city. The standard amount in hotels
and restaurants is 10% of the total bill.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in public places, public transport and at government offices,
inside cinema halls and theatres in several cities. In several other places,
boards prominently display the ban on smoking.
Moving around in the city
Means of transport for moving around in the city are available in the form of
auto rickshaws, and taxis which are metered and the meter should be down down
before starting the vehicle. Latest fare rate charts are available with all
drivers.
Rent a car - Several private operators in several cities, offer this
facility. If one has a valid driving licence, there are several outlets which
provide self driven cars. Chauffeur driven cars are also available.
Public transport - Public transport in the form of local trains and buses
ply between select destinations and the fares are usually much cheaper than
private taxis/cabs.
Traveling within the country
There are a number of facilities for traveling within the country. Modes of
transport between various states and cities include: Railways services, Private
buses, and Air services.
Rail reservations - For traveling in Indian railways, one has to make
reservations according to his plans well in advance to avoid last minute hassles.
To provide facilities for the foreign tourists, the Indian railways have introduces
the Indrail pass, by which small budget visitors can travel from any point to
any point without route or train restrictions within the period of validity.
Travel Information for Tourist, Travel
Tips & Essentials Section Reservation Form
