India - basics - Countries Guide

Time: Local time is GMT +5.5.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.

Language: Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. There are 16 other languages also spoken.

Health: There are a number of health risks associated with travel to India, including malaria and dengue fever, and travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur, both being transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are common in areas above 6,562 feet (2,000m), particularly in the northeastern state of Assam. Outbreaks of cholera also occur frequently. Those travelling from an infected area should hold a yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a major risk in India; all water and ice should be regarded as contaminated and visitors should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities but limited in rural areas. Travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. Bird flu was first discovered in domestic poultry in February 2006, but no human infections have been reported. The risk for travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with wild, domestic and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes should be well cooked.

Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however all other services expect small tips, including porters, guides, hotel staff and waiters in small establishments. In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. Baksheesh is common in India, it is more a bribe than a tip and will ensure better service; it is given before rather than after the service.

Safety: The vast majority of visits to India are trouble-free, however in light of the dispute with Pakistan most governments advise against all travel to the Jammu (except Jammu City) and Kashmir regions, all but essential travel to Srinagar (fatal attacks continue), and anywhere near the border with Pakistan, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh, as well as to Jaisalmer and Amritsar. A number of recent grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir, have targeted tourists and tourist buses, causing several deaths and numerous injuries. Manipur and Tripura should also be avoided and travel to Imphal is not recommended. There has been an increase in the severity of terrorist attacks in the east and northeast of the country with a spate of bomb attacks, and visitors should keep up to date with the situation. Many people, including tourists, have been killed. Violent extremist groups are active in Bihar, Jharkland, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa where attacks and violent crime has caused fatalities. In July 2006, seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore apart commuter trains in suburban Mumbai killing 187 people and injuring over 700, and in February 2007 over 60 people were killed in bomb blasts on the Samjhauta Express travelling between Delhi and Lahore; security has been increased at transport hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Visitors should be aware that there are tensions between the Muslim and Hindu populations, and there is a risk of terrorism throughout India, and they should remain particularly vigilant in public places, on public transport and at tourist sites, especially around Mumbai and Delhi. Crime is an issue at major tourist spots and visitors are advised to keep an eye of their valuables and, in particular, passports. Be aware of confidence tricksters, often involving fake jewellery, particularly in Agra and Jaipur, and never accept food from strangers, particularly on trains as travellers have been drugged and robbed. Road accidents are common and claim hundreds of lives every year. Bus accidents are blamed on reckless driving and speeding, and old vehicles. The monsoon season, usually from June to September, causes great flooding, loss of life and destruction in India every year.

. Customs: India is generally a fairly tolerant society but visitors should be aware of religious and social customs; smoking in public was banned in October 2008. When visiting temples visitors will be required to remove their footwear and cover their heads. In general women should dress conservatively both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid unwanted attention. Topless bathing is illegal. Indians do not like to disappoint and instead of saying 'no' will come up with something positive, even if incorrect. Social order and status are very important in Indian culture. Avoid using the left hand, particularly when eating.

Communications: The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi. International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use a calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main cities and resorts.

Duty Free: Travellers to India over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; medicine in reasonable amounts; 59ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and goods for personal use. Prohibited items include livestock, bird and pig meat products.

Climate:
Cities & Regions: Delhi | Agra | Udaipur | Jaipur | Varanasi | Mumbai | Goa | Kerala