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From visas to ATMs and food to weather, photography and what to pack, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about travel in India.
Food And Beverages
What is Indian food like?
What types of meat can I eat?
What if I'm a vegetarian?
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Would it be helpful to bring a water filter?
Documentation
Do I need a Passport?
Do I need a Visa?
Do I need Travelers Insurance?
Currency
What is the currency used in India called?
How much money should I plan on bringing?
What is the exchange rate for the Rupee?
Where can I exchange my money for Indian Rupees?
Do I have to pay a fee to exchange my US Dollars in India?
How much is it customary to tip?
Can I use my credit card in India?
Will I be able to use ATM's?
Could I bring Travelers Checks instead?
Traveling
Is it safe to travel in India?
What is the weather like?
What are the baggage allowances and fees?
What type of suitcase locks are TSA approved?
Where are the US Embassies?
Where can I find more information about Customs?
What time zone is India in?
My Travelsack
What are some things that I should pack?
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Will I be able to do any laundry?
What is the electricity supply in India?
Will I need an electrical adapter or converter?
Will I have internet access?
Will I be able to use my cellphone while in India?
Am I allowed to take photos everywhere in India?
Will I be able to buy memory cards or film for my camera?
Medical
Travel Health
Food And Beverages
What is Indian food like?
Indian cuisine varies! Each region is renowned for its own techniques, ingredients and spices. Northern India is known for its chicken, mutton and lamb dishes as well as a vast variety of Vegetarian cuisine. Seafood is also readily available, particularly at the coast. While Indian cuisine tends to be fiery, most restaurants will gladly prepare a milder variation of the meals on request. Restaurants offering western style food are found in most towns and cities, and large centers such as Delhi and Mumbai will offer a wide selection of cuisine, from Indian to Mediterranean, Chinese or even Mexican.
Indian food provides for some of the most satiating and sensory culinary experiences.
What types of meat can I eat?
Northern India provides chicken, lamb, mutton, beef and pork dishes.
What if I'm a vegetarian?
If you are a vegetarian, there is ample choice of foods to be enjoyed. Curried beans and lentils and home made cheese (paneer) dishes are very traditional to the regions.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
It is best to always drink bottled mineral water.Some popular brands are Aquafina, Kinley, and Bisleri and these are easily available in urban and rural shops. It is also a good idea to check the expiry date and to make sure that the seal on the bottle is intact before purchasing it.
Would it be helpful to bring a water filter?
Bottled mineral water is easily available at all times. You could carry water purification tabs depending on your personal preference.
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Documentation
Do I need a Passport?
A valid passport is required for travel to India.
Do I need a Visa?
Yes, a valid Indian Tourist Visa is mandatory for all participants on this tour. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa. Details regarding India visas is available here. You could also visit the Indian Consulate here. Be sure to pay close attention to the amount of time needed to process your visa and to allow enough time. Visa requirements and processing times can be significantly different for non-US citizens. Please note that visa requirements are subject to change without notice. Curry Trails is not responsible for the refusal or delayed processing of visas and passports and normal cancellation charges will apply.
Do I need Travelers Insurance?
We strongly recommended that you should be adequately insured before traveling to India.
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Currency
What is the currency used in India called?
The Indian currency is the rupee, which is made of 100 paise. It is available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. We recommend that you have notes of 10, 20, 50, and 100 readily available.
How much money should I plan on bringing?
As each traveler's spending habits are different, each guest brings an amount they are comfortable with. However, as a general rule, you should plan on bringing at least as much as you'd normally spend on any other vacation. Past participants of Curry Trail programs typically bring up to 50-100 US dollars on average per each day of their trip. Securely carrying your funds in a money belt and leaving excess funds behind in your hotel safe is also recommended.
What is the exchange rate for the Rupee?
As of May 24th, 2013, the exchange rates for the Rupee are:
1 US Dollar = 55.64 Rupees
1 Euro = 71.96 Rupees
1 British Pound = 84.17 Rupees
These rates are subject to change at any time; a complete list of up to date exchange rates for the Rupee can be found here.
Where can I exchange my money for Indian Rupees?
Airports, hotels, banks, and exchange bureaus can exchange currency for you.
Do I have to pay a fee to exchange my US Dollars in India?
Yes. A commission fee of approximately 12-14% is charged for exchanging US Dollars into Rupees. Other international currencies are often charged a fee of around 5-7%.
How much is it customary to tip?
The service industry in India is much like the United States in that the people that provide services including wait staff, guides, maids, bell hops, porters, drivers, chauffeurs, and others are dependent on tips to earn a living. Tips are very important in supplementing their income, so we encourage travelers to embrace the joy of giving and feel good about leaving gratuities for the people that work to make your experience so memorable. A service fee is usually automatically added to the bill in most tourist hotels and restaurants. If it is not, the tipping standard is usually 10% of the bill.
Can I use my credit card in India?
In major cities, credit cards including debit cards, American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally accepted. In smaller towns and villages, choice is generally narrowed to cash or MasterCard and Visa. Outside the main cities, it is recommended that you carry enough Indian currency for any purchases and tips.
Will I be able to use ATM's?
Twentyfour hour ATM machines can be found in all the major cities and most large towns. Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro and Plus are the most commonly accepted cards. Indian ATM machines require that your card have a four-digit PIN code.
Could I bring Travelers Checks instead?
Travelers Checks are widely accepted and may be changed at banks. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling.
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Traveling
Is it safe to travel in India?
Yes. India is generally considered safe country for travelers. It is a good idea to be a smart and safe traveller. Do not walk around alone late at night. Never leave your luggage unattended or in custody of a stranger. Purse snatching and pick pocketing are not completely unknown, be aware in crowded tourist spots.
What is the weather like?
India is a very beautiful country that is known for getting plenty of sun. Summer is strong during the period March through May and the temperature varies between 22-39*C (71-102*F). The Monsoon season happens between June and September with intermittent showers and dry days. The rains could be severe but mostly only for a few days. The countryside is lush green and provides perfect conditions for treks into the hills. Winter occurs between mid October and February.
What are the baggage allowances and fees?
One free 15 kilogram check in bag and one carry on bag are allowed.
What type of suitcase locks are TSA approved?
More information about the type of locks that the TSA recommends can be found here.
Where are the US Embassies?
For a complete list of US Embassies, click here.
The closest US Embassy on this tour is in Delhi.
Where can I find more information about Customs?
Information about US Customs can be found here, and the Indian Customs here.
What time zone is India in?
India is in its own time zone called Indian Standard Time, which is +5:30 GMT. India is thirteen and a half hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time in San Francisco.
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My Travelsack
What are some things that I should pack?
A checklist of the most common items to pack can be found here.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
In the hot Indian summers we recommend light colored cotton tops, shorts and sun hats. Practical colors to wear are khaki, beige and white. When visiting religious monuments and shrines, you may need to cover up; both men and women should pack some long pants and skirts respectively. Women may need to bring a scarf or shawl so that they're able to cover up their head and shoulders if required.
Will I be able to do any laundry?
Along the way, there will usually be chances to do laundry, either at the hotel or through local services.
What is the electricity supply in India?
India uses 220volt electricity.
Will I need an electrical adapter or converter?
US residents will need a combo adapter/converter in order to use their electrical devices in India.
Will I have internet access?
Internet connections are available in most places in India. Wi-fi access is available at most of the good hotels and a growing number of internet cafes in the larger cities. Please be aware that the connection speed may be slower than what you're accustomed to in the US.
Will I be able to use my cellphone while in India?
No, American service providers do not have coverage in India. Your cell phone or PDA device will not have a signal/service within the country. However, travelers still tend to bring these devices with them for other functions, such as cameras, alarmclock and music. Your phone should work in Indian cities but you should check with your service provider and remember to enable your international roaming.
Am I allowed to take photos everywhere in India?
It is recommended to always ask permission when taking photos of anyone, especially women. Always ask before taking photos at a religious site or ceremony, or of people bathing on the ghats, river banks or in rural areas. It is forbidden to photograph military installations, courts, security establishments including some train stations, bridges and airports.
Will I be able to buy memory cards or film for my camera?
Memory cards and film are available in most large cities and towns. However, the quality may vary or may be more expensive.
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Medical
Travel Health
The CDC has official health information about the countries you'll be visiting which can be found here, or here. We aslo highly recommend that you check with your medical practitioner before you travel for suggestions in preparing for your journey.
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Don't See Your Question?
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please do not hesitate to contact the Curry Trails team here.
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