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India FAQ

Is tipping customary in India?

While not mandatory, tipping porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers is considered polite. When taking into account the low wages earned by the average Indian person, a small tip of 5-10% of the service is a gracious way to show your appreciation.

What is the internet access like in India?

The internet has grown rapidly in India, so finding Wi-Fi access and cyber cafes in the large cities and regional centres won't be a problem. Smaller towns, isolated areas and rural villages may have limited to no access.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in India?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas, but can be patchy and less reliable in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure global roaming is activated on your phone before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in India?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. Western-style flushable toilets can be found in up-market restaurants, five-star hotels and in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of tea = 5 INR
Small bottle of beer = 40 INR
Basic street food plate = 40-60 INR
Buffet dinner in a nice restaurant = 800-1500 INR

Can I drink the water in India?

It's not recommended to drink the tap water in India. Filtered water is a better option; try to use a refillable canteen or water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Remember to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in India?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, restaurants and medium-to-large shops in tourist areas. Smaller shops, cafes, market stalls and places in remote areas probably won’t have facilities that support credit cards, so ensure you have enough cash to cover expenses while in rural areas or when visiting smaller vendors and bazaars.

What is ATM access like in India?

ATMs can be found in India's large cities so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. Smaller towns and isolated areas will have very few or none at all, so have enough cash to cover purchases when out of major cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in India?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in India?

Jan 1 New Year's Day
Jan 24 Milad-Un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
Jan 26 Republic Day
Mar 10 Mahashivratri
Mar 29 Good Friday
Apr 1 Easter Monday
Apr 23 Mahavir Jayanthi
May 25 Buddha Purnima (Buddha's Birthday)
Aug 8 Id ul Fitr (End of Ramadan)
Aug 15 Independence Day
Aug 28 Krishna Janmashtami
Oct 2 Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday
Oct 14 Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami)
Oct 15 Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
Nov 3 Deepavali or Diwali (Festival of the Lights)
Nov 4 Muharram (Islamic New Year)
Nov 17 Guru Nanak's Birthday
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2013. Many festivals are timed to the lunar calendar therefore some of these dates are estimates only. Furthermore, there are many other religious holidays observed regionally throughout India. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/India/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • INDIA:
    Australia: Yes - in advance
    Belgium: Yes - in advance
    Canada: Yes - in advance
    Germany: Yes - in advance
    Ireland: Yes - in advance
    Netherlands: Yes - in advance
    New Zealand: Yes - in advance
    South Africa: Yes - in advance
    Switzerland: Yes - in advance
    United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
    USA: Yes - in advance

    There is NO visa on arrival in India. Indian visas can NOT be obtained in Nepal. Tourist visas are available in Single and Multiple Entry. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
  • INDIEN:
    Australien: Ja - im Voraus
    Belgien: Ja - im Voraus
    Kanada: Ja - im Voraus
    Deutschland: Ja - im Voraus
    Irland: Ja - im Voraus
    Niederlande: Ja - im Voraus
    Neuseeland: Ja - im Voraus
    Südafrika: Ja - im Voraus
    Schweiz: Ja - im Voraus
    Großbritannien: Ja - im Voraus
    USA: Ja - im Voraus

    In Indien wird bei Ankunft KEIN Visum ausgestellt. Indische Visa können NICHT in Nepal ausgestellt werden. Touristenvisa gibt es mit einfacher und mehrfacher Einreise. Stellen Sie sicher, dass Ihr Visum am Tag der Einreise gültig ist und den gesamten Aufenthaltszeitraum in Indien umfasst, insbesondere wenn Sie während Ihrer Reise durch mehrere Länder reisen.

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India at a glance

  • 51
  • New Delhi (population 295,000)
  • 1.14 billion
  • Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Bengali, Kashmiri, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Telugu, English
  • INR
  • (GMT+05:30) Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +91

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