Currency and change
The Indian currency is rupee (Rp) in mid-2014, 1 € = 80 Rps, and 10 Rps = 0.12 €; the exchange rate is the yoyo.
- We can change euros, mostly without commission in change offices in some banks, as well as somechic places..
Be aware that if you decide to change in banks, you have to be patient because the operation often takes time. Prefer exchange offices, much faster.
- Even if the use of the credit credit becomes common, travelers checks are still accepted.
- Warning: once there, be sure to keep your exchange slips and your DAB tickets (ATM) they may be requested to change rupees before your return. It is strictly forbidden to import or export Indian rupees.
- Refuse systematically glued or torn edges notes: it would be impossible to use it.
- Try keep you on the currency and small denominations for your small expenses.
Credit card
It is not a very popular form of payment in India: only chic hotels, some restaurants (chic too) and luxury boutiques accept international payment cards. However, it is more common to use CB in the regional capitals and the South touristy (Kerala and Goa).
- When you set purchases with a credit card, check (front, is better!) That the amount will not be significantly increased by a committee.
Also, take good care, in general, to fill all the blank spaces or boxes slips (including tips box - tip - in restaurants or hotels).
Cash withdrawal
The ATM network (DAB good French, English ATM) was largely developed in the country, and it is now very easy to withdraw rupees with Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, etc. .
Warning, there is a maximum allowed per week (check the amount from your bank) and a commission for each withdrawal.
Finally, also pay attention to the ticket shortage in small towns and keep in mind that most distributors do not remove.
Museums and monuments
Since 2000, there is a special rate foreign tourists to visit the sites and monuments. Rates vary on average from 100 to 300 Rps (1.25 to 3.75 €).
Taxes and gratuities
Taxes are rarely included in the price. They can vary from 4 to 35%. So do not forget, from the category "average price" or "Chic" that apply a "super luxury tax".
A number of standard products (mostly food) are subject to 10% VAT identical throughout the country. There are a few exceptions.
The custom is to leave a tip (tip, in plain English) porters in hotels (10-20 rupees per bag, a little more chic establishments), but this is not an obligation. In the chic hotels, normally leave tips at checkout.
The practice Tipping in restaurants is also growing, mainly in institutions rather chic. Count on average 5 to 10% of the note, without exceeding 100 to 150 Rps.
Finally, if you rent a car and driver for a day, left it about 150-250 rupees per day, a little more if it is particularly effective and has not spent the time to stop in shops or hotels where he was commissioned.
A cultural guide, provide Rps 300, more if he is French.
We also give general 10-20 Rps to the person who is responsible for putting your checked baggage (or roof) in the bus.
In massage centers, masseurs or masseuses are rarely well paid; if you are satisfied with the work, a tip is still welcome.
Begging & Baggers
In general, avoid giving money to street children. The amounts are often recovered by a small local mafia. Similarly, it should not be given to a group of children, who will fight once.
However, it is useful to bring pens and notebooks, to be given to principals.
In the countryside, with children who clearly have a home, do not give anything either: by accustoming children to receive gifts without working, you are likely to do next ... beggars.
That being said, we must not forget that giving is part of living in India.
A solution of many may be to always have small bills and money on themselves, and give to those who have no other choice to survive.
Another solution is the one that is to buy food to the needy.
Climate and Weather India
The best time to visit India is from mid-November (the Indian Fall!) At the end of March, except in the extreme north (Ladakh), where good season runs from mid-May to late October, and the South East and the extreme south, due to the late monsoon. In May, temperatures range between 30 and gleefully 40 ° C.
His great extent in latitude and the greater extremes at the relief (warm seas of Kerala to the Himalayan peaks) allow India to have a variety of fauna and flora unique in the world, and offer so a fascinating plurality of landscapes based on climatic and agricultural seasons.
Health
India, like most of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the countries of the world where hygiene is most to be desired.
In addition, by philosophy or religion, the Indians have little inclination to fight against the most obvious causes of infectious diseases: dead animals abandoned along the roads, animals in the streets and houses, until 'rat is allowed to proliferate or that we love in some temples ... No wonder that the plague is present in this country endemic.
The "environmental" the most stringent precautions must be applied for a stay in India. As a first priority, universal alimantaires precautions must be strictly followed. Do not drink any uncontrolled water unless it is consumed via Lifestraw (the most economical individual process). This is a kind of individual straw that filters bacteria, viruses and parasites (boiling or microflitrée (type Katadyn) proscrirehauteur 99.99%: never seen) with a capacity of 1000 liters, the consumption of a person over a year. Outlawing the ice and if possible the straws (for repeated use and simply rinsed before being reused), avoid raw vegetables and unwashed fruits, unpeeled uncooked milk and its derivatives and non-industrial refrain from any product that could be frozen.
These recommendations do not apply to chic restaurants (and very expensive) major Indian cities, which are effectively the international standards. But be careful nonetheless.
- Against sickness, better equip themselves before from an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting.
- Barber: avoid getting shaved by one of the many barbers nimble fingers working in busy streets and around stations. Any cut with an unclean instrument can be a risk of transmission of AIDS virus, hepatitis C, hepatitis B (but you are of course vaccinated), very popular in India.
Diarrhea
For stopping diarrhea medications can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription before you leave.
In case of diarrhea, two possibilities:
- It is accompanied by a high fever and / or emission of mucus, pus or blood: you must see a doctor quickly. Ditto if emissions such as "rice water";
- It is simply unusually loose stools and normally colored without fever, a simple "disinfection" gut by antibiotic.
malaria
- There is no malaria in the center of large cities (although we say "center"!);
- There is risk of contaminating the sting from sunset to sunrise; so that there is a risk that if you plan to sleep in the bush, in a small town or in the suburbs and slums. The risk is multiplied during the monsoon.
If you consider that your stay will expose you to the risk of malaria, you need to take the following steps:
- From the sun, always wear clothing covering the maximum body surface; for the parts that are discovered, use creams, ointments or mosquito repellent sprays;
- The most complete range of these repellents, consistent with the recommendations of WHO and the Ministry of Health's Insect Screen; otherwise, we find there a very effective product: Odomos, a cream that has the added benefit of feeling pretty good (and be much cheaper than European products, but considering its composition, not recommended for children); also gammeGood Knight;
- Only sleep under insecticide insecticide prepreg: these nets are not very easy to find in France.
Take precautions against mosquitoes is particularly helpful that helps protect against other diseases they carry, especially dengue (epidemic disease), chikungunya (at elevations below 1800 m), the Japanese encephalitis or the dreaded visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar).
- Bring preventive medicine: are recommended for India laSavarine®. Malarone®, much more expensive, is just as effective.
If these measures are followed, the risk of malaria can be considered practically void.
vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for travelers from Europe. However, it should be up to date for lesvaccinations "universal": diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis B and check if you are up to date for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR).
Vaccination against hepatitis A is highly recommended for those who are not naturally immunized (in practice, all Europeans under 70 years).
Vaccination against typhoid is advised, India being the temple of the disease. The combined vaccine (one injection) hepatitis A + typhoid possible.
Expatriates and / or senior rural stays a month vaccine against Japanese encephalitis.
If you extend in the north of the country, vaccination against meningococcal meningitis (A + C) is recommended, especially for travelers under 40 years.
For trekkers in northern India, vaccination against rabies. Expatriates and / or rural stays (in North India, especially in area of rice fields and during the monsoon season, in South India, for longer than one month stays): vaccine against Japanese encephalitis.
Dangers and enquiquinements
The business department advises english and american nationals to nottravel to the Kashmir valley, and advises against access to border areas with Pakistan.
Drug
Warning: holding and use of drugs, including hashish, have been banned in India. The NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) was strengthened in 2001. Any person charged under this law is trapped motion, and it is not uncommon pending trial reaches 3 years! Little reminder to be aware of the risks:
· Any person with 1 to 100 g of hashish is likely a sentence of 6 months to 1 year in prison;
· 100 g to 1 kg, the penalty ranges from 1 to 10 years;
· Beyond 1 kg, the penalty can reach 10 to 20 years.
We have already seen, on trains, on beaches and in hotels, controls like "punch operation" do THAT on foreigners.
Never accept a drink or a cake offered by a stranger. Sometimes it's a great way to better drugs you rob you.
Administration
In case of problem with an administration still see the highest ranking senior - subordinate has neither liability nor initiatives. Be firm, confident and ... patient!
With what kind of clothing should I travel?
Light cotton clothes, if you travel from August to November.
Warmer clothing wool or heavy fleece December and January always with light cotton clothing. Temperatures vary considerably.
For women, it is advisable to wear conservative dress and non showing legs or torso. Shirts and jeans or long dresses are practical and comfortable.
Men can wear pants or jeans and shorts or the kurta indie clothing
Further reading on information about travelling in india : http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/practical-information/health
Our trip was so well organised and we felt safe travelling with this agency , India is such an increadible country and I would strongly recommand to book a trip with Vijay . He always has been here for us before and during the trip and even when we decided to change our itinerary during the trip , he did his best to make our wishes come true" Amanda and Danny from Australia. December 2010.