Travel Documents for India

While traveling to India, you need to have some basic travel documents for identification and permission to enter the country.

Indian Visa

It is mandatory to have Visa document with yourself always.

Passport

You need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from date of departure.

Indian Money

The Indian currency is called Indian Rupee (INR). Foreign Currency should be changed only at the authorized dealers. Airports, most banks and many hotels have exchanging facilities. 24 hour ATM facilities are now available all over India. Credit cards like Visa and Master cards, as well as Diners and American Express, are accepted in many establishments in the main towns and cities.

The Indian baggage rules are quite strict. There are certain restricted goods that cannot be brought. Some restricted items are

Restricted Items    :

• Any offensive material like obscene books, pamphlets, papers, illustrations, paintings, representation, figures, article or objectionable literature are not allowed keeping in mind the Indian sensibilities.
• Dangerous drugs such as charas, opium, cocaine, hemp morphine and their mixtures and derivatives.
• Fire arms and any other type of weapon.
• Jewellery or articles made of gold or silver are allowed but in a limit.
• Tourists should declare their currency amount in the Currency Declaration Form if currency notes, bank notes or TC's (traveler's cheques) are in excess or equal of US $10,000.
• Pets are allowed but in a limited number and one have to take permission of the airport authorities.

A guest is considered as equal to God in India. They are given a warm traditional welcome in which he/she is garlanded and given a welcome drink. A "tikka" (vermillion) is applied on the forehead after that and a little "aarti" is performed.

Namaskar/Namaste :

People in India greet each other by joining the palms just about the chest level and saying "namaste". “Namaste” is used in stead of "hello" and "goodbye".

India is an extremely beautiful and hospitable country. To make your trip more unforgettable and hassle free, we pass you basic guidelines for safety in India.

• Don't hand over your luggage to any strange person and should not disclose your original plans to anyone.
• Do not allow strangers or suspicious people in your room. Contact the hotel reception in case of any doubts.
• All valuable items like money, jewellery, cheques, important documents, etc should be kept safely in the hotel locker or in a secure suitcase.
• Carry your medicines and other health requirements with yourself always. Consult your doctor and get vaccine shots for certain diseases before your journey to India.
• Have copies of important documents like visa, passport and identity proof to be kept with you in case any of those get lost. Also, keep a copy back home with a trusted friend who can fax it if require be.
• Always keep wallet/money purse in the side pocket of your trousers. Otherwise keep it inside a jacket pocket.
• Dress up in a manner that you don't hurt the Indian sensibilities
• While visiting a place of worship, be sure you remove your footwear. Some places might also need you to cover your head.