What to Take

As little as possible, you can buy just about everything when you are out there. Perhaps the only area in which buying in India is neither cheaper nor easily available is technical equipment (i.e. found in camping/trekking shops, although in Nepal, these abound).

What to Wear (Clothes)

Bare minimum - if you buy out there, you blend in better anyway. During winter months in the North and the highlands in the South do get cold at night, but at all other times light weight cotton is best. Respect their culture, discreet clothing for women especially. For foot wear - comfortable sandals are all you need.

Email / Internet

Now huge in India, particularly on all well trodden travelers paths. Connection is Fast in most places and slow in Rural areas, but you will rarely fail to find a selection of Internet cafes. Good tip is to duplicate records of Travelers Cheque numbers, passport and plane details, etc. on your Yahoo/Hotmail accounts.

General Visitors Tips

Besides the originals, a copy of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and travel documents. A list of any charge or credit cards you are carrying. Remember to keep the copies separate from the originals.

An International Driving License, which can be obtained through the automobile association. Even if you are not planning to drive, bring your driver's license with photo for identification.

Consider purchasing special international health insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes.

Avoid drinking water from an unknown source. When in doubt ask for "Bisleri, Kinley, Aqua Fina, Himalaya, etc" mineral water (check the seal). As a further precaution bring water purifying tablets.

As in any location, there are those who steal from others, so follow the same rules of safety that you follow traveling anywhere else with respect to using hotel lock boxes, and keeping travel documents safe. When in public places, keep them in your hotel, or with you all the time when moving about.

Men: Don't carry a traditional wallet with you, the kind you put in your pocket (front or back).

Women: Avoid keeping valuables in a purse, which can be easily snatched off your shoulder.

Consider using an "interior wallet", the kind that is either fastened around your neck, draped from a belt loop or worn, with a Velcro fastener, around the calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath clothing.

Taxis (cabs)/Auto Rickshaw (3 wheeler) are available from all hotels, and you negotiate the rate before commencing your journey. Use only authorized, properly identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick up additional passengers. Don't accept an offer to share a taxi to your hotel unless you know the individual.

Be wary of imposter porters or guides. Assure they are properly uniformed or identified. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other items unattended.

Train Journey: The image of the Indian Railways is rated poor with common complaints being making reservations is difficult or that the signage is only in Hindi. But the screaming need is for cleaning up the place or that it is just too dirty for comfort. Avoid traveling in the Second Class.

The voltage used is 220 volts (the U.S. uses 120 volts). You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores for appliances that do not switch to 220V.

There are some areas in India where malaria is still prevalent. Prior to your departure, get a prescription from your doctor for some anti malarial tablets.

Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village and you can buy medication. In case you need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your hotel (most have doctors on call) or your tour operator. The cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low (less than a dollar) compared to western countries.

Do remember to bring some insect repellent, mosquito coils or even an electronic repellent. Mosquitoes in India can be fierce.

Avoid foods which have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets. Wash fruits before eating them.

Do carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

Always respect religious shrines and places of worship, Some places require visitors to observe a decent dress code. Take care not to violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.

Change currency only from official moneychangers. Remember to retain the currency Exchange receipts after each transaction. You will need them for re-exchange on departure.

Tipping is a matter of personal discretion. Although bills normally include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports and military installations.

If ever you land in trouble, contact your Embassy and nearest Police Station.   *** In a Indian Police Station always speak with the Senior Inspector in Charge even if you have to wait couple of hours.

Do dress conservatively at most Indian beaches (though there are some beaches that allow nude bathing). This is especially true for women. Normal Western beach attire may send a strong, though unintended, signal. Attacks on foreign women have occurred, especially in the state of Kerala.

Don't be shocked by India's contradictions. There are areas where tobacco use, sex districts, nude bathing and other activities exist in close proximity to orthodoxy and extreme conservatism.

Do be prepared for begging, which has a legitimate place in Indian society. Even poor people give to beggars or charity to earn religious merit. The Indian government, however, would like to regulate begging more. There have been instances in which parents have maimed or drugged their children (to make them appear sick) to increase begging profits. Though begging is common, you are not under obligation to give money.

Don't try to sneak into temples and mosques that forbid non-Hindus or non-Muslims.

Don't be surprised if you are frequently the center of attention when traveling around the country. Staring unabashedly is not a social taboo.

Do carry toilet paper with you (or adjust to the Indian habit of using water instead), but don't throw it down the toilet without first checking to see if there's a basket to put it in (narrow pipes clog easily). And don't be surprised to see men defecating or urinating in public when restrooms are not readily available. Women, in the same circumstance, tend to use cover of darkness and huddle in groups.

Do be open and friendly in conversations with locals. Indians can be quite talkative, asking strangers questions (about marital status, salary, etc.) that might be interpreted as overly personal in other cultures.

Credit Cards

American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines.

Time and Difference

GMT + 5 1/2 hours.

The standard time for India is calculated from Allahabad and is common to all cities i.e. only one time zone for India.