Travelling

Roads are very crowded with cars, trucks, bikes, pedestrians and animals and at first glance there seems to be no road rules at all. Therefore, we recommend using one of our local drivers to navigate and negotiate the busy roads for you.

Food and Drink

Cows are sacred in India, and as a result many Indians do not eat beef - some areas are strictly vegetarian towns. We do not recommend eating lamb as it is not always fresh or refrigerated properly and may cause stomach issues. It is advisable to drink bottled water. Lunches will be usually on the way in local restaurants. These are the restaurants which function during tourist seasons, they are safe and hygienic. Staff working in these restaurants speak English and are professional. If you are adventurous enough and want to eat in typical local roadside small restaurants, then our driver or guide will take you there.

Temples & Holy Places

Always remove your shoes before entering a Temple or place of religious significance.

It is also recommended that ladies cover their head with a scarf and dress modestly as a measure of respect. Therefore, carrying a scarf in your day bag always comes in handy.

Taking photos at a death ceremony, or a religious ceremony or of people bathing (in baths or rivers) may cause offence.

Being a tourist

Some of the poorer people may ask or beg for money, this can be distressing to first time travellers especially because many people really do need money. However, we discourage giving money to them, instead, it is better making a donation to the local school or charity. Indians are very hospitable people and will usually accept your different ways as a foreigner, if in doubt, simply ask your guide.

Communication

The telephone Country Code is 91.

Mobile coverage is extensive and SIM cards are cheaply available at the airport on arrival. Or ask your guide to assist you in buying one.

Internet and E-mail can be accessed from an increasing number of hotels and from Internet cafes across the country, many now with Wi-Fi.*/

VISA

A visa is a must for foreigners to enter India

E-Visas

An electronic visa is easily obtainable through following the steps laid out on the Government of India website. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Money

There are ample ATM's in all the cities and are easily accessible. Credit cards are widely accepted in most of the hotels, restaurants and shops. You are advised to not change any foreign currency at the airports as they will not offer good exchange rates. By changing money in the city at a local money exchange office you will definitely get a better exchange rate. Our guides can assist with this.

Tipping

Who Gets Baksheesh?
Baksheesh sometimes refers to gratuity. You can think of giving baksheesh in India as a small act of appreciation for good service. While traveling through India you will be asked for baksheesh often but can refuse at any time. Someone asking you on the street for baksheesh without providing a service is simply begging. Child begging gangs and hierarchies are a serious problem in India, so don't perpetuate this industry by making it profitable.

Hotels

If a hotel porter carries your bag to your room, a small tip is usually expected. If you don't want to tip, say no to the baggage service. Tipping housekeeping is optional, but if you'd like you can leave a small tip. Some hotels might have a centralized tipping box, in which you can contribute one large tip for the whole staff.Room service bills might already have service charges added, but you can tip 10 percent if you are not sure.

Restaurants and Bars

Before deciding how much to tip in a restaurant in India, you should check the bill for a service charge. If the restaurant has already added 5-10 percent, you can adjust your gratuity accordingly. Sometimes this charge may simply be used to cover the employee's base salaries, so if service was exemplary, consider leaving a cash tip of 7-10 percent.

Transportation

When at an airport or train station, porters might offer to help you with your bags. Politely refuse if you do not wish to tip them. For single rides, you can tip a taxi driver by rounding up the fare to the nearest multiple of ten.

What to tip your guide and driver

Tipping guides and drivers after tours in India is customary, especially if they do a good job. It is at your discretion and gratitude for the quality of service as to what you deem the fitting amount. If unsure you can discreetly ask Manu or Melinda for advice.

Travel Adapter Plugs

India Type D is the usual adapter you will require and are usually readily available at travel stores and alike. Some hotels have universal power outlets installed.