Welcome to India 😊

Quick Facts About India

Money and Finances

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees, while notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000 rupees.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in India, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. However, it is recommended to carry some cash as a backup, especially when traveling to rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops in India, but are not universally accepted. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX. It is advisable to carry cash as a backup, particularly when traveling in rural areas or smaller towns where credit card acceptance may be limited.

Internet and Phones

Internet speeds in India can vary widely depending on the region, with average download speeds ranging from 12-40 Mbps and upload speeds ranging from 5-20 Mbps. Government interference in internet use has been reported, including temporary internet shutdowns in certain regions for security reasons.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Major telco companies in India include Airtel, Vodafone-Idea and Reliance Jio. The average cost of a mobile phone plan varies depending on the provider and plan, but a basic plan can cost around 200 INR (2.75 USD) per month. There are some sim compatibility issues that travelers should be aware of, as some phones may not work with Indian sim cards.

Dialling to India

To call India from another country, dial the international access code followed by the country code of 91. When dialling within India, the area code of the destination city or region should be dialed followed by the local number.

Transport Around India

Air Travel

India has several major airports including Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Train Travel

India has an extensive train network operated by Indian Railways, with varying ticket prices and journey times depending on the class of travel. For example, a typical journey from Delhi to Mumbai on the Rajdhani Express in AC 2 tier class costs around $70 USD and takes approximately 16 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

India has metro systems in several major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

Buses

India has both local and inter-city bus networks operated by private companies and state governments. Ticket prices vary depending on the distance and class of travel, with a typical journey from Delhi to Agra costing around $5 USD and taking approximately 4 hours.

Rideshare

Popular rideshare companies in India include Uber, Ola, and Meru. Prices vary depending on distance and time of day, but a typical ride in a major city costs around $3-5 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in India can be challenging due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions in some areas. Speed limits can vary depending on the location and type of road. India uses left-hand drive.

Local Customs

In India, it is common to tip in hotels, restaurants, and for services like transportation. The amount varies depending on the service provided, but usually ranges from 5-10% of the total bill. Locals greet each other with a namaste, which involves placing the hands together in front of the chest and bowing slightly. When speaking with strangers, it is important to maintain a respectful and courteous tone, and refrain from interrupting. Men and women may address each other with either formal titles or by their first names, depending on the relationship and context.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

India has a mix of public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is underfunded and overcrowded, while the private healthcare system is more expensive but generally of higher quality. For a visit to a private doctor, expect to pay around $20. It is highly recommended to purchase health insurance before traveling to India, as healthcare costs can be very high.

COVID Situation

India has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with high numbers of cases and deaths. The government implemented a nationwide lockdown in March 2020, which was gradually lifted in stages. Currently, there are over 10 million confirmed cases and over 150,000 deaths in India. It is important to follow all government regulations and guidelines when traveling to India.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in India include diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. It is important to drink bottled or purified water, and to take precautions against mosquito bites. Other health risks include air pollution, especially in cities, and the risk of contracting illnesses from contaminated food or water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In India, the legal drinking age varies from state to state - it is usually 21 years for beer and wine and 25 years for other alcoholic beverages. However, some states have prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol altogether.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is illegal in India and the punishment for drug offenses is severe, including imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

The laws regarding pre-marital relationships in India vary from state to state. While there is no national law forbidding pre-marital relationships, some states have laws that criminalize consensual sexual activity outside of marriage.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in India, but homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018.

Firearms / Guns

Gun laws in India are strict and ownership of firearms is heavily regulated. Only licensed individuals are allowed to own guns, and they are required to register them with the government.