Visa and documents: To enter India, all nationals except those from Nepal and Bhutan need a visa, and passport valid at least six month is required. Single-entry and multiple entry-visas both cost US$60. Standard tourist visa is valid for six months. Other types of visa include Business: up to 2 years; Transit: normally 72 hours, valid for 15 days from date of issue; Long-term: up to 5 years, although individual visits are not expected to exceed 6 months; Student visa: six months to one year with multiple entries, a letter confirming admission from such an institution along with evidence of financial arrangements for stay in India is required. Nationals of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Korea (Dem Rep), Maldives, Mongolia, Mauritius, Poland, Slovak Republic, South Africa and Uruguay are exempt from visa fees.

Visas of every type can be obtained from the embassies and high commissions in your home country. Alternatively, tourists are able to download forms from the embassy and consulate websites (http://passport.nic.in/vspassport/missions.htm).

Time: GMT+5.30
Electricity: Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas have a DC supply. Plugs used are of the round two- and three-pin type.

Communications:

• Phone: Local and long distance phone call services are available throughout all regions of the country. The international direct dialing code for India is 91. The access code for international call from India is 00. Mobile phones are also available, but networks are limited to major towns.
• Fax: Facilities are available in most 5-star hotels and some offices of the Overseas Communication Service in large cities.
• Internet: E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes across the country.
• Telegram: International 24-hour service from large hotels and telegraphic offices in major cities.
• Post: Airmail service to Western Europe takes up to a week. Stamps are often sold at hotels.

Money: Indian currency is rupee. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers' cheques a tourist may hold into India provided he makes a declaration in the Currency Declaration Form on arrival; normally, cash, banknotes, and travelers' cheques up to US$1,000 or equivalent requires no declaration at the time of entry. The unspent rupees must be reconverted into foreign currencies when leaving India.

Always change money from an authorized money-changer and be sure to obtain the encashment slip for the re-conversion on departure. Travelers' cheques are accepted in some banks, and the most recognizable ones are Thomas Hook and American Express. Credit cards are also applicable in hotels, restaurants, large shops, and tourist areas; the most commonly accepted brands include American Express, Access/MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club. ATM machines are available in several banks, but only limited in the cities.

Business hours: Most government and private banks open weekdays 10.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. and on Saturdays 10.00 a.m.-12.00. Post offices are open Monday-Friday 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m., Saturdays from 10.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. Most museums are closed on Monday, and site museums near archeological monuments on Fridays. These places are closed on Sundays, and government holidays. For business hours of market places, shops, bazaars, they vary from place to place.

Clothing: Dress codes should be a necessary consideration; especially at shrines and temples, women are expected to wear neatly, avoid tank tops, short skirts or shorts. Soft cotton outfit is the best choice for hot summers, available for purchase in anywhere across India at reasonable price. Indian salwar-kameez is recommended if you are up to adventure; it is a neat and comfortable outfit.

Food and drink: It is advised to drink only bottled water and be sure that it is well sealed. Most of Indians eat vegetarian foods which are easily found, cheap, and of excellent quality. For non-vegetarian foods, choose them only in good restaurant as the quality of meat or sea foods in cheaper and smaller shops is dubious. Beef is not served in India while pork is not easily found.

Health precaution: Always drink bottled water. Eat only well-cooked meet and avoid pork products, fried foods from vendors, and dishes using excessive oil. Vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended. To avoid Malaria and Dengue fever, bring mosquito repellent, net, and clothes covering body. A first aid kits are also advised.

Social interaction & Cultural tips: Westerners with fair skin and red hair especially female may become the target of hundreds of eyes in small towns. Do not take it serious and do not be offended as people mean no harm; it is just curiosity. Women, particularly traveling alone should avoid crowds. Local customs should be also considered. When visiting religious monuments, respect and modesty is demanded. With all sects, removing shoes is a must before entering the shrines. Drinking alcoholic beverages or making noise within the shrines' compounds is not acceptable. Women should always dress decently and should cover their head when entering the Muslim mosques. In Some Hindu temples, all leather products inside a shrine like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases, etc. are prohibited. Mostly, visitors are expected to purify themselves by washing their hands and feet in a provided tank or tab.