Useful Information


Language

The official language is Hindi but there are approximately 17 other regional languages spoken by the people of different states in India. English is used for official and commercial purposes. Most people on the streets understand and converse in decent English.


Time Zone

India has a single time zone. It is 5.5 hours ahead of the GMT, 4.5 hours behind the Australian Eastern Standard time and 11.5 hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time (winter). Check http://www.timezoneconverter.com


Climate

Weather throughout India is very pleasant in January. The Southern India will be cool. Temperature in Hyderabad in January ranges from 14 degree C to 26 degree C. The Northern parts of India will be much cooler with temperatures ranging from 6 degree C to 12 degree C. The sub-Himalayan belt may experience snowfall. Check http://www.weather.123india.com


Health

1. Any person (including infants over six months old) arriving by air or sea from an infected country must obtain a yellow fever certificate. Those countries that are considered infected are all African countries (except Algeria, Botswana, Djbouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tunisia and Zimbabwe) and all South American countries (except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay). When a case of yellow fever is reported from any country, that country is regarded by the government of India as being infected.

2. Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to India. 

3. Typhoid immunization is generally recommended.

4. Malaria risk exists, mainly in the benign vivax form.

Food and drink: 
Consume packaged water bearing ISI standardization. Some of the popular brands are Bisleri, AquaFina, Evian, Bailey, and Bibo. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. 

Note: All visitors aged between 18-70 years of age who are wishing to extend their visa for a year or more are required to take an AIDS test.

Health care: 
Travelers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departing for India. It is advisable to bring specific medicines from your country. There are state-operated facilities in all towns and cities and private consultants and specialists in urban areas.

On leaving India: 
Visitors leaving for countries which impose health restrictions on arrivals from India are required to be in possession of a valid certificate of inoculation and vaccination.


Electricity 

Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas have a DC supply. Plugs used are of the round two and three pin type. Adapters and voltage converters come handy if plan to operate electrical and electronic appliances.


Communications 

Telephone:
International Direct Dialing service is widely available all over India. Otherwise calls must be placed through the international operator. Country code: 91. Outgoing international code: 00. Hyderabad City code: 40.

Mobile telephone:
India operates on GSM 900 networks. Network operators include SkyCell (www.skycell-india.com), Airtel (www.airtelworld.com), and Idea Cellular (www.ideacellular.com). Coverage is extensive. Check with your service provider for details of international roaming on Indian networks. Your cell phone should support GSM 900. You can hire cell phones at the domestic airports in most major cities and tourist destinations in India. Typical cell phone rentals in India vary between Rs. 100 and 150 per day.

Fax: 
Facilities are available in most hotels, post offices, and even roadside telephone kiosks. 

Internet: 
Nohere in India are you away from an Internet Cafe. E-mail can be accessed from any Internet caf across the country. In addition, most hotels provide a dataport to access your ISP or an Indian ISP if you have a Roaming arrangement. Indian ISPs include VSNL (www.vsnl.com) and Sify. For the nearest browsing center location in Hyderabad, check http://www.outofindia.net/hyd/htm/ptoip.htm

Telegram: 
International 24-hour service from large hotels and telegraphic offices in major cities.

Mail: 
Airmail service to Western countries takes up to a week. Stamps are often sold at hotels. FedEx and DHL Courier pick-up and delivery is possible in most hotels.

Press: 
There are numerous local dailies published in several languages. Many newspapers are in English, the most important include The Times of India, Indian Express, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The National Herald, The Economic Times and The Statesman.

Radio: 
BBC MHz 15.31, 11.96, 6.195, 1.413, Voice of America MHz 17.74, 11.71, 9.645, 6.110


Money

Currency: Rupee (Rs.) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs.1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs. 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, and 10 paise. 

Currency Exchange: 
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Money Changers:
All money in bills or traveler check should be changed into Indian currency only through authorized money changers and banks. For the list of money changers check http://www.outofindia.net/hyd/htm/f_exch.htm 

Travelers check: 
These are widely accepted and may be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers check in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency restrictions: 
Import of local currency is prohibited. Export of local currency is also prohibited, except for passengers proceeding to Nepal (excluding notes of denominations of Rs100 or higher), Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka (up to Rs. 20 per person). Foreign currency may be exported up to the amount imported and declared. All foreign currency must be declared on arrival if value is over US $5000, and when exchanged the currency declaration form should be endorsed, or a certificate issued. The form and certificates must be produced on departure to enable reconversion into foreign currency. Changing money with unauthorised money changers is not, therefore, advisable.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Rupee against Sterling and the US Dollar: 

Check http://www.oanda.com for exchange rate updates.

Banks:
The bank timings are usually from 10.30 - 15.30 hrs from Monday through Friday and from 10.30 - 13.00 hrs on Saturday. Multinational banks such as ABN-AMRO, HSBC, Scotia, and Citibank have branches in all major Indian cities and in Hyderabad. Visa, MasterCard and Amex compatible ATMs abound. For a list of major banks in Hyderabad, check http://www.outofindia.net/hyd/htm/banks.htm
. 
Credit and debit cards: 
Most hotels, travel agents, airline offices, commercial establishments and shops welcome MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.


Tipping
 
Taxis and restaurants do not expect to be tipped however hotel and airport porters should be tipped around 20 rupees, and guides and drivers 100 rupees per day where service is not included.


Traveling in India

The domestic airline is Indian Airlines (IC). The network connects over 70 cities. Indian Airlines also operates regular flights to the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Middle East. Other major domestic airlines include Jet Airways (9W), Sahara Airlines (S2) and Alliance Airlines (3A), a subsidiary of Indian Airlines.

Special fares: There are various special Indian Airlines fares available to foreign nationals and Indian nationals residing abroad. All are available throughout the year, and may be purchased either abroad or in India, where payment is made in a foreign convertible currency (such as US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). With the exception of the Youth Fare India (see below), discounts of 90 per cent are available for children under two years, and of 50 per cent for children aged 2 to 12. Full details of all the special fares are given in the India brochure, available from India Tourism. A summary of each is given below. Group discounts of up to 30 per cent are also available.

Discover India: There are two types of tickets available: a 21-day ticket costs US$750 and a 15-day ticket costs US$500. These offer unlimited economy-class travel on all domestic Indian Airlines services. No stop may be visited more than once, except for transfer.

Youth Fare India: This is valid for three months, offering a 25 per cent discount on the normal US Dollar fare. It is available to those aged 12-30 at the commencement of travel for journeys on economy/executive class of domestic air services and Indo-Nepal services.

India Wonderfares (North, South, East and West): 
Costs US$300 and are valid for seven days, offering unlimited economy-class travel within the north, south, east or western regions of India. No town may be visited more than once, except for transfer. Details of the main air centres included in the deal can be obtained from Indian Airlines offices.

Waterways: 
There are ships from Kolkata (Calcutta), Vishakapatnam and Chennai to Port Blair, the Andaman Islands, and from Kochi and Calicut to the Lakshadweep Islands. Services are often seasonal, and are generally suspended during the monsoon. One particularly attractive boat journey is the 'backwaters' excursion in the vicinity of Kochi in Kerala. Several local tours are available.

Railways: 

The Indian internal railway system is run by Indian Railways (www.indianrail.gov.in). It is the largest rail system in Asia and the second largest in the world. There are over 62,000km of track, over 7000 stations and over 11,000 locomotives, including 5000 steam engines. Its trains carry over 12 million passengers every day. The network covers much of the country and is a quintessential part of the fabric of India, as well as being relatively inexpensive. Express services link all the main cities and local services link most other parts of the country. Buses connect with trains to serve parts of the country not on the rail network. Children five to 11 years of age pay half price, children under five travel free. There are six classes of travel: first-class air-conditioned, second-class air-conditioned, third-class air-conditioned, air-conditioned chair car, first-class sleeper and second-class. Major trains carry restaurant cars.

Indrail Pass: 
This special pass consists of a single non-transferable ticket which enables a visitor to travel on any train without restriction within the period of validity. First-class sleeper tickets are: US$135 for seven days; US$185 for 15 days; US$198 for 21 days; US$248 for 30 days; US$400 for 60 days and US$530 for 90 days. A/C tickets are twice as much and second-class tickets are much cheaper. Children (aged between five to 12) are entitled to half-price fares. Children under five travel free. It is sold only to foreign nationals and Indians residing abroad holding a valid passport, and replaces all other concessional tickets. Payment is accepted only in foreign currency (US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). Refunds can be given only if cancellation is made before the starting date. Validity period is from the date of commencement of the first journey up to midnight of the date on which validity expires. A ticket can be used within one year of its issue. Advance reservation is essential, particularly on overnight journeys, arranged through travel agents. Reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis. The passes can also be purchased in India at all the main railway stations and authorised agents.

Special trains: 
The Palace on Wheels is an expensively decorated Edwardian-style luxury steam train with 14 coaches, which travels to Rajasthan. Each coach consists of a saloon, four sleeping compartments with upper and lower berth, bathroom, shower, toilet and small kitchen. Room service is available. There is a dining car, a bar, an observation car and a fully-equipped first-aid centre. Modern amenities include air-conditioning, four-channel music and telephone intercom throughout the train. Tariff includes cost of travel; full catering; elephant, camel and boat rides; conducted sightseeing tours; and entrance fees. 


Itinerary: Delhi-Jaipur-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur-Sawai- Madhopur -Jaisalmer- Jodhpur -Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi. 

Bookings: Several tour operators/travel agents organise escorted tour facilities which include the Palace on Wheels. 

Royal Orient Express: 
This luxury train journeys through Gujarat and Rajasthan take you to the sights of Chittargarh, Udaipur, Palitana, Sasangir, Ahmedabad and Jaipur. The trip takes eight days and accommodation is in furnished carriages with lounge, mini bar and kitchenette. Multi-cuisine restaurants and a library are also available. Contact Indian Railways for further information.
 
Hill Trains: 
Narrow-gauge rail lines completed in the 19th century linking numerous hill stations and various mountain landscapes. For example, the Kolkata (Calcutta)-Darjeeling route takes eight hours, crosses over 500 bridges and offers ample opportunity for photos as the pace is leisurely.

Other trains: 
The Rajdhani Express trains are deluxe super-fast trains connecting Delhi with Mumbai, Kolkata (Calcutta), Chennai, Bangalore, Bhubhaneswar, Guwahati, Jammu Tawi, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Ahmedabad, Ajmer and many others. Shatabdi Express: Super-fast trains connecting major and secondary city centres. Visitors can travel chair car or executive class. Snacks and meals are provided. Konkan Express: This connects the states of Marharshtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala along the coast of the Arabian sea. The route includes 72 tunnels and many bridges often crossing ravines of over 50m deep.

Roadways: 
Traffic drives on the left. An extensive network of bus services connects all parts of the country, and is particularly useful for the mountainous regions where there are no rail services. However, public transport is often crowded and can be uncomfortable. Details of routes may be obtained from the local tourist office. Tourist cars: There are a large number of chauffeur-driven tourist cars (some air-conditioned) available in the main tourist centres. These unmetered tourist cars run at a slightly higher rate than the ordinary taxis, and are approved by India Tourism. Self-drive cars are not generally available. Driving around India is not recommended due to the erratic nature of Indian driving standards. 

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

Urban travel: 
Taxis and auto rickshaws are available in large cities and fares should be charged by the km. They do not always have meters but, where they do, visitors should insist on the meter being flagged in their presence. Fares change from time to time and therefore do not always conform to the reading on the meter, but drivers should always have a copy of the latest fare chart available for inspection.


Traveling in Hyderabad

• Metered Radio-operated cabs (Citycab) ( 91-40) 55316000
• Cabs (call your Hotel Bell Desk)
• Auto Rickshaw

Useful Contact Addresses 

India Tourism
88 Janpath, 
New Delhi 110 001, 
India 
Tel: ( 91-11) 2332 0005 or 2332 0008. 
Fax: (11) 2332 0109. 
E-mail: goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in 
Website: www.TourismOfIndia.com

India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (ITDC)
Jeevan Vihar, Third Floor, 
Three Sansad Marg,
New Delhi 110 001, 
India 
Tel: ( 91-11) 2336 1607 or 2334 4433. 
Fax: ( 91-11) 2334 3167
Website: www.theashokgroup.com

Office of the High Commissioner for India
India House, Aldwych, 
London WC2B 4NA, UK 
Tel: (020) 7836 8484. 
Fax: (020) 7836 4331. 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 (personal callers); 0930-1730 (telephone enquiries).
Visa section:
Tel: (020) 7240 1012 or (09068) 444 544 (recorded visa information). 
Fax: (020) 7240 1012 or (09068) 444 543 (visa application forms).
Website: www.hcilondon.net 
Opening hours for visa applications and collections: 
Mon-Fri 0930-1730.

Consulate General of India
The Spencers, 20 Augusta Street, 
Jewellery Quarter, 
Hockley, Birmingham B18 6JL, UK 
Tel: (0121) 212 2782. Fax: (0121) 212 2786. 
E-Mail: cgi@congend.demon.co.uk 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300; 1330-1730 (visa collection only).

Consulate General of India
17 Rutland Square, 
Edinburgh, EH1 2BB, UK 
Tel: (0131) 229 2144. Fax: (0131) 229 2155. 
E-mail: indianconsulate@btconnect.com 
Website: www.consulategeneralofindia-edinburgh.org 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1230.

India Tourism, United Kingdom
Seven Cork Street, 
London W1S 3LH, UK 
Tel: (020) 7437 3677 or 0870 010 2183 (brochure request line). 
Fax: (020) 7494 1048. 
E-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org 
Website: www.indiatouristoffice.org 
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1200 and 1300-1800.

British High Commission
Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India 
Tel: ( 91-11) 2687 2161. 
Fax: ( 91-11) 2687 0065 or 2687 2882 or 2611 0660 (consular section). 
E-mail: conqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk (visa section). 
Website: www.ukinindia.org
Deputy High Commissions in: Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

Embassy of India
Chancery: 
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA 
Consulate: 
2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA 
Tel: (202) 939 7000 or 939 9806 (consular section). 
Fax: (202) 265 4351 or 387 6946 (consular section). 
Website: www.indianembassy.org 
Opening hours: 0930-1800.

Consulate General of India
Three East, 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA 
Tel: (212) 774 0600. Fax: (212) 861 3788. 
E-mail: visa@indiacgny.org 
Website: www.indiacgny.org

India Tourism, USA
Suite 1808, 1270 Avenue of the Americas, 
New York, NY 10020, USA 
Tel: (212) 586 4901. 
Fax: (212) 582 3274. 
E-mail: ny@itonyc.com
Website: www.tourindia.com
Office also in: Los Angeles (Tel: (213) 380 8855).

Embassy of the United States of America
One Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, 
New Delhi 110 021, India 
Tel: ( 91-11) 2419 8000. Fax: (11) 2419 0017. 
Consulates General in: Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

High Commission for India
Ten Springfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1M 1C9, Canada 
Tel: (613) 744 3751/3. Fax: (613) 744 0913. 
E-mail: hicomind@sprint.ca 
Website: www.docuweb.ca/India 
Consulates in: Toronto and Vancouver.

India Tourism, Canada
Suite 1003, 60 Bloor Street West, Toronto, 
Ontario M4W 3B8, Canada 
Tel: (416) 962 3787. Fax: (416) 962 6279. 
E-mail: india@istar.ca 

Canadian High Commission
Seven/Eight Shanti Path, PO Box 5209, 
Chanakyapuri, 
New Delhi 110 021, India 
Tel: ( 91-11) 687 6500. 
Fax: ( 91-11) 687 6579. 
E-mail: delhi@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Consulates in: Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.


Translation Services in Hyderabad

Alliance Francaise de Hyderabad
Indo French Cultural Centre 
(All translations from French to English and from English to French) 
10-2-9, Plot No.9, Road No.16,
West Marredpally, Secunderabad
Telephone ( 91-40) 27700734, 27700735, 27700736 
Fax: ( 912-40) 27700731 
e-mail: afhyd@sol.net.in

Hyderabad Translation Bureau
1-7-9 Surabhi Sapphire, 303
Opposite. Musheerabad Telephone Exchange, Hyderabad
Telephone: ( 91-40) 27604654, 55505400, 55633221
( 91-0) 98480-2332
Fax: ( 91-40) 27613355 

Ram Reddy Translation of documents in foreign languages
(French-English, Spanish-English)
4-30/A Snehapuri Colony
P. P. Saroornagar,
Hyderabad
Telephone: ( 91-40) 24036466, 24031017 
Email: ramreddy2000@hotmail.com 

Sharayu Ghurye
(Translation from German to English)
303 Pushpakalyan Apts
East Marredpally
Secunderabad
Telephone ( 91-40) 27730561
( 91-0) 98480 - 20089