India

Facts for the Visitor

Visas (costs in Nepali Rupee(NPR) because we applied in Kathmandu)
US citizen: 15-day transit: 2350 NPR (US$31.70), issued in 1 day.
6-month tourist: 4600 NPR + 300 NPR telex charge (US$64), takes 1 week.
Japanese citizen: 15-day transit: 100 NPR (US$1.30), issued in 1 day.
6-month tourist: 3050 NPR + 300 NPR telex charge (US$43.80), takes 1 week.

Language Skills Needed
English is sufficient for any activity in India.

Cash Machines
Cash machines connected to the Plus, Cirrus, and Maestro international networks are in Delhi, Jaipur, and probably other capital cities of each Indian state. There are none in other major cities like Varanasi and Agra. If no ATM exists, some banks can charge a credit card and provide the equivalent amount of Indian Rupees for a 1% commission.

Currency
US$ 1 = 47.945 INR (Indian Rupees) on December 7, 2001.

Electricity
230~240V, 50Hz. Plugs have 3 round pins that are slightly thicker than those in mainland Europe, but the 2-round pin European plug will fit in outlets.

Health
International Certificates of Vaccination are not required.

Tips
More expensive places automatically add a 10% service charge on the bill. Tipping is optional and hardly expected at inexpensive places.

Telephones
Pay-per-use telephone offices (PCO) are easily found everywhere.

Internet
All major cities (population of 1 million or more) have Internet points. Connection speeds are up to 28.8kbps. Standard rates are between 20~60 INR per hour.

Transportation
Daily trains and buses go everywhere. Trains are the better value but reserved seats can sell out days in advance. Buses, even the express tourist buses, are filthy and stop regularly to pick up as many local passengers as can be squeezed into the driver's cabin and isle. It's best to wear dirty clothes on the day of bus travel.


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