Language: Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. There are 16 other languages also spoken.
Currency: The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorized bureaux de changes. It is impossible to obtain rupees outside
India, but no matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange office open at the
airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Travelers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are not generally available.
Time: Local time is GMT +5.5.
Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.
Communications: The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for
Delhi. International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use a calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main cities and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to India over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; medicine in reasonable amounts; 59ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and goods for personal use. Prohibited items include livestock, bird and pig meat products.
Tourist OfficeIndian
Tourist Office,
New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2332 0342 or www.incredibleindia.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 100 (Police); 102 (Ambulance).
Embassies
Indian Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 939 7000.
Indian
High Commission,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7836 8484.
Indian High Commission,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 744 3751.
Indian High Commission,
Canberra,
Australia: + 61 (0)2 6273 3999.
Indian High Commission,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5392.
Indian Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 496 6792.
Indian High Commission,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 6390/1.
United States Embassy, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2419 8000.
British High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2687 2161.
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 4178 2000.
Australian High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 4139 9900.
South African High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2614 9411.
Irish Embassy, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2462 6733.
New
Zealand High Commission, New Delhi: +91 (0)11 2688 3170.
