Some important tips for FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) in India

8/7/2019 Some important tips for FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) in India

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Tourist Visa on Arrival

Government of India launched a scheme of Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) in January 2010.Currently, it is single entry visa for a short period with a validity of 30 days strictly for the

purpose of tourism and a tourist can come to India only twice a year on this visa. Citizensfrom 15 countries are cover under the TVOA scheme - Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New

Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia. The fee

for the visa on arrival is $ 60 (Sixty USD) or equivalent amount in Indian Rupees per

passenger (including children). It is important to note that persons holding diplomatic or

official passports are not eligible to avail this facility.

All other visitors will need a valid visa beforehand. A Tourist Visa, generally valid up to 6months, is given to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.

Plan your visa application in advance. Although a tourist visa for up to six months is usually

easy to obtain, you still need to be aware that there are certain bureaucratic requirements

which you should check before you apply and remember that they get updated

continuously. A very unusual condition that has been introduced recently is that your photomust be 2 by 2 in size sending a photo with different dimensions would lead to rejection.

It is best to apply via a professional visa agency that will sort out the documentation and

submit the application on your behalf.

Pet in the Flight and Hotel

Unfortunately, India is not a particularly pet-sensitive country. Pets are not generallyallowed in domestic planes, trains, public transport and hotels. In case of domestic travels

via air, it is best to check in advance whether your pet is permitted on board. In domestic

flights ofJet Airways,Air India andJet Lite, your pet (dogs, cats, household birds and other

pets) can travel in the cargo hold, when properly crated and accompanied by valid healthand vaccination certificates. The pilot should be informed in writing prior to the flight that

there is a live animal in the cargo hold and he would adjust the temperature suitably. Pets

below 10 weeks of age are not allowed to travel by flight. The charge for your pet traveling

on the aircraft depends on the weight of your pet and differs from airline to airline. If your

flight doesnt allow your pets with you, you would need to send it through cargo to the port

nearest to your destination.

Similarly, in hotels too, guests are not usually allowed to bring in their pets. It is alwaysbetter to check with hotel agents about their policies towards pets. The best option is to

book your stay in vacation homes or homestays in India, which are more caring approach

towards pets.
http://tourism.gov.in/events/visa.pdfhttp://tourism.gov.in/events/visa.pdfhttp://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/TravellingWithAnimals.aspxhttp://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/TravellingWithAnimals.aspxhttp://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/TravellingWithAnimals.aspxhttp://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Domestic---Pets.aspx?MID=27http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Domestic---Pets.aspx?MID=27http://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Domestic---Pets.aspx?MID=27http://www.jetlite.com/in/travellingwithanimals.aspxhttp://www.jetlite.com/in/travellingwithanimals.aspxhttp://www.jetlite.com/in/travellingwithanimals.aspxhttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Vacation+Rentalhttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Vacation+Rentalhttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Homestayshttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Homestayshttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Homestayshttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Homestayshttp://www.theotherhome.com/find-out-home.php?pr_type_all=Vacation+Rentalhttp://www.jetlite.com/in/travellingwithanimals.aspxhttp://home.airindia.in/SBCMS/Webpages/Domestic---Pets.aspx?MID=27http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/ProductAndServices/TravellingWithAnimals.aspxhttp://tourism.gov.in/events/visa.pdf


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Local Culture

India can be viewed as a conglomerate of 28 countriesand 7 union territories, so different is one region from

the other in terms of geography, climate, culture, foodhabits, festivals and rituals or anything that you can

think of. India is the worlds largest democracy with a

population of more than 1 billion people and still there

is large divide between urban and rural centres. Hindi is

widely spoken in most of the states. English is the only

widely spoken foreign language in India.

In southern part of India, the literacy rate is quite high and most people can speak English

including drivers, local guide or operators and hotel staff. However, it is difficult for people

to communicate in other languages like French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese

etc. Local people love to offer greeting with folded hand and sayNAMASTE(Hello). They say

DHANYAVAD or SHUKRIYA(Thank You) and MAAF KIJIYEGA (I am sorry). However, shaking

hand is not a problem now, except with women in rural areas. Indian Business Cultureis

quite different from the west.

Importance of Religion

Indians are very attached and sentimental about their religion. There are6 prominentreligious creeds in IndiaHinduism,Islam,Christianity,Sikhism,JainismandBuddhism.

Foreign visitors always receive a warm welcome at religious places and get local assistance

from the tourist centres in the respective premises. It is important to show respect to thereligious orientation and beliefs. It is also easy to make some good friends through this.

Foreign Independent Travellers (FIT) can learn local culture and customs, taste local food

and can get exposure to the true India.

Each religion has some key important centres likeAkshardham(Hinduism),Jama Masjid(Muslims),Basilica of Bom Jesus(Christianity),Golden Temple(Sikhism),Dilwara Temple

(Jainism) andLumbini(Buddhism).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_say_thank_you_in_Hindihttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_say_thank_you_in_Hindihttp://www.slideshare.net/jaaaspal/know-more-about-indian-business-culture-presentationhttp://www.slideshare.net/jaaaspal/know-more-about-indian-business-culture-presentationhttp://www.slideshare.net/jaaaspal/know-more-about-indian-business-culture-presentationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslims_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslims_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslims_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indiahttp://www.akshardham.com/http://www.akshardham.com/http://www.akshardham.com/http://jamamasjid.in/http://jamamasjid.in/http://jamamasjid.in/http://www.bomjesus.in/http://www.bomjesus.in/http://www.bomjesus.in/http://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asphttp://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asphttp://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilwara_Templeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilwara_Templeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilwara_Templeshttp://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/666http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilwara_Templeshttp://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asphttp://www.bomjesus.in/http://jamamasjid.in/http://www.akshardham.com/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslims_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Indiahttp://www.slideshare.net/jaaaspal/know-more-about-indian-business-culture-presentationhttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_say_thank_you_in_Hindihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste


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Indian Currency (Rupees)

Foreign exchange is easily available in most big cities. Visitors can exchange foreign currencyat airports and hotels too. However, it is better to check with a couple of banks or financial

institutions to make sure that you get the best rate. Foreign currency (dollars, pounds,euros, etc) is accepted in most upmarket places and tourist spots but it is better not to rely

on them. Remember that exchanging money is very bureaucratic and requires your

passport. Also, if you have any surplus at the end of your trip, it may be costly and difficult to

exchange back to your home currency so dont go around with much more than you need,

and try to spend your rupees before you go.

One good option is to withdraw money from an ATM. India has a big network ofATMsnow MasterCard and Visa. State Bank of India (Largest Public Bank) and ICICI Bank (Largest

Private Bank) have the largest spread of ATMs in the country. Visa, Visa Electron, Master,

Cirrus and Maestro cards can be used in all the SBI and ICICI Bank ATMs. Many other ATMs

operate with international credit cards. They are available 24Hrs. For local currency, the

maximum withdrawal limit is Rs. 25,000 ($550) a day using international silver card and Rs.50,000 ($1,100) a day for the international gold cards. It is possible not to get caught in small

towns without adequate cash, as the ATM network is quite good in most cities.

Mobile SIM and Internet

International travelers used to face numerous problems due to lack of reasonably pricedconnectivity options. The availability of international SIM cards has resolved the concerns

for making long distance calls from foreign base. On the other hand, global data cards have

provided a cost-effective option for accessing internet with a pocket-sized device. Both

postpaid and prepaid data cards are available in the Indian market. Traveler can buy a

prepaid internet data card (data traveler) and can enjoy a seamless internet connectionthroughout India, except Jammu & Kashmir state, enjoying high speed connection

everywhere, except big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai where the speed could be

marginally low due to congestion.

There are three key options for pan Indiaconnection -Reliance Netconnect,Tata

Indicom PhotonandAirtel Wireless.

Normally, a data card costs around Rs.

2,000 ($45) and has several different tariff

plans, ranging from Rs. 100 ($2.5) to Rs.1500 ($35) (unlimited).

A mobile phone connection is one of the cheapest options in India. An Indian prepaid SIMCard, together with a tri-bandunlockedGSM cell phone, will allow you not only to have a

local cell phone number for India but enjoylocal rates- that too, without a contract. You can

purchase a prepaid SIM card by submitting photocopy of passport. There are many cell

operators in India. Incoming calls are free in the city where you buy the number. However,

one need to pay roaming charges in the other cities for both outgoing and incoming services.

It is advisable to purchase a SIM card from the city where you are planning to stay for alonger time. Traveler can also use calling cards, such as Matrix.
http://atmindia.in/http://atmindia.in/http://atmindia.in/http://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.htmlhttp://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.htmlhttp://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/http://www.statebankofindia.com/user.htm?action=atmlocator_actionhttp://www.statebankofindia.com/user.htm?action=atmlocator_actionhttps://infinity.icicibank.co.in/web/services/jsp/Locateus.jsphttps://infinity.icicibank.co.in/web/services/jsp/Locateus.jsphttp://www.reliancenetconnect.co.in/http://www.reliancenetconnect.co.in/http://www.reliancenetconnect.co.in/http://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect/airtel.in/airtel.in/home/foryou/mobile/wireless+internet/http://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect/airtel.in/airtel.in/home/foryou/mobile/wireless+internet/http://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect/airtel.in/airtel.in/home/foryou/mobile/wireless+internet/http://www.cellularabroad.com/q_as.php#lockedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/q_as.php#lockedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/q_as.php#lockedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/indiaSIMcard.php#ratesdetailedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/indiaSIMcard.php#ratesdetailedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/indiaSIMcard.php#ratesdetailedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/indiaSIMcard.php#ratesdetailedhttp://www.cellularabroad.com/q_as.php#lockedhttp://www.airtel.in/wps/wcm/connect/airtel.in/airtel.in/home/foryou/mobile/wireless+internet/http://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.tataphoton.com/tata-photon-plus-on-computer.aspxhttp://www.reliancenetconnect.co.in/https://infinity.icicibank.co.in/web/services/jsp/Locateus.jsphttp://www.statebankofindia.com/user.htm?action=atmlocator_actionhttp://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/http://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.htmlhttp://atmindia.in/


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Bargaining for Souvenirs in India

You may have heard about bargaining forsouvenirs in India. This is reasonable, and in some

ways, expected. If you visit an upmarket touristshop, for expensive items, it is fair to bargain as

much as is possible. However if you visit a small

store or street trader, whereas they may be willing

to bargain with you, please remember many exist

on poor pay, some around $15 a day, and every

penny saved represents lesser money for them, so

dont bargain them out of existence. A rough guideline is that a fair price is about half the price

youd pay in more affluent countries. If you are pushing them beyond, perhaps you are being

unfair.

In Delhi, you can buy handicraft and arts materials fromDelhi Haator from States Emporiumat Connaught Place.

Eating and Travelling in India

The Indians generally use their hands for eating, and at best,

may use a spoon. Use of knives and forks is not common.

Most authentic restaurants have hand washing rooms. If

you want such cutlery, and are in such a restaurant, ask for

two spoons. It is not a bad sign to visit a restaurant without

knives and forks some of the best and most authentic

restaurants with the most elite food are primarily for the

inhabitants of the region, who are familiar with the taste ofhigh standard local food. Of course, hotels and restaurants

with western cuisine will have full cutlery, and most places

will find a knife and fork for you.

Allow time for traffic

Car ownership is on the rise in most Indian cities.

However, due to the limited expansion of road network,

congestion is common. If you want to travel in urban

centres, avoid the rush hours. Try to start early (7:00

7:30 AM), or in the late morning (11:00 AM onwards) orin the evening (7:00 PM onwards) or go on weekends, if

you want a fast ride. If you are not fussed then of course,

it does not matter, but budget the extra time (sometimes

hours) to reach your destination. Do not plan a mad dash

to an airport or train station. Keep in mind that if on

Sunday afternoon it took half an hour, it could take two

hours on Monday morning.

Precautions for the Traveler to India

In India, especially the South, insects such as mosquitoes can be very irritating if you are notcareful. Dont sleep with windows open. Close windows at around 6:00 PM, and keep them
http://www.delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/dilli_haat.jsphttp://www.delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/dilli_haat.jsphttp://www.delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/dilli_haat.jsphttp://www.delhitourism.nic.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/dilli_haat.jsp


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Electricity

In India electricity voltage is 220. You will not find adaptor very easily at all the places. It isadvisable to carry the convertor if you want to use 110 or 240 voltage equipment.

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Some important tips for FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) in India

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Transcript of Some important tips for FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) in India