TimeLocal time is GMT +5.5. Electricity240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used
in India, but most plugs have two or three round
pins. LanguageAlthough 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. HealthThere are a number of health risks associated with travel
to India, including malaria and dengue fever, and travellers should
take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before
departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus occur,
both being transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria outbreaks are common
in areas above 6,562 feet (2,000m), particularly in the
northeastern state of Assam. Outbreaks of cholera also occur
frequently. Those travelling from an infected area should hold a
yellow fever certificate. Food poisoning is a major risk in India;
all water and ice should be regarded as contaminated and visitors
should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the
bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in
all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and
served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Health
facilities are adequate in the larger cities but limited in rural
areas. Travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. Bird
flu was first discovered in domestic poultry in February 2006, but
no human infections have been reported. The risk for travellers is
low, but as a precaution close contact with wild, domestic and
caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes
should be well cooked. TippingTaxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however all other
services expect small tips, including porters, guides, hotel staff
and waiters in small establishments. In tourist restaurants or
hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. Baksheesh is
common in India, it is more a bribe than a tip and will ensure
better service; it is given before rather than after the
service. SafetyThe vast majority of visits to India are trouble-free,
however in light of the dispute with Pakistan most governments
advise against all travel to the Jammu (except Jammu City) and
Kashmir regions, all but essential travel to Srinagar (fatal
attacks continue), and anywhere near the border with Pakistan, with
the exception of Ladakh via Manali or by air to Leh, as well as to
Jaisalmer and Amritsar. A number of recent grenade attacks in
Srinagar, Kashmir, have targeted tourists and tourist buses,
causing several deaths and numerous injuries. Manipur and Tripura
should also be avoided and travel to Imphal is not recommended.
There has been an increase in the severity of terrorist attacks in
the east and northeast of the country with a spate of bomb attacks,
and visitors should keep up to date with the situation. Many
people, including tourists, have been killed. Violent extremist
groups are active in Bihar, Jharkland, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and
Orissa where attacks and violent crime has caused fatalities. In
July 2006, seven near-simultaneous bomb blasts tore apart commuter
trains in suburban Mumbai killing 187 people and injuring over 700,
and in February 2007 over 60 people were killed in bomb blasts on
the Samjhauta Express travelling between Delhi and Lahore; security
has been increased at transport hubs in Delhi and Mumbai. Visitors
should be aware that there are tensions between the Muslim and
Hindu populations, and there is a risk of terrorism throughout
India, and they should remain particularly vigilant in public
places, on public transport and at tourist sites, especially around
Mumbai and Delhi. Crime is an issue at major tourist spots and
visitors are advised to keep an eye of their valuables and, in
particular, passports. Be aware of confidence tricksters, often
involving fake jewellery, particularly in Agra and Jaipur, and
never accept food from strangers, particularly on trains as
travellers have been drugged and robbed. Road accidents are common
and claim hundreds of lives every year. Bus accidents are blamed on
reckless driving and speeding, and old vehicles. The monsoon
season, usually from June to September, causes great flooding, loss
of life and destruction in India every year. CustomsIndia is generally a fairly tolerant society but visitors
should be aware of religious and social customs; smoking in public
was banned in October 2008. When visiting temples visitors will be
required to remove their footwear and cover their heads. In general
women should dress conservatively both to respect local
sensibilities and to avoid unwanted attention. Topless bathing is
illegal. Indians do not like to disappoint and instead of saying
no will come up with something positive, even if incorrect.
Social order and status are very important in Indian culture. Avoid
using the left hand, particularly when eating. BusinessBusiness in India is conducted formally, with punctuality
an important aspect. Suits and ties are appropriate, and women in
particular should dress modestly. If it is very hot, jackets are
usually not required and short sleeve shirts are deemed
appropriate. It is customary to engage in small talk before getting
down to business and topics can range from anything from cricket to
politics. Business cards are usually exchanged on initial
introduction, using the right hand only. Handshakes are fairly
common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a
namaste - a traditional Indian greeting of a small bow
accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should
return the greeting. It is common for women to participate in
business meetings, and hold high positions in companies, and
foreign businesswomen are readily accepted. Business hours are
usually from 9.30 to 5.30pm (weekdays) with a lunch break from 1pm
to 2pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm. CoummnicationThe 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.
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Main Locations:
| Delhi |
Flight Shops in India
Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden
15 Lower Ground Floor,
Tagore Garden New Delhi
Call
011 4253 7700
or
email
Great India Place Mall, Noida
Shop No-164, First Floor,
Sector 38A Noida
Call
0120 422 7951-58
or
email
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to any person as a result of information contained above.
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