General Tips For Travel to India & Nepal Travel

Tour to India / Nepal can be a wee bit unnerving for the first-time visitor to India & Nepal. The lifestyle and culture is totally different from the European Countries. We have prepared a list of some important things for hassle-free and enjoyable travel in India & Nepal.

A proper VISA to enter and stay in India / Nepal is a must. There are reported cases when travellers are advised non-requirement of Indian /Nepal VISA by their travel agents. Practically every foreign national requires VISA to enter these countries.

Do not encourage beggars.

Don't offer bribes to get any job done. Bribe-taking and bribe-giving are a common practice in India, but they are intended to speed up things or win a favour that you are not entitled to. Plan well in advance. Use consultants or trade and industry associations or Travel Agents.

It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, pick pocket, loss and medi-claim.

Carry proper maps of the places proposed to visit in India/Nepal, as signboards are often absent. Try to reach a station during daytime if travelling on your own. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-drivers and Tuk Tuk driver at airport/stations/bus stand/ Monuments to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.

Women travelling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at night.

While changing money, insist on getting an encashment certificate.

Do not check out of the hotel in a hurry. While checking out it has been noticed in some hotels, the extras are unreasonably charged which the guest hurriedly pays without cross-checking so we advise you to check your bill properly before paying either such as restaurant bill, hotel bills, store bills & etc.

Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided into different pockets.

Don't accept offers of visiting anyone's house unless you are confident of the person.

Use always authorized licensed guides for sightseeing.

Drink bottled water always.

Always use strong suitcases / baggage, as mishandling is common at Airports / Railway stations.

Don't tip unreasonably and unnecessarily in a hotel. The NEWS soon spreads in the hotel and by the time at check in and check out there will be a group of them saluting you to expecting something.

Most of the museum gives very good discounts for students from all over the world. They must carry their valid school identity card and below, then 15 years children are free in some of the Historical monuments. Acknowledge that Indians and foreigners have to pay different tariffs and entry fees at historical monuments and museums.

Avoid crowds

Keep cool. India is a hot country, try to keep cool, drink plenty of water and don’t get dehydrated.

Always carry a handkerchief

Learn salutations used in India, such as Namaste (Hindi), although “Hello” or “Hi” is fine

Avoid local buses (not coaches) Use proper transports

Don’t eat or drink anything anyone gives you while travelling, it may not be safe

Indians in general are very friendly people but crooks take advantage of this. Basically, don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, they could be spiked. Exercise a high degree of caution

Remember photography in many places is not allowed such as airports, sensitive, controversial religious places such as Mathura and Ayodhya Temples. You might need special permission to take photos or shoot videos. If you are a casual tourist then it will be fine. You might have to pay a “camera fee”. When entering shrines and temples remove your shoes. Some temples prohibit the entry of leather goods such as belts and leather wallets.

The electrical supply is 220/240V and 50Hz. Carry the appropriate “round pin” electric connectors similar to European ones