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(Last updated: 26 Jun 2008)
Visas
Passports and entry visas are required for all foreigners entering India. Tourist and business visas may be obtained from the nearest Indian High Commission or consulate in your country. Any foreign national arriving into India for a period of more than six months is required to register with the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within a period of 14 days of arrival. If the visit is under six months, the registration requirement will be as per the visa condition stamped on the visa issued. Additional information available at india.gov.in/overseas/passport.php
Contacts of FRRO are:
FRRO, New Delhi
Hans Bhavan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Tel: +91 11 2331 9781
FRRO, Mumbai
Annexe #2, Commissioner of Police and FRRO Crawford Market
Mumbai 400 001
Tel: +91 22 2262 1169
FRRO, Chennai
Chief Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration
Shastri Bhavan, Annexe #26, Haddows Road
Chennai
Tel: +91 44 2823 2642
Prior permission is required from the Indian authorities to visit certain parts of the country, particularly in the north-east. In particular, permits are required for Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, some areas of Uttar Pradesh, parts of Rajasthan adjacent to the international border and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The permit approval process for travel to certain parts of India can take up to two months. Advice on particular requirements should be sought from your travel agent or from the Indian mission in the city closest to you. Contact details for foreign representatives in Australia are available.
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India's climate is tropical monsoon. There are four distinct seasons:
- Winter (January to February)
- Summer (March to May)
- Rainy south-western Monsoon (June to September)
- Post-monsoon (October to December)
For weather details in India, please visit the World Meteorological Organization. |
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Although there are comprehensive local bus/train networks in most major towns, they are often overcrowded. It is advisable to avoid using public transport.
Taxis/hotel cars are the best mode of transport in most of the towns in India and are inexpensive by Australian standards. Taxis are metered in most major cities, but in some cities, fares are negotiable or have a surcharge. Pre-paid taxis and hiring chauffeur-driven cars are other options available.
To travel around a city it is best to hire a car and driver through the hotel. Hire a taxi for the day (but be precise about the period and negotiate the price) or hire a car and driver direct from car rental companies, like Hertz India, Orix India or Avis India.
India has an extensive network of railways. However, it is more efficient to travel by air as trains are slow by international standards.
Allow extra time when travelling during the peak hours, which are from 8.00am-11.00am and 5.00pm-8.00pm.
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to India. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
The security situation in the north-east remains uncertain. Australian citizens should consider deferring travel to the states in the region (Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur and exercise due caution if travelling in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram). It is also advisable to avoid travel to the states of Jammu and Kashmir.
Health
A valid yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all persons (including infants) who have been, even in transit, to Africa, South America or Papua New Guinea before coming into India. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Many of India's larger cities are highly polluted and travellers with respiratory ailments may wish to take precautionary measures. Eat only freshly cooked food and drink only bottled water.
For detailed information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic. Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel.
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Tipping
Tipping 10 per cent is customary in restaurants and hotels in addition to the usual service included in the bill. The taxis and auto-rickshaws charge a fee over and above the metered amount; no tipping beyond the surcharge is required. |
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Time zones and time differences
India is four-and-a-half hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in New Delhi, view the World Clock. |
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Dialling codes
India's country code is 91
For calls to India from Australia dial: 0011 + 91 + area code + telephone number
For calls from India to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes. |
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Businesses are open from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. |
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Public holidays
January 10 – Islamic New Year
January 26 – Republic Day
March 9 – Birth of the Prophet
August 15 – Independance Day
September 20-21 – End of Ramadan
October 2 – Mahatma Ghandi's Birthday
October 18 – Deepavali
November 27-28 – Feast of the Sacrifice
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day
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Oanda currency converter
Indian monetary system consists of rupees (mostly 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupee currency notes) and paise (pronounced pay-say), which includes coins of 25 paise, 50 paise, 1 rupee and five rupee denominations. |
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Electricity and water
India’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, generally 2, 3 and 2, 4 wires. The round two-pin plugs are the most common. |
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Dining
There are a number of restaurants across India that are good and cheap. Each city in India offers certain specialities. It is safe to eat freshly cooked food and to drink only bottled water. |
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