Ready…Set…Go!

What to know before you go to

India

Travel Insurance

Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance may not cover them outside of the country.  If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable if you are not insured.  In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical may be very frustrating without insurance.  Travel insurance also covers lost baggage and worldwide emergency assistance.   Insurance premiums are non refundable as that is a separate contract with the insurance company.

Visa: Visas are required by all foreigners entering India. U.S. citizens also need a valid U.S. passport for entry into India. It must be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date and contain 2 blank visa pages.  Make three copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with your family and carry the other separately from your original. Due to airline regulations, a copy of your passport must also be sent to Pilgrim Tours.

Health Certificates                                                 Language Spoken

None required.                                                          Hindi & English, plus 15 main languages and more than 700 dialects

Currency

The currency in India is the Rupee (RS).  Check the travel section of your newspaper or the Internet for the most recent exchange rate.   You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country, or take it with you when you leave.  The rupee is fully convertible.  In cities you can change most major foreign currencies and brands of traveler’s checks, including US dollars.  It is best to exchange your money in big banks in big cities for less hassle.  Credit cards are widely accepted in Indian cities, particularly American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa. 

Voltage

Electricity is 230-240 volts, 50 Hz. 

Medication

If you are required to take daily medications, explain your dosage to someone traveling with you in case there is a problem or a medical emergency.  Ask your doctor to write an extra prescription to take with you to use if your medication is lost.  All medication should be labeled or kept in its original container, including over-the-counter medication.

Baggage Allowance

For air travel to and within India, each passenger may have one carry-on bag, the dimensions of which shall not exceed 45 inches, as on the touring bus it must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.  For international flights only, one checked bag no more than 44 lbs and totaling 62 inches in dimension are allowed, along with the standard carry-on. Be sure your checked luggage is clearly marked (using the baggage tags provided). The Pilgrim Tours tag does not take the place of your luggage tag, which should have your name, address, and phone number on it.  It is wise to also insert an index card with your name, address and phone number inside your luggage. Important Note - Medicines, items of value or important documents such as passports and traveler’s checks, as well as jewelry, should be carried on your person.  Don’t leave any luggage unattended in public areas and DON’T accept packages from strangers to carry on the plane.

Time Zone

India is 10 hours & 30 min. ahead of EST.

Climate

Average Temperatures (in degrees Fahrenheit)

Average Rainfall (in inches)

Pre-Flight

Leave your travel information with a family member or friend, including a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.  In the event of an emergency, family members may contact Pilgrim Tours at 800-322-0788.

Dress comfortably for the flight, wearing clothes that allow freedom of movement and shoes that slip on and off easily.

Check-in time for international flights is normally TWO hours prior to departure.  When checking in at the airport, a valid passport is needed as proof of identification for international travelers.

In order to avoid jet lag, limit caffeine, alcohol and carbonated beverages.  Rather, opt for natural fruit juices and water.

What to Pack

Comfortable, lightweight casual clothing is recommended.   Planning your wardrobe around one or two colors is also helpful. Summer clothing is suitable year round in the south.  In the north, lightweight woolens are necessary from mid-December to mid-February. Be sure to include comfortable walking shoes.

A raincoat and rain hat (or poncho) is easier to use when sightseeing than an umbrella.  A sun hat/rain hat for touring open areas is recommended.

Be sure to keep important items such as documents, money, medications, keys, etc. on your person or in your carry-on luggage.  Never pack these items in your checked luggage.

Do not make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry.  A good way to conceal your money and valuables is by purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight pouch that attaches around your waist and is worn under your clothes.  Do not over-pack.  Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

If you are traveling with a companion, it is a good idea to cross-pack some of your items.  Put half of your items in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa.  This will ease the frustration of lost luggage.

Take along a small backpack.  When you are touring, fill it with bottled water, tissues, notebook and pen.  It will also come in handy for carrying souvenirs.

Don’t forget these travel sized necessities:  sewing kit, first-aid kit, tissues, travel clock, toiletries, notebook and pen, pre-printed address labels (for sending postcards), plastic “zip-locking” bags (for storing open bottles and containers).

Purchase your film and batteries in the US.  Remember to bring extra for your video camera.

Tipping

Tipping is typically not practiced in India, except in expensive restaurants and hotels in the major cities.  However, baksheesh, a term that encompasses tipping and a lot more, is widespread: You “tip” in India to get things done, not after good service has been provided.  In tourist restaurants or hotels, a service charge is often added to bills. 

Meals

For meals that are not included on your itinerary, check with your group leader or the front desk at the hotel for suggestions (be sure to mention the price range).

Communications

There are facilities in hotels for mailing letters, sending telegrams, faxes and e-mail, and making overseas long distance calls.  Long distance telephone calls may be made from your hotel room but must be booked at the front desk in the lobby.

Shopping

Check with your group leader or the front desk for the best shopping areas.  Time for shopping will be arranged during your tours at the various sites. 

Other things to keep in mind

Taking photographs of military or government locations is prohibited. See a travel doctor prior to departure for recommended vaccinations.  Tap-water is unsafe throughout India; drink only bottled or carbonated water and avoid ice cubes. 

THANK YOU FOR TRAVELING WITH PILGRIM TOURS