Do's & Don'ts in India

Do's

• In case of need or desire to overstay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional Registration Office.
• It is advisable to avail of pre-paid taxi/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.
• Advisable to shop at the Govt. Emporia/Fixed Price Shops to ensure quality and reasonable prices.
• Check power voltage before using electrical instruments (220/240 V are available in India)
• Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults
• You are advised to contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office or Government approved Travel Agents/Tour Operators for local sight seeing and excursion tours.
• Fast Trains/Intercity express are available between several tourist centers. Consult the Railway Information Office or India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office.
• Always hire a Govt. approved tourist guide who invariably carries an identity card.
• Check about photography permissions/video filming at any monument. Contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office
• Change money only at the Authorised Foreign Exchange Outlets/Banks/Hotels and insist on receipt for money changed.
• For guide map of the city/tourist information, contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office
• STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available at small outlets in all parts of the country with yellow sign boards
• Observe local tradition/customs while visiting religious places
• There is prohibition on liquor in a few states. Check details from the nearest Tourism Office about the same.
• Smoking not allowed in public places and vehicles in some states.
• Do not buy goods from road side unless and until you feel satisfied
• All state government has their own handicraft stall and all good tour operators include it in their itinerary. Try to buy from Government stall only for genuine handicraft.

Don'ts

• Don't encourage beggars
• Don't accept food/drinks from strangers
• Export of Indian Currency is banned
• Don't be coerced into shopping by touts/guides/cab/taxi drivers or strangers
• Don't bye articles made from rare/endangered species of animals which are banned