Organize your stay Rajasthan
Covid-19 : current situation Rajasthan
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Rajasthan. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Rajasthan
Currency. The Indian currency is the rupee. It is divided into 100 paisas, although with inflation the cents are no longer used. The coins in circulation are of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. The bills in circulation are of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2 000 Rs. The exchange rate is favorable with :
1 € = 80 Rs
1 Rs = 0,012 €
Payments. Restaurants and shops are not allowed to be paid in foreign currency. It is possible to pay large sums of money in euros or dollars in charming or luxury hotels. Payment by credit card is also widely accepted, with a preference for Visa and MasterCard. Elsewhere, payment by credit card is far from being widespread. Therefore, always carry cash, preferably in small denominations. You will easily find ATMs in the cities. In any case, avoid carrying large bundles of cash. If you are traveling with large sums of money, divide it among different pockets or luggage so as not to draw attention to yourself.
Banking and currency exchange. It is theoretically forbidden to enter and leave the country with Indian rupees if you are not a resident. You will have to change or withdraw money upon arrival, knowing that the rates at the airport or in large hotels are rarely advantageous
Indian banks are most often open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and Saturday from 10am to 12pm. The main banks are State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC, Axis Bank, ICICI, Bank of Baroda and Federal Bank. When exchanging money, always remember to ask for a receipt. You may be asked for a receipt if you book a train ticket from the foreign tourist quota. Euros are widely accepted in exchange offices. The best exchange rate is usually offered by government banks (SBI), but the service is often somewhat inefficient and you may have to insist. Be sure to exchange currency in the larger cities, as small rural branches may not have currency exchange facilities. If you go to street money changers, you risk being ripped off.
Note that exchange fees can be multiplied by 5 from one exchange office to another. Evaluate the posted exchange rate and always ask if there are any additional fees to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Credit card. If you have a bank card (Visa or MasterCard), there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. ATMs are available in all cities. Most banks charge a small fee for each transaction. The maximum withdrawal amount is Rs 10,000 per transaction.
If your card is lost or stolen abroad, your bank will offer you an appropriate solution so that you can continue your stay in peace. Remember to note down the assistance number on your card, as well as the card number, so that you can stop the transaction if necessary. In case of opposition, it is immediate and confirmed as soon as you can provide your card number. Otherwise, the opposition is recorded and you will have to confirm the opposition by mail.
Remember to inform your bank advisor of your trip to avoid any untimely blocking of your card. You will also be able to increase your withdrawal and payment limits if necessary. Most banks now offer these services directly from the online application.
Outside the euro zone, bank card payments are subject to bank fees that vary from bank to bank: a fixed fee of between €0 and €1.20 per payment plus a commission of 2% to 3% of the transaction amount. The cost of the transaction is still lower overall than for cash withdrawals and payments.
Money transfer. This system allows you to send or receive money anywhere in the world in a few minutes. The principle is simple: one of your relatives goes to a MoneyGram or Western Union point (post office, bank, gas station, shop...), enters your name and pays a sum of money to the other person. On your side, you go to a point of the same branch. Upon presentation of your photo ID and the transaction reference, you will be given your money immediately.
Budget & Tips Rajasthan
Budget. The Indian standard of living is comparatively low compared to that of Western countries, even if it is constantly improving. Indians will tell you that everything is expensive now. This is especially true for fixed costs (water, electricity, gas) which are constantly increasing. Concerning food, prices vary enormously depending on the harvest and the monsoons. Entrance fees to tourist sites are relatively high for foreign tourists, especially in Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Fatehpur Sikri...) where the smallest entry ticket to a site costs at least 100 Rs each time we visit
The crisis of Covid-19 has strongly impacted the tourism industry. Closed to foreign tourism, India has turned to its domestic market, which has managed to keep most hotels afloat. However, hotels have lowered their prices (especially luxury hotels, to accommodate local customers) and it is likely that they will rise sharply with the return of Western tourists. The hotel prices given in these pages should be taken with caution.
Small budget: with 20 € to 25 € per day you will sleep in guest houses with rudimentary comfort, take your meals in the street or in local canteens and use public transportation. You will visit one or two paying monuments each day. You should avoid staying too long in the larger cities, which are considered more expensive. It is possible to reduce the range of daily expenses, but we do not guarantee the cleanliness of hotels or the freshness of meals. In this case, bring your own sheets and towels and an effective anti-diarrhea medication.
Average budget: with 50 € to 100 € per day, you will sleep in charming hotels with air-conditioned rooms (or heated in winter), take your meals in good restaurants and make some excursions by private car. To move from one city to another, you will take the train in the best classes (1AC or 2AC).
Big budget: between 150 € and 200 € per day, you will sleep in luxury hotels and will travel exclusively by car with driver. You'll sit at the best tables and be able to treat yourself to something crazy like a hot air balloon ride over Jaipur or a very private camp in Ranthambore.
Unlimited budget: you will have the best suites in the most beautiful palaces, and they are numerous. You will travel in a very comfortable luxury car and will opt, why not, for a tour in the mythical Palace on Wheels train.
Tipping. Tipping is de rigueur in India, especially when you are a foreigner. The amount is free and to be defined according to the amount of your bill in restaurants and bars in particular. You can leave between 10 Rs and 200 Rs at the restaurant depending on its standing and the number of guests. Luxurious establishments often apply a percentage for the service called " service charge" , which does not prevent you from adding a tip if you are satisfied with the service
If you hire a driver for all or part of your stay, a tip is mandatory. The drivers have a small fixed salary, and the tip allows them to make ends meet. It is necessary to count between 200 Rs and 500 Rs per day, according to the number of people and the duration of the service. Count Rs 3,000 for ten days
Haggling. Bargaining is common in almost all stores (except on products with a fixed price tag) and especially in stores specializing in tourist items. Be prepared to bargain hard. If you really like an item, don't show it off and set a limit before you start negotiating. Look for objective and subjective arguments that could lower the price (you like the item, but you would have preferred it in another color, there is a small defect, the polyester is not worth the price of the silk...). Pretend to walk away and look further. Chances are the seller will chase you down and drop the item at your last price. Another tip is that the first sale of the day is often considered a good omen by merchants. The best deals are possible early in the morning.
Taxes. Goods and services are taxed twice. The GST is the value-added tax on goods and services and is levied by the federal government, while the SGST of the same amount is levied by the local government. The tax reform is one of the major undertakings of the Narendra Modi government and it came into effect on July1, 2017. There are 7 different tax rates ranging from 0% to 28%. Hotels are taxed at 0% for rooms under Rs 1,000, 12% for rates between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 per night, 18% when the room rate is between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500, and 28% when the room rate is above Rs 7,500. Therefore, remember to ask for the price including all taxes when you book a room, in order to avoid bad surprises and blowing your budget.
The price war. We have received several remarks from readers mentioning that the prices indicated in this guide are not always those they observe on the spot. While we take our investigations seriously, hoteliers and tourist sites are free to raise their prices whenever they please. The Covid-19 epidemic that saw the country closed to foreign tourists for 2 years led to an overall drop in rates, especially in luxury establishments. Hoteliers have turned to their domestic market to fill their establishments. We conducted our survey when tourism was not yet back in Rajasthan. It is likely that hoteliers are increasing their rates significantly with the arrival of the tourist season, to the detriment of the information gathered during our visit.
Many establishments modify their rates according to the season. In the low season (May to September), rates are more easily negotiable. In order to get a good price, don't hesitate to play the competition and negotiate the price down, with a smile. As a general rule, luxury and mid-range establishments post their rates on their websites and you will be able to get updated information at the time of your reservation. However, in the case of low-cost hotels, the hotelier will often charge a "per-customer" rate depending on the occupancy rate of his establishment and his financial needs.
Concerning the rickshaw races, our good knowledge of the ground and the culture often allows us to obtain the right price for a race. It is much less easy to negotiate a race in a city in which we have no reference, nor any idea of the distances. Rickshaw-walas tend to inflate the price of a ride outrageously when they see tourists arriving. This is especially true in low season, when they have less shopping. And they may once again want to make up for two long years of dearth. It is essential to keep your cool and explain to the driver that you know the rates (you will have asked them at your hotel) and that this is not your first stay in India. Whatever happens, don't lose your cool. There is no need to ruin your stay for a dozen rupees.
Passport and visas Rajasthan
Obtaining a passport. All passports issued in France are now biometric. Your fingerprints are recorded in a secure chip glued between the pages of your passport. To obtain a passport, you must make an appointment at the town hall and complete a pre-application for a passport on the website www.ants.gouv.fr. You must also pay a tax stamp amounting to 86 € for an adult (17 € for children under 15 years old and 42 € for children over 15 years old). The tax stamp can be obtained online at www.timbres.impots.gouv.fr. On the day of the appointment, you must go to the town hall with your old passport, proof of address dated less than one year ago, a recent passport photo that is less than 6 months old and meets the required criteria (light background, no glasses, uncovered head, etc.), the pre-application number and the tax stamp reference. Please note that it can take several weeks or even months to obtain an appointment at the town hall and to issue the passport. It is essential to anticipate your application in advance.
The passport is valid for 10 years (5 years for children) and can be renewed free of charge if all the pages of the passport in your possession are used.
Remember to photocopy your travel documents before you leave. Give a copy to someone you know. If your passport is lost or stolen, the process will be simplified if you can provide complete information to the consular authorities. You can also keep a copy on the official website www.mon.service-public.fr. Simply create an account and scan all of your identification and other important documents into your private area
Visa. The visa is mandatory to go to India. You must have 3 blank pages left in your passport, two of which must be consecutive, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date. You can either apply for a visa at the consular services managed by VFS Global or online by requesting an eVisa.
The paper visa is issued in France by the consular services in VFS Global offices in Paris (16 boulevard du Général Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm) and in Marseille (444A rue de Paradis, 13008 Marseille, Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm). You can apply for a tourist visa for a period of one year (single or multiple entry) for an amount of 84 € or 5 years (single or multiple entry) for an amount of 167 €. In addition, there is a processing fee and a tax. You must also complete an online form at httpps://indianvisaonlinie.gov.in and choose " Regular / Paper Visa Application " and provide 2 passport size photos (2 cm x 2 cm) and a photocopy of your passport. The stay cannot exceed 90 days. The visa starts on the date of issue by the authorities and not on the date of entry into the country.
The eVisa is to be requested on the website https://indianvisaonline.org.in by choosing the access to the eVisa by Bureau of Immigration portal. You must complete the online form and upload a 2cm x 2cm passport photo and a copy of your passport. You can apply for a tourist visa for 30 days (double entry), 1 year (multiple entry) or 5 years (multiple entry). The price of the eVisa is fixed at US$40 for 1 year and US$80 for 5 years. Each stay cannot exceed 90 days. Once you apply online, you will receive a reply within 48 hours. You must print the visa application form and present it to immigration upon arrival in India. The visa is then issued to you on the spot.
There are many different categories of visas that may apply if you are not visiting India for tourism. All visa categories can be found on the website www.vfsglobal.com
Please note that the duration of visas and the way to obtain them change regularly. Make sure you get all the information you need before your departure.
Renew your visa on site. If your passport (and therefore your visa) is lost or stolen or if you wish to renew your visa to extend your stay, you must go to the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Each state capital has a Foreign Regional Registration Office. A 15-day extension is then issued free of charge. You will need a passport photo (2 cm x 2 cm), a photocopy of your passport, your visa and your return ticket. If you wish to obtain a longer extension of your visa, the obstacle course begins. You can also have your visa converted if the nature of your stay changes.
India is modernizing and now you can do this on the official portal https://indianfrro.gov.in.
Registration with the FRRO is mandatory if your stay in India exceeds 180 days
Requirements for entry into India. You must present a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date, a visa or an eVisa authorization. At the time of writing (July 2022), measures against Covid-19 were still in effect. Vaccination is not mandatory to enter India, but a PCR test less than 72 hours old is required. It is not necessary if you can prove a complete vaccination schedule (2 doses). The Air Suvidha declaration form must be completed before departure on the website https://www.newdelhiairport.in. You will be asked to provide your vaccination certificate or PCR test result as well as your seat number on the plane. To stay informed of the latest applicable measures, you can consult the "Travel Advice" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.diplomatie.gouv.fr.
Driver's license Rajasthan
There is no need to take your driver's license with you, as you risk losing it for nothing. Driving in India is highly discouraged and car rental companies are rare. If you still want to try the adventure, you will have to present an international driving permit in addition to your driving license. You can apply for this on the website https://permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of address that is less than 6 months old and your driver's license. Once the application has been made, you must send it along with an official passport photo and a 50g self-addressed envelope with postage paid.
Officially, the International Driving Permit is also required to rent a motorcycle or scooter. If you are not planning to tour Rajasthan from top to bottom, you will be asked to leave your passport as a security deposit.
Health Rajasthan
It is advisable to be vigilant on some points in order not to undergo health inconveniences during your trip. Even if hygiene conditions have improved considerably and cases of dysentery are increasingly rare, it is advisable to respect a scrupulous hygiene. Always wash your hands before and after meals and only drink bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach, rinse your mouth with bottled water when you brush your teeth. Avoid eating raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Be extra vigilant in summer, and despite the temptation, resist ice cream, lassis and ice cubes, as the cold chain does not exist in India. Avoid eggs, dairy products and unboiled food. In case of illness, consult a pharmacist immediately and then a doctor if the symptoms do not go away. If you have a serious problem, severe diarrhea or high fever, go immediately to a doctor or hospital emergency room (preferably a private clinic). Minor health procedures are inexpensive in India, even in the private sector.
Travel advice. In order to know the main diseases circulating in Rajasthan, contact your doctor before your departure. You can also contact the Société de médecine des voyages of the Centre médical de l'Institut Pasteur at 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr) or consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the heading "Conseils aux Voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr)
Main diseases.
Chikungunuya. In urban areas, where the majority of chikungunuya epidemics are described, transmission occurs via mosquitoes. After an average incubation period of 4 to 7 days, a high fever appears suddenly accompanied by joint pain. The evolution of the disease is usually favorable and without sequelae, but can be problematic for pregnant women. An effective protection against mosquitoes is necessary if a chikungunya epidemic occurs in Rajasthan
Covid-19. The Covid-19 epidemic was still ongoing at the time of writing (July 2022), with a low number of cases in Rajasthan. As a precautionary measure, wear a surgical mask in transportation and crowded areas, maintain barrier gestures as much as possible, and wash your hands very regularly. Symptoms are highly variable depending on the individual and the active variants. The most frequent symptoms are similar to those of the flu (headache, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, blocked nose, fatigue...). They disappear between 24 hours and one week. If you have difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately. If symptoms appear, isolate yourself and do a PCR test
Traveler's diarrhea (tourista). Statistically, one out of every two travelers is affected by tourista during the first 48 hours of their stay. These diarrheas and intestinal pains are caused by bad hygiene, insufficient cooking of food, too much spicy food or, most often, water. 80% of the diseases contracted while traveling are directly attributable to contaminated water. These illnesses usually disappear within 1 to 3 days. Take an antidiarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and hydrate yourself very regularly (no fruit juice or alcohol). A pharmacist will be able to provide you with the necessary medication: antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, antinauseant and rehydration sachets. If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by blood loss or mucus, consult a doctor immediately.
To avoid these inconveniences, drink only sealed bottled water, avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit, ban ice cubes, do not brush your teeth with tap water and wash your hands regularly or disinfect them with hydroalcoholic gel
Dengue. This fairly common virus circulating in Rajasthan is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector as the Zika virus or chikungunya. Dengue results in a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, severe joint and muscle pain. There is no preventive treatment. The risk of internal bleeding is high, so never take aspirin. This disease can be fatal if not treated in time. If in doubt, seek medical attention immediately and drink plenty of water.
Japanese encephalitis. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by a mosquito with nocturnal activity (peak activity at dusk and dawn), mainly in rural areas. In Rajasthan, cases are extremely rare (no cases reported since 2020). Most forms of the disease are asymptomatic, but it can also cause significant neurological sequelae and even death. The High Council of Public Health (HSCP) does not recommend systematic vaccination, but since September 2013, strongly recommends it for subjects aged 2 months and over in case of expatriation. The vaccine is available in France in vaccination centers under the name Ixiaro®. It consists of 2 injections 28 days apart and a booster 12 to 24 months after the first injection. This vaccination is done by appointment only. Contact the Institut Pasteur medical center at 01 45 68 80 88.
Avian flu. Avian flu mainly affects poultry. However, the virus can occasionally be transmitted to humans. In principle, this transmission only concerns people in direct contact with contaminated animals. To prevent transmission, avoid high-risk areas such as livestock farms and live animal markets, avoid direct contact with birds (chickens, ducks, wild birds), and avoid surfaces contaminated by bird feces.
Hepatitis A. Prior immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad, or are over 45 years of age. Hepatitis A is most often benign, but can be serious, especially for people over 45 years of age or with pre-existing liver disease. It is caught through water or poorly washed food.
Hepatitis B. The risk is high in Rajasthan and the disease is more serious than hepatitis A. It can be contracted through sexual intercourse or blood.
Lyme disease. Found in undergrowth, thickets and tall grass, ticks can carry pathogens and transmit Lyme disease if bitten. It is characterized by dermatological signs (red circle around the bite) and can lead to nervous, articular and cardiac complications. If taken in time, a simple antibiotic treatment is sufficient to eliminate the symptoms. There are specialized consultations in the major cities of Rajasthan.
Malaria. Malaria is present in Rajasthan, but in small proportions. The number of cases in 2020 was 674. It is not necessary to take preventive treatment if you visit Rajasthan. A good mosquito protection (spray with DEET, long sleeves and legs covered, light colors, mosquito net) should be enough
Rabies. Rabies is very common in Rajasthan. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The first symptoms (phobia of air and water) appear between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once the symptoms are revealed, death occurs within a few days. If you are bitten by an animal, go immediately to a hospital to receive a rabies vaccine and appropriate treatment. The preventive vaccine does not exempt you from curative treatment in case of a bite.
Turbeculosis. Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease. It usually attacks the lungs, but other organs can be affected. Its symptoms are fever, a hacking cough, loss of weight and energy. The disease can be cured with proper medical management.
Typhoid. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that results in high fevers, diarrhea and confusion. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period of the disease varies between 10 and 15 days. Contamination occurs through stool, saliva, direct contact with an infected person or by eating contaminated food. No cases of typhoid fever have been reported in Rajasthan since 2010.
Medical Assistance. If you have a Visa or MasterCard card, you are automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance in case of a problem on site. The insurance is valid for any stay abroad of less than 90 days. It is not necessary to have purchased your ticket with your credit card to be covered. However, check carefully the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions for activating the insurance. If you don't have a credit card or if the coverage seems insufficient (especially if you plan certain risky activities), take out a policy with an insurance company that specializes in travel, for better coverage in case of problems
Pharmacy kit. Usual and emergency medicines can be found on site, without a prescription (paracetamol, broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-asthmatics, antidiarrheal, cough drops, etc.). It is preferable to bring a first aid kit that includes: antihistamines, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, analgesics, disinfectant, eye drops, tropical mosquito repellent, plasters, compresses, tweezers, scissors.
If you are undergoing a particular medical treatment, take the necessary medication with you (be careful if you are leaving for more than one month, you will have to contact your social security center to obtain an exceptional authorization to deliver several months). Take your prescription with you in case of customs control.
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies. Although the public health system is not very robust, the private hospital sector is very efficient. In case of necessity, choose a private hospital whenever possible. If you are in a remote area, you may only have access to a simple dispensary. In case of a minor problem, you will have to pay for the costs (medical visit, treatment procedures), but the prices are reasonable. If you have a serious medical condition, you should contact your health care provider before taking any steps and paying any fees. Your insurance company will refer you to a hospital with which it has an agreement.
Emergency numbers. These numbers are valid throughout the country and can be contacted free of charge from any telephone
Ambulance: 102
Fire department: 101
Police: 100
Mandatory vaccination Rajasthan
You should make sure that your vaccination record is up to date, and remember to complete the vaccinations required in France with the hepatitis B vaccine and the rabies vaccine.
Regarding the Covid-19 epidemic, we recommend that you find out about the latest requirements for entering the country (vaccination schedule, PCR...) just before your departure on the website www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and refer to their "Advice to travelers" section. At the time of writing this guide (July 2022), vaccination was not mandatory to enter India, but a PCR test less than 72 hours old is required. It is not necessary if you can prove a complete vaccination schedule (3 doses). The Air Suvidha declaration form must be completed before departure on the website https://www.newdelhiairport.in. You will be asked to provide your vaccination certificate or PCR test result as well as your seat number on the plane.
Security Rajasthan
Potential hazards and advice
General Information. For the latest information on travel safety, please refer to the "Advice to Travelers" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.diplomatie.gouv.fr. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential hazards, and that this sometimes gives an alarmist view of the actual situation in the country or region concerned
Drugs. We strongly advise against the use of illicit or illegal substances. In India, the use or possession of drugs is prohibited and heavily punished. The use of illegal substances is punishable by a prison sentence of 6 months to 1 year and a fine of Rs 20,000. In case of drug trafficking, the penalties are much heavier and can lead to 15 years of imprisonment. Foreigners are regularly arrested for drug trafficking or illegal consumption. In Rajasthan, the use of psychotropic drugs is culturally accepted on certain occasions or in certain communities. In Pushkar, some sadhus use cannabis on the ghats; members of the Bishnoi community and Marwaris around Jodhpur use opium during special ceremonies; and bhang is used excessively during the Holi festival (and can be problematic). While these drugs are tolerated by the government, they are only tolerated by Indians.
If you commit an offence and are arrested by the Indian police, contact the French Embassy in Delhi immediately
Women traveling alone. Rajasthan is a safe region for women traveling alone. Nevertheless, the place of women being what it is in Indian society, expect curiosity from Indians, especially in rural areas. An unaccompanied woman may be misunderstood. You will often be asked, "Are you married? Answer in the affirmative, so as not to raise further questions and to have peace. Cover your shoulders and legs out of respect and to avoid attracting too much attention. Put a man who touches you in his place; it is totally inappropriate and he would not allow it with a woman of his culture. On the other hand, it will be difficult for you to escape the insistent stares. It's not mean, just annoying. Don't stare at men in any way and avoid any provocation, the reputation of Western women conveyed by advertising, movies and video clips has already preceded you. At best, you will attract the frustrated of a very puritanical country. For long trips, put on some music or a good book and wear sunglasses to insulate yourself a little. As in many places, avoid walking alone at night. India is not a dangerous country and with the right attitude you can enjoy your trip in peace. Like men traveling alone, be careful with your belongings on public transportation, especially on buses or night trains. Refuse any offer of food or drink from someone you don't know. The risks are small, but not zero. Be extra careful during the Holi festival. Men abuse bhang (a marijuana-based drink) and are particularly uninhibited. This can quickly become overwhelming. With these few caveats in mind, remember to open yourself up to the adventure of your trip so you can enjoy it to the fullest.
Traveling with children. Start by making sure your children's vaccination records are up to date before you leave for India. Take their health records with you, as they will come in handy in case of a problem. If you are going to Rajasthan during the hot season (April to June), give your children water regularly and cover their heads. The risk of severe dehydration or sunstroke is high during this period. Therefore, if you can, we recommend that you go with your children when it is cooler (October to March). Everywhere you go, you will find that children are welcome. Hotels have family rooms and some of the higher-end hotels even have playgrounds for the little ones. In restaurants, there are children's menus or non-spicy dishes and you will be given a high chair if needed. Your children will attract attention, curiosity and goodwill, especially if they have light eyes or hair. Indians love children, and they will probably want to touch them
Disabled traveler. If you have a physical or mental disability or are traveling with one, Rajasthan is ill-equipped to handle them. Except for the luxury hotels, most tourist establishments do not have any facilities for disabled people. In transportation, it is even worse; nothing is adapted. It is better to use the services of a private driver in order to avoid unnecessary hassles (jostling, lack of space, access to platforms in train stations...). Public sites and monuments are not very well adapted for people with reduced mobility. Access ramps are rare, they are often old buildings with disjointed stone floors, etc. The best solution to organize a trip to India when you have a disability is to use an agency. They will know how to select the adapted establishments and will provide you with a contact person in case of need.
LGBTQ+ traveler. Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in India and is very poorly perceived. However, a survey conducted in 2018 revealed that nearly a third of married men admitted to being gay! If you are gay, do not openly display your preferences and opinions. If you're traveling with your partner, don't show any tender gestures in public (a tip that goes for heterosexuals, too). However, you will have no problem rooming together, as same-sex friendship is perfectly acceptable. Just be discreet
If the category "transgender" is recognized in official Indian documents, it is primarily to ensure recognition of the hijras. These intersex, transgender or eunuch people have a social function and you will probably come across them during your stay. On the other hand, they are very badly considered by the population.
Time difference Rajasthan
There is a 3.5 hour time difference between Paris and Jaipur in winter and a 4.5 hour time difference in summer. India is on a single time zone and all cities in the country are on the same time. There is no switch from winter to summer time in the country.
Spoken languages Rajasthan
The national language is Hindi. It has its own alphabet, Devanagari. English is also one of the official languages and is widely spoken by the tourism industry in Rajasthan. However, in the countryside, you will encounter misunderstanding if you try to speak English. You should also be aware that there are local dialects, including Marwari and Mewari, which are widely spoken in the countryside.
Communication Rajasthan
You will find wifi internet in all hotels, except for some very cheap hotels or dharamsalas (pilgrim hostels). Many cafes and restaurants are also equipped.
Concerning cell phones, the best network available for tourists is Airtel. But it is not efficient everywhere in Rajasthan. If you can, ask a local to get you a Jio SIM card, the operator with the best coverage, but which is only for Indian customers. You will need to provide a photocopy of your passport and a photo ID to get a SIM card
Electricity and measurements Rajasthan
Electricity. The voltage is 220 V and you will find plugs identical to the French ones almost everywhere. On the other hand, electricity cuts are frequent, especially on Sundays and during the monsoon season. The big hotels are equipped with generators and you will not suffer the consequences. This is not the case in small establishments and in rooms in private homes. So be careful in the summer, when you may find yourself suffocating without even a fan.
Indian plugs are a bit wider than the French ones. If you buy electrical equipment in India, you will have to change the plug when you return
Weights and measures. The metric system is used everywhere in India. Distances displayed on road signs are therefore in kilometers. For weights, Indians use the abbreviation kg (pronounced "quaidji") instead of "kilo"
Luggage Rajasthan
There is no need to carry unnecessary items, you will be able to find the essentials on site: soap, shampoo, razor blades, shower gel, basic medicines, quality condoms. On the other hand, women will take enough sanitary protection for the duration of the trip. Tampons are almost impossible to find (except in Delhi, and not everywhere) and sanitary napkins are close to diapers.
In any season, you should bring covering clothes, especially for women (legs, neckline and armpits preferably covered). For men, wearing shorts is frowned upon, especially in the countryside and even more so in the mosques, where they are prohibited. Bring sandals that are easy to take off, because you will have to take off your shoes frequently (temples, local people's houses, some stores...); a pair of comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking shoes) because you will be walking a lot, especially in the fortresses where the floors and stairs are not always regular. A scarf will be useful to cover your head in case of strong heat or to protect your neck in winter. Bring sunscreen with a high factor, especially if you are traveling with children, and a special "tropical countries" mosquito repellent. Don't forget your prescription and your medication if you are undergoing a specific treatment. For minor ailments, you will find everything you need, even without a prescription. Travelers on a budget will appreciate to have with them a bag of food and a towel
In winter, temperatures can drop low, especially at night. Bring some warm clothes such as a down jacket, a good sweater, socks, and even a hat, gloves and scarf if you plan a morning safari. As the climate is semi-desert, bring body lotion or dry oil to moisturize
In the summer, choose natural fiber materials for your clothes, which are much more comfortable to wear in hot weather. Also, choose loose-fitting clothing that allows air to circulate. Make sure you have a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and gallons of sunscreen. If you are traveling during the monsoon season (June to September), bring a mosquito net, a rain poncho and freezer bags to protect your electronic equipment.
