India : Formalities and administrative procedures

India : Organize your stay

Money India

The currency is the Indian rupee, and you can pay with a credit card in hotels and major restaurants, and exchange euros in banks and hotels. One Indian rupee corresponds to €0.012. 1 € corresponds to 88 rupees (June 2023).

Budget & Tips India

The cost of living is very low in India. But tourist services can be top-of-the-range and therefore expensive. Services are more expensive in cities than in remote areas. Hotels from the mid-range upwards are of a good standard.

Taxes vary according to the price of the room. From Rs. 7,500 per night, the room corresponds to the "luxury" range and the tax rate is 27%.

Passport and visas India

European nationals must apply for a visa online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in between 34 days and 4 days before departure. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue by the Indian consulate, not from the date of departure. It allows several entries into the country (multiple entries), but each stay may not exceed 90 days. It costs just over €105 to apply locally, or €135 by post. You can also apply for an e-visa on the same website. You complete your application and choose the duration of your visa (between 1 month and 5 years). You will receive an acceptance or refusal within 48 hours. The visa is issued at the border, and starts as soon as your passport is stamped. Your stay may not exceed 90 consecutive days. The cost depends on the duration of the visa.

Driver's license India

Renting a car in India is strongly discouraged. However, officially, you can rent a car with your French driving license. It's best to show an international license as well. A chauffeur-driven car is the safest option.

If you hire a two-wheeler, you will be asked to show your driving license. Make sure you bring a photocopy.

Health India

Malaria circulates quietly in some very rural and wild areas. The Zika and chikungunya viruses circulate episodically. Find out before you leave if an epidemic is underway. Be very careful with the water. It is not potable for Westerners. Drink only bottled or treated water, even for brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth. Always wash your hands before and after eating, even if you're using cutlery.

The public health system is clogged. If you have to go to hospital, opt for a private clinic.

Mandatory vaccination India

No vaccination is required to enter India. Only an anti-amaril certificate is required for travelers coming from infected areas, especially for the yellow fever virus. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Security India

Be careful with your belongings on public transport, especially on night trains. Pickpocketing in certain urban areas can be a real problem. Avoid travelling to Jharkhand and Kashmir, in Manipur, which are currently high-risk areas.

Time difference India

In France, the time difference is 3h30 in summer and 4h30 in winter. It's 3.30pm (or 4.30pm) in Delhi when it's midday in Paris.

Spoken languages India

India's two official languages are Hindi and English. However, not all Indians speak English well... or Hindi, although in the north of the country it is much more common than in the south. There are a total of 23 official languages recognized by the Indian state, 122 major languages and over 1,500 other local languages or dialects.

Communication India

The already extensive network is expanding daily. Free wifi is now the rule in hotels and luxury restaurants. Power cuts are very frequent in India, so it's essential to save your e-mails or write them on a separate file so as not to lose them, especially if you're used to sending long, detailed accounts of your travels. If you go to a cybercafé, expect to pay an average of Rs. 30 per hour for a high-speed connection in major cities, and between Rs. 40 and Rs. 60 per hour in less developed areas (slow and sometimes laborious connection).

Electricity and measurements India

Electricity. Power cuts are frequent, especially during the monsoon season. It's best to stay in an establishment with a generator, or bring a flashlight. Voltage in most places is 220 volts. You don't need an adapter.

Weights and measures. The metric system is the most commonly used.

Luggage India

If you're traveling solo, pack the bare essentials. You'll need a padlock, for all those traveling in cheap hotels, a mosquito net, mosquito repellent and a waterproof cape for travel during the monsoon season, a Swiss Army knife, a water bottle, a headlamp (with batteries and spare bulbs), canvas pants, T-shirts with sleeves or shirts, cotton underwear, a light towel, sandals (when visiting temples, they're easier to remove) or plastic flip-flops, handy for showering when cleanliness leaves something to be desired, and socks.

In all cases, women should choose clothes that cover ankles and shoulders. Men's shorts are hardly considered. In the villages, you'll be seen as disrespectable and dirty. Equip yourself with sun cream, sunglasses and a hat or scarf. Shampoo, soap and detergent are readily available and very inexpensive. Women should bring their own sanitary items, especially if they use tampons. Good-quality condoms are readily available from chemists in major cities. For hair removal, Indian women all go to the "Beauty Parlour", which is everywhere. As for the men, they can indulge in the pleasures of the barber.

India : Daily life

Hello? India

To call France from India, dial 00 33, then the number of your correspondent without the initial 0. In every small town, you'll find stores displaying the sign "ISD/STD PCO" (international and local calls). The network works quite well, and prices are low. Expect to pay between Rs. 10 and Rs. 30 per minute for a call to Europe, whether to a landline or a mobile. In the big cities, these stores stay open very late (sometimes until midnight). Most hotels in tourist areas offer the same service 24 hours a day (albeit at a slightly higher price).

Use your cell phone. If you want to keep your French plan, you'll need to activate the international option (usually free) by calling your operator's customer service before you leave. Who pays what? The rule is the same for all operators. When you use your French phone abroad, you pay for the call, whether you make it or receive it. In the case of an incoming call, your correspondent also pays, but only the price of a local call. All calls made to or from abroad are out of the bundle, including those to voicemail.

However, it's much cheaper to have your phone unlocked (free of charge from your operator if you've owned the handset for more than 6 months) and to buy a SIM card locally. To make this purchase, you'll need to provide a photocopy of your passport and visa. A tourist SIM card valid for 3 months will be issued for around Rs. 500. You can top up your phone credit in many small shops, very easily and for a very modest sum. This will give you access to 4G Internet throughout the country, and free communication with applications such as Skype, Messenger, Line, WhatsApp..

Skype and social networks. It's impossible to call an Indian phone number from Skype if you're in India. However, you can call numbers abroad. You can also call a Skype account without any problem. Social networks (Facebook, Messenger, Whatsapp) are sometimes blocked in Jammu & Kashmir due to the instability of the region, so keep this in mind if you're traveling to Ladakh!

Accessibility India

With the exception of luxury hotels, most tourist establishments have no facilities for the disabled. In terms of transport, neither trains nor buses are adapted.

Health India

For minor medical problems, consult a doctor. Ask your hotel: they're used to it, and can arrange for a doctor to come and see you(doctor on call), or direct you to the nearest practice. For more serious problems, go to ahospital. As far as possible, avoidgovernment hospitals, which often have a disastrous reputation, particularly in terms of hygiene. Light care costs next to nothing.

Traditional medicine. Traditional medical practitioners are to be found all over the country. The two main forms of traditional medicine practiced are Ayurvedic (meaning science of life), which, in its approach to symptoms and their treatment, focuses on all aspects of well-being (mental, physical and spiritual); and unani (galenic medicine), a practice based on the use of medicinal herbs.

India has a poor reputation for its food hygiene and, in particular, for the quality of its water. This is especially true during the monsoon season and in summer. Sanitary situations differ between the countryside and the cities, where it's safer. However, if you follow a few simple rules of hygiene (wash your hands well before and after meals, brush your teeth with bottled water for the first few days), you shouldn't encounter any problems.

Emergency numbers India

Dial 102 for an ambulance, 101 for the fire department. Be aware, however, that traffic in big cities slows down rescue operations.

Securty India

In town and on public transport, you're not immune to pickpocketing and even mugging. Be on your guard. For the police, dial 100.

For the latest information on local security, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www. diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which can sometimes give a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.

Travelling alone

Many people prefer to travel alone, and in India these solo journeys provide the opportunity for many encounters with the locals, who are notoriously curious by nature and inclined to make friends. Indians take a great interest in those who visit their country, and their sometimes nosy ways (opening fire with questions like "Are you married?", which is a rather simple way of trying to get to know you) can lead to a relationship that will help you throughout your trip.

Everywhere you go, you'll be accosted by people (almost always men) eager to strike up a conversation. Lonely women will have to be on their guard. This, coupled with the fact that much of the population speaks remarkably good English, means that in India, more than anywhere else, you're likely to be engaged in lively conversation with complete strangers. Remember that you should be as curious about them and their country as they are about you and yours, and approach sensitive subjects only with great discretion.

Unfortunately, those who travel alone are always at an economic disadvantage. A room occupied by one person often costs almost as much as if occupied by two, and only a few select hotels in India have specifically marked "single rooms". This disadvantage can, of course, be overcome by sharing a room with another solo traveller.

Travelling alone

India isa relatively safe country for women traveling alone. Nevertheless, the place of women in Indian society being what it is, expect curiosity on the part of Indians, especially in rural areas. An unaccompanied woman may arouse misunderstanding. You'll often be asked "Are you married?" Answer in the affirmative, especially if you're over 25, so as not to raise further questions and to have peace of mind.

If you cover your shoulders and legs, you'll attract less attention. There's no need to cover your head. Don't let men touch you - it's totally inappropriate and they wouldn't do it with a woman from their culture. On the other hand, you'll find it hard to avoid insistent stares. It's not mean, just annoying. Don't stare at men under any circumstances. Avoid being provocative - the reputation of Western women in advertising, films and music videos has already preceded you. At best, you'll attract the frustrated in a very puritanical country. For long journeys, 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 by adopting a fair and firm attitude, you'll be able to enjoy your trip in peace. Like men traveling alone, be careful with your belongings on public transport, especially on night trains. Secure your bag with a chain and padlock. Refuse all offers of food and drink from people you don't know. The risks are low, but not zero.

Note that women are excluded from certain religious sites and attractions (which we point out whenever useful), but this shouldn't have any real impact on your plans. Menstruating women are not allowed in Jain temples. With these few caveats in mind, remember to open yourself up to the adventure of your trip, so that you can enjoy it to the full and take home beautiful memories.

In India, women are expected to wear clothing that is light but vague enough to conceal the figure. Exposing your body means you're either too poor to dress properly, or totally shameless and shameless. Tight clothes are frowned upon; the more they conceal your shape, the better. On public beaches, women should be as discreet as possible (avoid bikinis if possible), and avoid sunbathing on deserted beaches. In some resorts, some Indians can be particularly insistent, so it's best not to go out alone at night, even if the atmosphere seems relaxed. Always carry a scarf with you to cover your head or shoulders in certain religious buildings (mosques, Sikh temples, etc.).

LGBTQ India

The decriminalization of homosexuality in India dates back to 2018. Previously, relations between two people of the same sex were punishable by several years in prison. While Indian society is evolving on the subject, in families and the private sphere, mentalities are struggling to achieve true openness. In 2019, Time of India created an LGBT section for its matrimonial ads. The Indian population is generally very friendly, but it's important to bear in mind that certain prejudices concerning the LGBT community still prevail.

Embassies and consulates India

Embassy of France in New Delhi

2/50-E Shantipath Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021

✆ + 91 (11) 4319 6100 / 91 (11) 4319 6250

https://in.ambafrance.org

Service Consulaire
André Malraux Marg
2/50 E Shantipath
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
✆ + 91 (011) 4319 6100

Bangalore

Consulate General of France
21, Palace Road
Vasanth Nagar Bangalore - 560 052
✆ : (080) 22 14 12 00
Fax : (080) 22 14 12 01
http://www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulat-de-Bangalore-

Mumbay

Consulate General of France
Wockhardt Towers
East Wing, 5th floor
Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East
Mumbai - 400 051
✆ : (022) 66 69 40 00,
Fax : (022) 66 69 40 66
http://www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulat-de-Bombay-

Kolkata

Consulate General of France
21 C, Raja Santosh Road
Alipore Kolkata - 700 027
✆ : +91(33) 40 16 32 00
Fax : +91(33) 40 16 32 01
http://www.ambafrance-in.org/-Calcutta-

Pondicherry

Consulate General of France
2 rue de la Marine
Pondicherry - 605001
✆ : (0413) 223 10 00
Fax : (0413) 223 10 01
http://www.ambafrance-in.org/-Consulat-de-Pondichery-

Mail India

There are post offices all over India. They are generally open from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm, sometimes with a one-hour break around 1pm. In the big cities, post offices often close later, and some are open on Sunday mornings. On the other hand, in more remote or less touristy areas, opening hours are often whimsical, but the employee is never far away. To send a postcard to Europe, it will cost you Rs 15. A letter will cost you Rs. 25. Allow one to three weeks for your mail to reach its destination.

Sending a parcel abroad involves the tedious procedure of filling in a declaration for customs, not forgetting to wrap the package in a piece of cloth, tie it up and seal it with wax. However, some post offices offer this service, and it can be done fairly quickly. Expect to pay around 10 euros per kilo. You should also be aware that routine shipments can remain in the post office for months or never arrive at their destination at all. So avoid sending precious or high-value items. The other option is to choose an EMS shipment with tracking, which is considerably more expensive but also safer, and is offered by national post offices. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by entrusting your important shipments to a private international company (such as DHL or UPS). Beware, however, that these companies refuse to send certain goods such as jewelry or precious stones...

Local media India

India's media landscape is extremely diverse, with over sixty newspapers and magazines, more than thirty television channels and 400 radio stations. The media fuels a dedicated industry within the country's economy. What's more, India is one of the most connected countries in the world, surpassing the United States in the number of Internet users.

Press. The leading English-language dailies include The Hindu, The New Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times. Quite interesting to browse, they keep you abreast of the latest events, both local and international. It's perhaps a bit much to read, especially if you're on vacation, and it's impossible to understand some stories if you haven't followed them from the beginning. When it comes to money, The Economic Times gives us the latest and most moving news, in less colorful but easier-to-follow prose.

Among the weeklies, The Week, India Today and Outlook feed the population with venomous analyses of the country's social, political and economic situation. Sold in railway stations, this press not only passes the time during the journey, but also teaches you a great deal and helps you to understand India. If you're more interested in the world of travel, the monthly Outlook Traveller and Lonely Planet India offer colorful travel news and articles from an Indian perspective.

Radio. All Indian radio comes down to National Radio, which has a monopoly throughout India. That's how things were until 2000, when the government liberalized its policy and granted FM broadcasting licenses to private radio stations. This led to the emergence of several FM stations in the big cities, which are far more interesting to listen to, on all levels, including music. However, India being a large country, most radio stations are regional.

Television. Life in India has never been the same since the advent of cable TV. It entered Indian homes during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, and today virtually every household has over 70 different cable channels, local, regional and international. This excellent and accessible entertainment medium costs around Rs. 100-300 per month. Due to its success, the number of cable program providers has grown considerably. At the click of a button, you can access international news from the BBC or CNN. There are also powerful companies like Rupert Murdoch's Star Network, which owns Star News, Star World, Star Plus, Star Sports, Star Movies and more. Likewise, Zee TV has its own stations, as does Sahara TV, etc. For those who can't afford the luxury of cable TV, the government has kept its old faithful Doordarshan, which continues to pour its (censored) programs onto millions of people all over the country. Nothing has changed since the 1980s, including the names of many shows, the prehistoric catchphrases and the TV presenters!

French media. Most major hotels receive TV5 and Fashion TV. The Alliance française, which has establishments in many of the country's cities, receives a few more French channels. French newspapers can be found in a handful of newsstands in the major cities, and occasionally in the bookshops of luxury hotels, but the news won't be quite new any more.