Going to en Inde du sud: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay en Inde du sud

Money en Inde du sud

Exchange rate: 1 € is worth approximately 100.5 Rs (July 2025). Beware, inflation is rampant in India.

The unit of currency is the rupee. 1 rupee is divided into 100 paise. Banknotes are available in denominations of 2,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 rupees. Coins are available in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Rs. Following the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bills in November 2016, the Indian government has not yet put Rs 1,000 bills back into circulation.

Banknotes in too poor or torn condition are not valid, so refuse them wherever possible, as you'll find it hard to sell them. However, the State Bank of India and the Reserve Bank of India, present in the major cities, accept them for exchange.

Check the change you receive, and avoid large-denomination notes, as many counterfeits are in circulation in the country.

It is forbidden to take currency out of the country if you are not a resident. In theory. In practice, you have little chance of being checked on leaving the country.

Budget & Tips en Inde du sud

The cost of living in India is not high, but it is increasing every year.

For €30 a day, you can stay in India in Spartan conditions: you'll have to sleep in the cheapest guesthouses (with beds that are often hard as wood and sometimes of dubious cleanliness), travel in second-class buses or trains, and eat only basic dishes on the street or in local restaurants. In some cities, however, you can find decent places to sleep at low prices.

With €40 to €80 , you'll be able to sleep in mid-range hotels, eat out regularly, travel without counting the miles, take cabs and indulge in extras from time to time. It's a budget that will give you a very comfortable stay.

For more than €100 a day, you can stay in chic hotels and restaurants and fly domestic routes.

Passport and visas en Inde du sud

Obtaining a passport

All passports issued in France are now biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain your passport, go to the town hall with a tax stamp, proof of address, proof of identity and two passport photos. The passport is issued in about three weeks. It is valid for ten years. Children must have a personal passport (valid for five years).

Tip. Before you leave, photocopy all the documents you'll be taking with you. Take one copy of each document with you and leave the other with someone in France. In the event of loss or theft, this will make it much easier to renew your passport with the consular authorities. You can also keep copies on the official website (mon.service-public.fr). Simply create an account and scan all your identity papers and other important documents into the confidential area.

Formalities and visas

India regularly changes its visa procedures. Find out more before you apply.

Holders of diplomatic passports must go to the consular section of the Indian embassy in Paris.

In any case, make sure your passport is in perfect condition, has two blank pages and is valid for 6 months after arrival in the country. Whatever the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to fill in a very detailed online form (www.indianvisaonline.gov.in). The procedure is long and tedious (allow almost 25 minutes). Instructions for use can be downloaded from the site (it is advisable to read it in full before starting the procedure). If even one item is missing, the visa will be refused and not reimbursed.

Before arriving in India , all international travellers are now required to complete the Air Suvidha form (www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration), which tracks your movements in the country.

Different visas. In addition to special visas (business, medical, education), travelers are offered 3 online visas: a 30-day e-visa (cost US$25, and only US$10 between April and June), a one-year e-visa (US$40) or a 5-year e-visa (US$80), each allowing a maximum stay of 90 days for a maximum of 2 stays per year.

It is also possible to apply for a visa at the Indian Embassy in France via VFS, the official body in charge of processing visa applications (services.vfsglobal.com/eng/ind/).

Driver's license en Inde du sud

Get an international license before you leave. Find out about licensing and insurance requirements. Even for short stays, both French and international driving licenses need to be converted.

Health en Inde du sud

For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical), or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).

Dengue fever. This fever, fairly common in tropical countries, is transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue fever is characterized by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment or vaccine. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in the event of fever.

Japanese encephalitis. Present in rural areas during the wet season, particularly in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Signs of onset include chills, fever, headache and malaise. Most forms are asymptomatic, but in the worst cases, it can lead to neurological sequelae and even death.

Hepatitis A. For hepatitis A, prior immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad or if you are over 45. Hepatitis A is usually benign, but it can be serious, particularly over the age of 45 and in cases of pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food.

Hepatitis B. High risk in the country. Hepatitis B is more serious than hepatitis A. It is contracted through sexual intercourse or blood. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart (although there are accelerated one-month vaccinations for travellers in a hurry), followed by a booster six months later to reinforce the duration of protection.

Malaria. Malaria is also known as malaria. Consult your doctor for the most appropriate preventive treatment: it differs according to the region, the period of travel and the person concerned. Avoiding treatment is possible if your stay is less than seven days (and provided you can see a doctor if you develop a fever within a month of your return) In addition to pills, reduce the risk of contracting malaria by avoiding mosquito bites (repellent and covering clothing). The risk of being bitten is highest between sunset and sunrise, near stagnant water and shady areas.

Rabies. Rabies is still present in the country. Avoid contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The onset of the first symptoms (phobia of air and water) varies between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms have been observed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. In the event of any doubt following a bite, it is essential to consult a doctor, who will administer an anti-rabies vaccine combined with appropriate treatment. Preventive vaccination does not exempt you from curative treatment in the event of a bite.

In the event of illness

Contact the French consulate. They'll be happy to help you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. To find out about emergency services and establishments that meet international standards, visit www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr

Repatriation assistance - Medical assistance

If you have a Visa® or MasterCard® bank card, you're automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance for any trip abroad lasting less than 90 days (you don't have to pay for your trip with your card to be covered; simply holding a valid card ensures you're covered). Ask your bank for details, and carefully check the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions of coverage and exclusion clauses. If you are not covered by one of these cards, don't forget to take out medical assistance before you leave.

Mandatory vaccination en Inde du sud

In addition to having your standard vaccinations up to date, you should also be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and even typhoid fever, depending on the type of trip you're planning. Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory if you have already spent time in certain African or South American countries.

Security en Inde du sud

A special permit is required to visit the Lakshadweep archipelago (Laquedives Islands).

South India is a safe destination, but we recommend that our readers keep abreast of local news before visiting a place, to avoid certain situations (floods, political demonstrations, etc.), which can make your stay difficult.

Time difference en Inde du sud

Despite its vastness, the whole country is in the same time zone, 4.30 hours ahead of French time. So when it's midnight in Paris, it's 4.30 a.m. in Chennai. The difference is 3h30 when France switches to summer time.

Most flights from Europe arrive in India late at night. After a journey of around 9 hours (non-stop), many passengers feel the effects of jet lag. So it's important to get some rest when you arrive in the country, or risk spending the next 2 or 3 days rather disoriented.

Note: your relationship with time may be disrupted in India, as may your sense of punctuality. But don't panic. Remember, there's no point getting worked up about train delays and the like. And when you happen to be on time or even ahead of schedule, just be happy. As for "wasted" time, spend it chatting to the locals. You'll soon realize that being openly impatient to get something done or to speed up a process is pointless. On the contrary, you'll get nothing but contemptuous silence and absolute lethargy. Patience is golden in this country.

Spoken languages en Inde du sud

Throughout the country, you can communicate in English, but the first official language is Hindi. Hindi is very little used in South India, and it is sometimes even frowned upon to speak Hindi, particularly in Tamil Nadu. For use in certain official functions, the Constitution recognizes 18 "scheduled languages", including Kannada in Karnataka, Malayalam in Kerala, Marathi in Maharashtra, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Telugu and Urdu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Konkani in Goa. Four major language families officially include 112 "mother tongues", each with 10,000 or more speakers; and 33 languages spoken by 1 million or more individuals.

The total number of languages and dialects varies according to the sources available and the way these languages are counted; between 179 and 188 languages and between 49 and 544 dialects have been listed; the results of the 1961 census provided the names of 1,652 different "mother tongues". In any case, most people in the big cities understand enough English for simple conversation. French is little known. However, you will hear French spoken in Pondicherry, due to its colonial past under French rule.

Communication en Inde du sud

Thetelephone network coverage is of good quality, except for some remote areas (national parks, rural or isolated mountainous areas).

The Internet network is quite good but the quality of the connection is often fluctuating. Wi-Fi is becoming more and more widespread, often free of charge, in hotels, guesthouses and restaurants and even in some shops and public places.

Electricity and measurements en Inde du sud

Electricity is 220-240 volts. Since its privatization, electricity is no longer a problem in the big cities, and you can enjoy it at your leisure for most of the day. Sockets are of the two- or three-pin type, but you don't need an adapter. Parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are subject to long power cuts. Variations in current intensity are also frequent, so if you have very sensitive equipment (laptops), it would be wise to use a current stabilizer.

For weights and measures, road distances are measured in kilometers and weights in kilos. On the other hand, the current numerical system is still imperial. For numeration, one lakh equals 100,000 and one crore equals 10 million, or 100 lakhs. It is common, for example, to hear "this thing is worth 2 lakhs " (or 200,000 rupees).

Luggage en Inde du sud

Unless you're planning to visit the Western Ghats between November and March, there's no need to pack warm clothes when traveling through southern India. The high temperatures and humidity will encourage you to opt for clothes made from natural materials (cotton, linen, silk). Don't take anything too fragile, as washing methods can make life difficult for your clothes. Bring a hat or cap to avoid sunstroke, sun cream and sunglasses, as well as waterproof clothing and a tarpaulin to protect your bag, as rain can be sudden and heavy depending on the season. A few freezer bags can be useful to protect your electronic equipment (camera, phone, laptop, tablet...). Add a flashlight (power cuts are frequent) and a padlock to secure your bag in transit or your room in some guesthouses. If you're planning a low-budget trip, a sheet, pillowcase and towel will come in handy, as cleanliness isn't always up to scratch in budget hotels.

A small first-aid kit is essential. You'll need your medication if you're on medication, plasters, disinfectant, sterile compresses, a few tablets of paracetamol, antidiarrheals, antihistamines and a tube of soothing cream against mosquito bites. Don't take on too much, because if anything goes wrong, you'll be able to get the medicine you need locally and at low cost. Mosquito repellent creams and plugs are available at any pharmacy or grocery store.

Excess baggage when flying. While international flights allow between 20 and 23 kg of baggage in the hold, domestic flights in India are often limited to 15 kg. Excess baggage costs around Rs. 100 per kilo. In theory, hand luggage must not exceed 7 kg, but this is rarely weighed.

Daily life en Inde du sud

Hello? en Inde du sud

To call France from India: Dial 00 + 33 + the number, without the 0 at the beginning. From Rs 20 per minute, and more for calls to mobiles.

To call India from France: Dial 00 + 91 + the city code, followed by the number.

Local calls cost between Rs. 1 and Rs. 3; national calls between Rs. 4 and Rs. 10. The cost per minute also varies according to the time of day the call is made. For international calls, the price, whatever the time of day, is around Rs 20 per minute. All these costs increase considerably when calls are made from hotels, which charge a commission that is simply unacceptable. It's much better to go around the corner and call from an STD/ISD booth, which works well and cheaply. Domestic calls in India: the cost of hotel calls is exorbitant, even for long-distance local calls. Throughout the country, you'll see bright yellow STD/ISD signs indicating these private services(International Subscriber Dialing and Standard Trunk Dialing); their prices are very reasonable. The system is very simple, and the booths work for local, national and international calls. Make sure you have the right phone number with you, and choose a booth in a quiet corner, or you risk not hearing a single word.

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 small fee. This will give you access to 4G Internet throughout the country, and free communication with applications such as Skype, Messenger, Line, WhatsApp..

Accessibility en Inde du sud

A disability shouldn't prevent anyone from traveling, but India, despite its large population of disabled people, is not well equipped to accommodate them. Transport, streets and paths are not very wheelchair-friendly, and it's hard enough for people in full possession of their means to make their way through the dirty, overcrowded streets full of holes, where cars, animals, two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws also venture. Access to the monuments is also difficult (although free). Wherever possible, therefore, disabled visitors should be accompanied by a traveler already familiar with the area.

Beforehand, they should carefully study all the amenities and facilities on offer, even though none of them are specially designed or adapted for them.

Travelling with children. Health conditions in certain regions do not allow you to take small children (under 4 years of age) with you. For more information, visit the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. As far as activities suitable for families are concerned, it's best to opt for nature-based holidays, far from built-up areas, where you can observe flora and fauna in national parks. Kerala and the state of Goa have the best sanitary conditions in the country for traveling with children, so this will not pose any particular problems.

Health en Inde du sud

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.

In the event ofillness or serious problems during your trip , consult a pharmacist and then a doctor as soon as possible.

Emergency numbers en Inde du sud

In the event of an emergency, the first thing to do is call the police or the tourist police, who are supposed to speak English well, and who will immediately pass on the information to the appropriate department. There's no point in calling the fire department or ambulance service, who will answer in the local language!

Police: ✆ 100.

Fire department: ✆ 101.

Ambulance: ✆ 102.

Securty en Inde du sud

Potential dangers and advice

There's no need to get paranoid when it comes to this sensitive subject. If you've ever been to North India, you'll know that the South is much more peaceful. As everywhere else, problems do exist, but a little common sense can save you from them. Above all, avoid being noticed for your jewelry, cell phones, designer clothes and other gadgets. Go for modesty and neutrality. In modest hotels, keep your important documents with you. If you don't want to take them with you on your travels, leave your passport, currency or plane tickets in the hotel safe. Many travelers have a passport stash under their shirt, or several inside pockets for important documents. For this purpose, a wallet belt can be very useful. Remember that no one can be held responsible if things go missing from your room, so it's best to play it safe. In small hotels or guesthouses, rooms should be locked with your own padlock. When leaving the room, it's advisable to close the windows from the inside, whatever the heat and humidity expected that day. When traveling by train, place your bags under the seats, where you'll find rings for attaching bags with chains, which can be purchased at all major stations. This doesn't mean you don't need to keep an eye on them. It goes without saying that jewelry is not to be worn on the train. Be careful if you're sitting near a window, as chains and necklaces can be ripped off. Of course, be especially vigilant on crowded public transport. Although it's rather rude, don't accept any food offered on trains by strangers, especially if you're traveling solo: a few travelers have been drugged and their luggage stolen.

For the latest information on local safety, 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 sometimes gives 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 Indians, who are notoriously curious by nature and inclined to make friends. Indians are very interested in those who visit their country, and their sometimes nosy ways (opening fire with questions like "Are you married?", which are a 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 conversations 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 ". You can, of course, overcome this disadvantage by agreeing to share your room with another solo traveller.

Travelling alone

India is a 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, it will be difficult to avoid insistent stares. It's not mean, just annoying. Don't stare at men under any circumstances. Avoid any provocation, as the reputation of Western women conveyed by 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 that is 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 loose 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 en Inde du sud

Homosexuality was legalized on September 18, 2018. Transgender people have the constitutional right to change their gender. A^3rd gender is also officially recognized.

However, homosexuality remains a taboo subject, especially in villages and rural areas, so avoid openly displaying your preferences so as not to upset the locals. Just like heterosexuals, don't indulge in public effusions (kissing, caressing) with your partner. Big cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, and the state of Goa, are much more tolerant on this subject. You do have one advantage, however: physical touching (holding hands or arms) between people of the same sex is considered to be an expression of friendship and is therefore perfectly tolerated, when it isn't between people of the opposite sex.

Embassies and consulates en Inde du sud

The Consulate General of France in Mumbai (✆ +91 226 669 4000, www.consulfrance-bombay.org) and the Mission Économique de Bombay are located in the same building, on the^5th floor of Wockhardt Towers, in Bandra East. Both institutions are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5:30pm, and on Fridays until 5pm.

The Consulate General of France in Bangalore (✆ +91 802 214 1200) is located at 21 Palace Road in Vasanthnagar. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.15pm.

The Consulate General of France in Pondicherry (✆ +91 413 223 1000) is located at 2, rue de la Marine. It is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Mail en Inde du sud

Post offices are generally open from 9am to 5pm. Stamps start at Rs. 5 for domestic mail and Rs. 20 for international mail. You can buy them at a post office or at your hotel reception desk, and you can ask one of the staff to send your mail. Postal services are generally efficient. However, 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 quite quick. Expect to pay around €10 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 en Inde du sud

Press. The main English-language dailies include The Hindu, The New Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times. Quite interesting to peruse, 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 it was 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. So when you're in Tamil Nadu, you can expect to hear radio in Tamil, in Kerala, in Malayalam, and so on.

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 all over the country. Nothing has changed since the 1980s, including the names of many programs, 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.