Organize your stay Rajasthan
Money Rajasthan
Currency. India's currency is the rupee. It is divided into 100 paisas, although with inflation centimes are no longer used. Coins in circulation are in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees. Banknotes in circulation are Rs 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2,000. The exchange rate is favorable with :
1 € = 93 Rs
1 Rs = €0.0107
Exchange rate in September 2024.
Payment. Restaurants and shops are not allowed to accept payment in foreign currency. Large sums can be paid in euros or dollars at boutique and 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 widespread. So always carry cash with you, preferably in small denominations. ATMs are readily available in towns and cities. In any case, avoid carrying large wads of cash. If you're traveling with large sums of money, divide them up into different pockets or pieces of luggage so as not to draw attention to yourself.
Banking and currency exchange. It is theoretically forbidden to enter or leave the country with Indian rupees if you are not a resident. You will therefore need to change or withdraw money on arrival, bearing in mind that the rates charged at the airport or in major hotels are rarely advantageous.
Indian banks are usually 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 currency, always ask for a receipt. You may be asked for one if you book a train ticket from the quota for foreign tourists. 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. Make sure you change your currency in the big cities, as small rural agencies are not always equipped with an exchange service. If you go to street money changers, you run the risk of being ripped off.
Note, however, that exchange fees can be multiplied by 5 from one bureau de change to another. Evaluate the posted exchange rate and always ask if there are any additional charges to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Credit card. If you have a bank card (Visa or MasterCard), there's no need to carry large sums of cash. You'll find ATMs in every town. 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 a suitable solution so that you can continue your stay in complete peace of mind. Remember to write down the assistance number on your card, as well as the card number, so that you can cancel it if necessary. In the event of a stop payment, it is immediately confirmed as soon as you can provide your bank card number. Otherwise, the opposition is recorded and you will have to confirm it by post.
Don't forget to inform your bank advisor of your trip, to avoid any untimely blocking of your card. You can also raise 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 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. Overall, the cost of the transaction remains lower than for cash withdrawals and settlements.
Money transfer. This system enables you to send or receive money anywhere in the world in just a few minutes. The principle is simple: a friend or family member goes to a MoneyGram or Western Union point (post office, bank, service station, shop, etc.), enters your name and pays a sum of money to the other person. For your part, you go to a MoneyGram or Western Union point. Simply present your photo ID and the transaction reference, and you'll be given your money straight away.
Budget & Tips Rajasthan
Budget. India's standard of living is comparatively low compared to that of Western countries, even if it is constantly improving. As Indians will tell you, everything is expensive nowadays. This is especially true for fixed costs (water, electricity, gas), which are constantly on the rise. As for food, prices vary enormously depending on the harvest and the monsoons. Entrance fees to tourist sites are relatively high for foreign tourists.
The Covid-19 crisis has had a major impact on the tourism industry. Closed to foreign tourism, India turned to its domestic market, which managed to keep most hotels afloat. Recovery only really began at the end of 2023. Consequently, the hotel rates given in these pages should be treated with caution.
- Small budget: for €25 to €30 a day, you'll sleep in rudimentary guest houses, eat in the street or in local canteens, and use public transport. You'll visit one or two paying monuments each day. Avoid staying too long in the big cities, which are reputed to be more expensive. It is possible to reduce the range of daily expenses, but we cannot guarantee the cleanliness of hotels or the freshness of meals. In this case, please bring your own sheets and towels and an effective anti-diarrhoeal medication.
- Average budget: at €50 to €120 per day, you'll sleep in charming hotels with air-conditioned rooms (or heated rooms in winter), eat in good restaurants and take a few excursions by private car. To get from one city to another, you'll take the train in the best classes (1AC or 2AC).
- A big budget: between €150 and €200 per day, you'll stay in luxury hotels and travel exclusively by chauffeur-driven car. You'll dine at the finest restaurants and be able to indulge in such extravagances as a hot-air balloon flight over Jaipur or a very private camp in Ranthambore.
- Unlimited budget: you'll have the best suites in the most beautiful palaces, and there are plenty of them. You'll get around in a super-comfortable luxury car and, why not, opt for a ride on the legendary Palace on Wheels train.
Tipping. Tipping is de rigueur in India, especially when you're a foreigner. The amount is up to you and depends on the amount of your bill in restaurants and bars. You can leave a tip of between Rs. 10 and Rs. 200, depending on the restaurant's standing. Luxurious establishments often charge a percentage for service, known as the " service charge ", but this does not prevent you from adding a tip if you are satisfied with the service.
If you use the services of a chauffeur for all or part of your stay, a tip is obligatory. Drivers earn a small fixed salary, and tipping helps them make ends meet. You should expect to pay between Rs 200 and Rs 500 per day, depending on the number of people and the duration of the service. Count Rs 3,000 for ten days.
Haggling. Haggling is the order of the day in almost all stores (except for products labelled with a fixed price), and especially in stores specializing in items for tourists. Be prepared to negotiate hard. To do this, if you really like an item, don't show it off and set yourself a limit before you start negotiating. Take stock of the objective and subjective arguments that could bring the price down (you like the article, but you'd prefer it in another color, there's a small flaw, polyester isn't worth the price of silk...). Just 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: the first sale of the day is often considered a good omen by shopkeepers. So it's early in the morning when the best deals are possible.
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. Tax reform is one of the major projects undertaken by the Narendra Modi government and came into force 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 price is between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 7,500 and 28% when the nightly rate is over Rs. 7,500. So remember to ask for the price including all taxes when you book a room, to avoid unpleasant surprises and blowing your budget.
The price war. We have received a number of comments from readers to the effect that the prices quoted in this guide are not always those they actually see. While we take our investigations seriously, hoteliers and tourist sites retain the freedom to raise their prices whenever they please.
Many establishments modify their rates according to the season. In low season (May to September), rates are easier to negotiate. To get a good price, don't hesitate to play the competition and negotiate the price downwards, with a smile. As a general rule, luxury and mid-range establishments post their rates on their websites, so you can get up-to-date information when you make your reservation. But when it comes to low-cost establishments, the hotelier will often charge a rate "on a per-customer basis", depending on the occupancy rate of his establishment and his financial needs.
When it comes to rickshaw rides, our good knowledge of the terrain and culture often enables us to get the right price for a ride. It's much more difficult to negotiate an errand in a city where you have no reference points and no idea of distances. Rickshaw-walas tend to inflate prices outrageously when they see tourists arriving. This is especially true in the low season, when they have less shopping to do. It's essential to keep your cool and explain to the driver that you know the rates (you'll have asked them at your hotel) and that this is not your first visit to India. Whatever happens, don't lose your cool. There's no point in ruining your trip 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 your passport, you need to make an appointment at the Mairie (town hall) and submit a pre-application at www.ants.gouv.fr. You will also need to pay a stamp fee of €86 for an adult (€17 for children under 15 and €42 for children over 15). The stamp can be obtained online at www.timbres.impots.gouv.fr. On the day of the appointment, you'll need to go to the town hall with your old passport, proof of address less than a year old, a recent passport photo less than 6 months old and meeting 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 your passport. It's essential to plan ahead.
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, you can simplify the process by providing full details 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 your identity papers and other important documents into your confidential space.
Visa. You need a visa to enter 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 through the consular services managed by VFS Global, or online by requesting an eVisa.
- Paper visas are issued in France by consular services at VFS Global offices in Paris (16 boulevard du Général Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm) and Marseille (444A rue de Paradis, 13008 Marseille, Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm). You can apply for a tourist visa for a period of one year (single or multiple entry) for €84 or 5 years (single or multiple entry) for €167. In addition, there is a processing fee and a tax. You must also complete an online form at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and opt for the " Regular / Paper Visa Application ", providing 2 passport-size photos (2 cm x 2 cm) and a photocopy of your passport. Your stay in France may not exceed 90 days. The visa is valid from the date of issue by the authorities, not the date of entry into the country.
- To apply for an eVisa , go to https://indianvisaonline.org.in and select eVisa by Bureau of Immigration. You must complete the online form and upload a 2 cm x 2 cm 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 varies according to its duration and the season in which you are visiting India for the first time. Each stay may not exceed 90 days. Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive a reply within 48 to 96 hours. You must print out the visa application form and present it to immigration on arrival in India. The visa will then be issued to you on the spot. The eVisa application may not be submitted more than 30 days before your planned arrival in India.
There are many different visa categories that may apply if you are not visiting India for tourism. For all visa categories, visit www.vfsglobal.com.
Please note that visa durations and procedures change regularly. Find out more before you leave.
Renew your visa locally. 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 issued free of charge. You'll need to bring a passport photo (2 cm x 2 cm format), a photocopy of your passport, your visa and your return ticket. If you wish to obtain a longer visa extension, the obstacle course begins. You can also have your visa converted if the nature of your stay changes.
India is modernizing, and you can now do all this on the official portal https://indianfrro.gov.in.
Registration with the FRRO is compulsory if your stay in India exceeds 180 days.
Entry requirements. You must present a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return, and a visa or eVisa authorization (ETA). To keep abreast 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
There are a few things you need to be aware of to avoid health problems during your trip. Even though hygiene conditions have improved considerably, and cases of dysentery are becoming increasingly rare, it's still important to maintain 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 brushing your teeth. Avoid eating raw, unpeeled fruit 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 foods. In the event of illness, consult a pharmacist immediately, then a doctor if symptoms do not subside. In the event of a serious problem, severe diarrhea or high fever, go immediately to a doctor or hospital emergency department (preferably a private clinic). Minor medical procedures are inexpensive in India, even in the private sector.
Travel advice. To find out about the main diseases circulating in Rajasthan, contact your GP before you leave. You can also contact the Société de médecine des voyages at the Centre médical de l'Institut Pasteur on 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr) or consult the "Conseils aux Voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr).
Main diseases.
- Chikungunya. In urban areas, where most chikungunya epidemics are described, transmission occurs via mosquitoes. After an average incubation period of 4 to 7 days, a high fever suddenly appears, accompanied by joint pain. The course of the disease is usually favorable and without sequelae, but can be problematic for pregnant women. Effective protection against mosquitoes is essential if there is a chikungunya epidemic in Rajasthan.
- Traveller's diarrhoea (tourista). Statistically, one out of every two travellers is affected by tourista during the first 48 hours of their stay. These diarrhoeas and intestinal pains are caused by poor hygiene, undercooked food, over-spiced food or, more often than not, water. In fact, 80% of travel-related illnesses are directly attributable to contaminated water. These symptoms generally disappear within 1 to 3 days. Take an antidiarrheal, an intestinal disinfectant and hydrate regularly (no fruit juice or alcohol). A pharmacist can provide you with the necessary medication: antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, antinauseant and rehydration sachets. If 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, avoid ice cubes, don't brush your teeth with tap water and wash your hands regularly or disinfect them with hydroalcoholic gel.
- Dengue fever. This fairly common virus circulating in Rajasthan is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same vector as the Zika virus or chikungunya. Dengue fever is characterized by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, severe joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment. As the risk of internal bleeding is high, never take aspirin. This disease can be fatal if not treated in time. If in doubt, consult a doctor immediately and drink plenty of water.
- Japanese encephalitis. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by a nocturnally active mosquito (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 lead to significant neurological sequelae and even death. The Haut Conseil de Santé Publique (HCSP) does not recommend systematic vaccination, but since September 2013, has strongly recommended it for subjects aged 2 months and over in the event of expatriation. The vaccine is available in France from 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. Vaccination by appointment only. Contact the Institut Pasteur medical center on 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 droppings.
- Hepatitis A. Previous 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 usually benign, but can be serious, especially for people over 45 or with pre-existing liver disease. It can be 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 is contracted through sexual intercourse or blood.
- Lyme disease. Found in undergrowth, thickets and tall grasses, ticks can carry pathogens and transmit Lyme disease if bitten. Lyme disease is characterized by dermatological signs (a red circle around the bite) and can lead to nerve, joint and heart complications. Taken in time, a simple course of antibiotics is enough to eliminate the symptoms. Specialized consultations are available in Rajasthan's major cities.
- Malaria. Malaria is present in Rajasthan, but in small numbers. The number of cases recorded in 2020 was 674. It is not necessary to take preventive treatment if you are visiting Rajasthan. Good mosquito protection (spray with DEET, long sleeves and legs covered, light colors, mosquito net) should suffice.
- 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 symptoms become apparent, death occurs within a few days. If you have been bitten by an animal, go immediately to hospital for rabies vaccination and treatment. Preventive vaccination does not exempt you from curative treatment in the event of a bite.
- Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a contagious infectious disease. It generally attacks the lungs, but other organs can also be affected. Symptoms include fever, hacking cough, weight loss and loss of energy. The disease can be cured with proper medical care.
- Typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection characterized by high fever, diarrhea and loss of consciousness. The most severe forms can lead to digestive, neurological or cardiac complications. The incubation period varies from 10 to 15 days. Infection occurs through stools, 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 credit card, you are automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance in the event of a problem on site. The insurance is valid for any stay abroad of less than 90 days. You don't need to have purchased your ticket with your credit card to be covered. Nevertheless, 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're planning certain high-risk activities), take out a policy with an insurer specialized in travel, for better coverage in the event of a problem.
First-aid kit. You'll be able to find the usual medicines and first-aid items on the spot, without a prescription (paracetamol, broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-asthmatics, antidiarrhoeals, cough suppressants, throat lozenges, etc.). However, it's a good idea to pack a first-aid kit that includes antihistamines, antidiarrheals, antispasmodics, analgesics, disinfectant, eye drops, tropical mosquito repellent, plasters, compresses, tweezers and scissors.
If you're undergoing any special medical treatment, take the necessary medication with you (note that if you're leaving for more than a month, you'll need to contact your Social Security center to obtain exceptional authorization for several months' supply). Take your prescription with you, especially in the event of a customs check.
Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies. While the public health system is not very robust, the private hospital sector is very efficient. Wherever possible, you should opt for a private hospital. If you're in a remote area, you may only have access to a simple dispensary. In the event of a minor problem, you'll have to pay the costs (medical visit, treatment), but prices are reasonable. If you are suffering from a serious ailment, you should contact your medical assistance before taking any steps and incurring any costs. 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
Make sure your vaccination record is up to date, and remember to top up the vaccinations required in France with the hepatitis B and rabies vaccines. Please note that the rabies vaccine does not protect you from the antidote injection in the event of a bite. It only extends the time you have to obtain the antidote.
Security Rajasthan
Potential hazards and advice
- General information. For the latest information on travel safety, please refer to the "Conseils aux Voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.diplomatie.gouv.fr. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, 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 severely punished. The use of illegal substances is punishable by prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 1 year and a fine of Rs. 20,000. In the case of drug trafficking, penalties are much heavier and can lead to 15 years' imprisonment. Foreigners are regularly arrested for drug trafficking or illegal consumption. In Rajasthan, the use of psychotropic drugs is culturally accepted on certain occasions and in certain communities. In Pushkar, some sadhus consume cannabis on the ghats; members of the Bishnoi community and Marwaris around Jodhpur consume opium during special ceremonies; bhang is consumed in excess during the Holi festival (and can prove problematic). While the government tolerates such drug-taking, it is 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 travelling 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 will often be asked "Are you married? Answer in the affirmative, so as not to raise further questions and to have peace of mind. Cover your shoulders and legs out of respect and to avoid attracting too many stares. Put a man who touches you in his place; it's totally inappropriate and he wouldn't allow himself to do it with a woman from his culture. On the other hand, you'll find it hard to escape insistent stares. It's not mean, just annoying. Don't stare at men under any circumstances, and avoid any provocation - the reputation of Western women conveyed by advertising, films and video clips 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 buses and trains. Refuse any offer of food or drink from someone you don't know. The risks are low, 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 a strain. With these warnings in mind, don't forget to open yourself up to the adventure of your trip and enjoy it to the full.
Travelling 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, too, as they'll come in handy if anything goes wrong. If you're going to Rajasthan during the hot season (April to June), make sure your children drink regularly and keep their heads covered. The risk of severe dehydration or sunstroke is high at this time of year. That's why, if you can, we recommend you take your children with you when it's cooler (October to March). Wherever you go, you'll find that children are very welcome. Hotels offer family rooms, and some luxury hotels even have play areas for the little ones. In restaurants, there are children's menus or non-spicy dishes, and you'll be given a high chair if you need one. Your children will attract attention, curiosity and goodwill, all the more so if they have light eyes or hair. Indians love children, and will no doubt want to touch them.
Disabled travelers. If you have a physical or mental disability, or are travelling with someone in this situation, you should be aware that Rajasthan is ill-equipped to accommodate them. With the exception of luxury hotels, most tourist establishments have no facilities for people with disabilities. In transport, it's even worse; nothing is adapted. It's best to use the services of a private driver to avoid unnecessary hassles (jostling, lack of space, access to platforms at stations...). Public sites and monuments are not very suitable for people with reduced mobility either. Access ramps are rare, and these are often old buildings with disjointed stone floors, etc. The best way to organize a trip to India if you have a disability is to use an agency. They will be able to select suitable establishments and provide you with a contact person if you need one.
LGBTQ+ travelers. Homosexuality remains a taboo subject in India and is very much frowned upon. However, a survey conducted in 2018 revealed that nearly a third of married men confessed to being gay! If you're gay, don't openly display your preferences and opinions. If you're traveling with your partner, don't show any tender gestures in public (a tip that applies to heterosexuals too). On the other hand, you'll have no problem sleeping in the same room, as friendship between two people of the same sex is perfectly acceptable. Just be discreet.
If the category "transgender" is recognized in official Indian documents, it's primarily to ensure recognition for hijras. These intersex, transgender or eunuch people fulfill a social function, and you're likely to come across some of them during your stay. On the other hand, they are very poorly regarded by the general public.
Time difference Rajasthan
There is a 3.30-hour time difference between Paris and Jaipur in winter and a 4.30-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 changeover 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 tourist industry in Rajasthan. In the countryside, however, you'll be met with incomprehension if you try to speak English. There are also local dialects, notably Marwari and Mewari, which are widely spoken in the countryside.
Communication Rajasthan
Wifi Internet access is available in all hotels, with the exception of some budget hotels and dharamsalas (pilgrim hostels). Many cafés and restaurants are also equipped.
As far as mobile telephony is concerned, the best network available to tourists is Airtel. But it doesn't work everywhere in Rajasthan. If you can, ask a local to get you a SIM card for Jio, the operator with the best coverage, but which only caters for Indian customers. You'll need to provide a photocopy of your passport and a passport photo to obtain a SIM card.
Electricity and measurements Rajasthan
Electricity. The voltage is 220 V, and you'll find plugs identical to French ones almost everywhere. On the other hand, power cuts are frequent, especially on Sundays and during the monsoon season. The larger hotels are equipped with generators, so you won't suffer any consequences. The same is not true of smaller establishments and homestays. So be careful in summer, when you may find yourself suffocating without even a fan.
Indian plugs are a little wider than French ones. If you buy electrical equipment in India, you'll have to change the plug on your return.
Weights and measures. The metric system is used throughout 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's no need to weigh yourself down with unnecessary items: you'll be able to find the essentials on the spot: soap, shampoo, razor blades, shower gel, essential medicines and quality condoms. Women, on the other hand, should take enough sanitary protection to last the duration of their trip. Tampons are virtually impossible to find (except in Delhi, but not everywhere) and sanitary towels are akin to diapers.
In all seasons, you'll need to bring covering clothing, especially for women (legs, décolleté and armpits preferably covered). For men, shorts are frowned upon, especially in the countryside and even more so in mosques, where they are prohibited. Bring sandals that are easy to remove, as you'll have to take your shoes off frequently (temples, local people's houses, some stores...); a pair of comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking boots) as you'll be walking a lot, especially in fortresses with uneven floors and stairs. A scarf will come in handy to cover your head in hot weather or protect your neck in winter. Take high factor sun cream with you, especially if you're traveling with children, and special "tropical countries" mosquito repellent. Don't forget your prescription or medication if you're taking a specific treatment. For minor ailments, you'll find everything on the spot, even without a prescription. If you're on a budget, it's a good idea to bring a tote bag and a towel.
In winter, temperatures can drop quite low, especially at night. Bring warm clothing such as a down jacket, sweater, socks and even a hat, gloves and scarf if you're planning a morning safari. As the climate is semi-desert, you'll need body lotion or dry oil to keep you hydrated.
In summer, opt for natural-fiber fabrics for your clothes, which are much more comfortable to wear in hot weather. Likewise, choose loose-fitting cuts that let the air circulate. Make sure you bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and gallons of sunscreen. If you're traveling during the monsoon season (June to September), bring a mosquito net, a rain poncho and freezer bags to protect your electronics.
