Organize your stay North India
Money North India
Exchange rate: 1 € is worth approximately 87.25 Rs (in October 2023). 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 North India
While the cost of living in India is not high, it is noticeable that the cost of living is increasing quite significantly.
For €25 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 street food or in local restaurants. In some cities, however, you can find decent places to sleep at low prices.
With €30 to €70 , you can sleep in mid-range hotels, eat out regularly, travel without counting the kilometers, take cabs and treat yourself to extras from time to time. It's a budget that will give you a very comfortable stay.
For more than €80 a day , you can stay in chic hotels and restaurants and fly domestic routes.
Passport and visas North India
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 them 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 form online (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 them in full before starting the procedure). If even one item is missing, the visa will be refused and not reimbursed.
The different visas. In addition to special visas (business, medical, education), travelers are offered 3 online visas: a 30-day e-visa (costing between US$1 and US$10, depending on the length of stay), a one-year e-visa (US$40) or a 5-year e-visa (US$80), each allowing a maximum stay of 90 days per stay.
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 North India
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 North India
For advice before you travel , don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society of 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, quite 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 North India
In addition to having your standard vaccinations up to date, it is also advisable to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and even typhoid fever, depending on the type of trip you are planning. Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory if you have previously visited certain countries in Africa or South America.
Security North India
Potential dangers and advice
Drugs. In India, as elsewhere, the possession and consumption of drugs are prohibited. Be aware that many Westerners languish in prison (and they're worse than at home!) simply for having consumed a little hashish. If this happens to you, contact the embassy immediately. In some sacred places, consumption for religious purposes is tolerated, even if the sadhus deplore the fact that people come to them for the drugs and not to learn more about the gods and customs. For them, the use of drugs has a very different meaning to ours. In very touristy cities like Varanasi, Rishikesh or Manali, you need to be extra careful, as temptations abound and it's easy to succumb to them. Don't smoke in public places (stations, trains), as smoking is forbidden. It will cost you Rs. 500.
Maoist bastions. Avoid Jharkhand, a major stronghold of the Maoist rebels who regularly plant bombs on trains, buses and sometimes in public places. In short, the movement was initiated by peasants who want to reclaim nationalized land. They operate mainly at night, living clandestinely in the forest or jungle, and form a veritable armed militia. They're like the Farcs of India, but they don't take hostages, they kill. And that's all there is to it. That's how they derailed the Kolkata - Mumbai train in May 2010, killing around a hundred people. While Jharkhand is home to the largest number of Maoists, they are also present in parts of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and West Bengal. In these regions, they are known as Naxalites. The Indian government has been actively combating them since the attack in May 2010. But it's hard to pinpoint this invisible enemy who is everywhere..
Kashmir is also not recommended due to high tensions in Srinagar and on the border with Pakistan. Violence has escalated in this region in recent years. Ladakh, which borders Kashmir, presents no particular danger.
Our advice: stay in the tourist areas of northern India and you should be fine. If you have any doubts, or if you're planning to go to a remote area off the beaten track, ask the locals. They'll tell you whether it's dangerous or not, quite frankly, because they're just as concerned as you are.
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.
Time difference North India
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 Delhi. The difference is 3h30 when France switches to summer time.
Most flights from Europe arrive in India late at night. After a non-stop journey of around 9 hours, 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, all you'll get from the other person is contemptuous silence and absolute lethargy. Patience is golden in this country.
Spoken languages North India
India's two official languages are Hindi and English. However, not all Indians speak English well... or Hindi, even though it is much more common in the north of the country 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. In small shops, restaurants or with your driver, you'll soon notice the language barriers. Don't try to construct too many sentences, just communicate with a few well-chosen words, and gestures will do the rest. For once, there's no need to be a pro at English grammar - just enjoy!
If you'd like to learn the language, there are a number of ways you can learn some basic Hindi, and self-study is available in a variety of formats: CDs, DVDs, workbooks and phone apps.
Communication North India
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 North India
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. Some rural and/or mountainous areas may experience long power cuts. Variations in current intensity are also frequent, so if you have very sensitive equipment (e.g. 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 North 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, a mosquito repellent and a K-way 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 a waxing connection, Indian women all go to the "Beauty Parlour", which is everywhere. As for the men, they can indulge in the pleasures of the barber. If you're not too keen on the idea, you'll be able to find cheaper blades on the spot.
For trekking: a good sleeping bag (0°C to -10°C), a survival blanket (in case of cold), a ground sheet, very good walking shoes already made to fit your feet, a lighter or salt (against leeches), plaster, a sweater, a fleece sweater, and a pair of binoculars to admire the wildlife.
Excess baggage when flying. Please note that 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.
