Directions - India Travel tips and Safety Information For Tourists - A Comprehensive List

Here are some essential travel and safety tips which should be considered by anyone travelling to India. India is a beautiful country and every year millions of tourists visit this country.

Although you get everything in India but its just better to have them beforehand. Few band-aids and mosquito repellent is also suggested, sunscreen, nausea, carrying general medications for headache. Things like keeping an extra pair of glasses can be helpful. Keep a copy of those prescriptions with you in case the local authorities like the Customs question you. Typhoid etc, anti-allergy, diarrhea, also carry medications for malaria. Rabies and Hepatitis B, tetanus, rubella (MMR), mumps, additional vaccinations that your doctor may recommend are Measles. Medications: Always consult your doctor regarding immunizations that should be taken like Hepatitis A and Polio. 1.

chicago.indianconsulate.com , www.cgisf.org, www.cgihouston.org, www.indiacgny.org, following Indian embassy sites are helpful: www.indianembassy.org. You should consult an Indian Embassy close to your location. Tourist Visa: Citizens of most countries including United States require a tourist visa on their passport. 2.

Country code (phone) of India is "91" Leave that also with them, if you know the hotel phone number you will stay. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Passport and visa) and leave it with a friend or family in case you lose the originals, make copies of all your important travel documents (like ID. 3.

kolkata.usconsulate.gov/ . mumbai.usconsulate.gov/, chennai.usconsulate.gov, visit these websites newdelhi.usembassy.gov/, mumbai (West) and Kolkata (East), chennai (South), delhi (North India), Embassies in India i.e. Keep the phone number of all the four U.S. 4.

Register yourself in the USA State Department's travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ so that they can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Also read public Announcements or Travel Warnings on the travel.state.gov website. 5.

Inform your credit card company and Bank that you will be traveling to India on which dates so that your card is not blocked for suspicious activity. If you need money in India only exchange it with authorized agents or banks. Carrying some travelers' cheques is also a good idea. Get some US Dollars converted to Indian Currency (Rupees) before you go. Do not wear expensive jewellery and do not put all your cash in one location. 6.

Local brands like Parle and international brands like Britannia and Nestle are safe to eat, do buy fruits cookies and crackers with you, in India. Always eat well cooked food. Always drink bottled water and make sure that its sealed. 7.

Carry sweaters and jackets. Especially in North India, winters (December to February) can be chilly. Its a good idea to re-verify with someone else also. If you need directions prefer shopkeepers over pedestrians. Carry flashlight and an extra set of lock and keys. Carry a raincoat and umbrella, if traveling in the monsoon. 8.

Women travelers should be extra safe. Beware of pick pockets and do not accept packages from strangers, do not leave your luggage unattended in public places, be safe: Follow local laws and keep patience. 9.

If you want to tip try to tip not more than 10-20 Indian rupees. Tipping: Tips are not common in India as in USA. 10.

Its better to donate to a nonprofit organizations, you you want to donate. Although some are genuine but at times people are forced into it. Beggars: You will find them quite often. 11.

Leave if you are not satisfied. You can even start with half price. You can expect to bargain/negotiate price of the item in most of the shops (expect for government-run). 12.

Specially in popular tourist spots, lot of people in India speak English. Southern India has a separate language for each State, in north India Hindi is the primary language. Try to learn some local words. 13.

Try to travel in 1st or 2nd class compartment instead of general class. Trains are also a good option. Consider flying when traveling long distance, india has a lot of budget airlines. So prefer not to drive yourself, not everyone follow the traffic rules. 14.

If you want to buy a Sim card and unlocked international phone consider prior to your visit check a good site telestial.com. Most plans have free incoming calls and cheap outgoing calls. Definitely consider getting one if you are staying for more than 1 month. And cheap too, cell (Mobile) phone coverage is quite good in India. 15.

Another article about top 7 places to visit in North India is at http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-7-Tourism-Places-in-Indiaandid=556637 Also visit travel.state.gov for the latest and most up to date travel guidelines. Please do your self research and consult an expert before using this information.