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Indian Currency
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The
currency of India is Rupee. One rupee consists of 100 paise. In India, coins
are available in denominations of 50 paise, 1 rupee, 2 rupee and 5 rupees.
Currency notes are available in denomination of 10 rupees, 20 rupees, 50
rupees, 100 rupees, 500 rupees and 1000 rupees. The current exchange rate
for Indian rupees against American dollar is $ 1=43.45 (subject to change).
The Reserve Bank Of India, India's national bank, is in charge of India's
numismatics and currency production.
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Working Hours &
Holidays |
The working hours in government offices of India are generally from
9 A.M to 5 P.M with an hourly lunch break in between. However, the
government offices of the states in India may have different timings as
fixed by the respective state governments. In India, there are three
national holidays-January 26 (Republic Day), August 15 (Independence Day)
and October 2 (Gandhiji's Birthday). Other than the national holidays,
holidays are generally declared on important religious occasions like Holi,
Deepavali, Dussehra, Idd-ul-Fitr and Christmas. The holidays in the states
may differ from one another.
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Money Changing &
ATM Facilities |
Money
changing, which was a tedious process in India till a few years back is no
longer so as public sector banks have been computerized and many private
banks have made their entry. Money changing should be done through
authorized agents or Banks or at hotel counters. Money changing facilities
are easily available at the country's international airports. However, it is
advisable to keep money changing certificates and receipts safely. Tourists
can also re change the money back to their country's currency at the time of
final departure at the Bank Counter at the airports. Almost all public
sector banks and private banks have ATM facilities in India. Apart from the
bank premises, ATM's could easily be found in essential areas like market
places, hospitals, busy traffic points, airports, railway stations and near
highways. In the public sector, State Bank Of India has the highest number
of ATM'S while ICICI Bank has the highest number among private sector banks.
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Health and
Security |
Traveling
to India do not really require you to go through vaccination programmes,
however, tourists coming from yellow fever countries have to produce
certificate of vaccination. India's summer temperature scores quite high in
some parts, but not unbearable if you plan your journey well avoiding those
regions. Chemists and hospitals abound in urban localities in case of any
emergency. And with ready-to-help locals, such concerns can be ruled out.
Just that try avoid the street vendors when it comes to food. For all
consumable items, including water, the authorized shops or departmental
stores are recommended. Security for the tourists is not a problem in India
and their problems are promptly addressed to. Depositing your money in
trusted safe-deposits and using ATM cards are best options if you are
planning to travel extensively. A little discretion in late-night tours or
strolls holds good. And in case of any emergency, just dial 100 and inform
the police and they will alight for your help no matter what time.
general info 
