Dos
Always travel through a professional Tour Operator
Demand for detailed travel itinerary with clear inclusions
Travel with a valid visa for the period you are in India
Communicate with your Local Tour Operator for any special assistance or attention
Avail Mobile connections for tourists, if needed, at arrival airports. You can’t get a sim activated if you buy outside the Arrival Airport
Change your currencies at authorized centers only
If you wish to withdraw money from ATM machines, using an International Debit/Credit Card, please opt for an ATM in a major city attached to a bank branch
Approach Local Police or Tourist Police for any assistance in time of need
If you opt to stay overnight on a Houseboat, please insist for a licensed Houseboat Operator
Always take care of your personal belongings and valuables
Ask your driver to lock the car when you keep your valuables inside the car and go out for a meal or snack
Ensure that you have a local Tour Operator who is an accredited agency
Use only licensed guides for sightseeing
While doing adventure tours like trekking etc. go with an expert
Feel free to ask for any kind of clarifications to your agent before you land in India
Understand the local culture regarding dressing etc especially during visits to religious centers.
Take the advice of your guide/driver regarding the daily visits where you may have to remove your shoes, follow a particular dress pattern etc.
Always carry your departure flight ticket copy in print or on mobile for entering any airports in India.
Don’ts
India doesn’t offer Visa on Arrival but only E-Visa. So don’t travel without an E Travel Advice to India which will be exchanged for a visa on arrival. Log on to www.indianvisaonline.gov.in to check eligibility and apply for an E Visa
Don’t drink tap water
Think before you light up your cigarette. Throughout India, smoking in public is an offence. Smoking is allowed in designated areas and private places
Don’t walk around in the dark corners of any city without a local guidance
Don’t travel at night to hill stations or remote destinations
Don’t eat street food unless you have a proper guidance by a known local person, your driver, guide etc.
Don’t take photographs at Special Schools, Orphanages etc. without the permission of the authorities.