General information for the traveller new to India. Visas All visitors to India require a passport that is valid for 6 months. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival from an Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad and are issued for stays of varying lengths depending on the needs of the visitor. Current information should be confirmed with your nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. The import and export of local currency is prohibited and local currency can only be converted back into foreign currency if exchange receipts are produced.
Visitors can take the following into India duty free.
5p Tipping Tipping remains optional but is common practice. In the latter case, a tip is given beforehand in order to ensure good service. English is widely understood in major cities and tourist areas. Varanassi 0542 Electricity 220-240V AC at 50Hz. Standard sockets are small rounded 2 or 3 pin, therefore a universal adapter is an important travel item.