Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sangama
(
www.sangama.org
) Deals with crisis intervention and provides a community outreach service for gay and bi-
sexual men and women, transgenders and
hijras
(transvestites and eunuchs).
Sappho
(
www.sapphokolkata.org
) Operates as a support group for lesbian, bisexual and transgender women.
Wajood Society
(
www.wajoodsociety.com
)
Hyderabad's budding queer-support organisation organises get-togethers.
Insurance
»
Comprehensive travel insurance to cover theft, loss and medical problems (as well as air evacuation) is strongly re-
commended.
»
Some policies specifically exclude potentially dangerous activities such as scuba diving, skiing, motorcycling,
paragliding and even trekking: read the fine print.
»
Some trekking agents may only accept customers who have cover for emergency helicopter evacuation.
»
If you plan to hire a motorcycle in India, make sure the rental policy includes at least third-party insurance.
»
Check in advance whether your insurance policy will pay doctors and hospitals directly or reimburse you later for
overseas health expenditure (keep all documentation for your claim).
»
It's crucial to get a police report in India if you've had anything stolen; insurance companies may refuse to reimburse
you without one.
»
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance
.
You can buy, extend and claim on-
line anytime - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Internet cafes are widespread and connections are usually reasonably fast, except in more remote areas. Wireless (wi-fi;
) access is available in an increasing number of hotels and some coffee shops in larger cities. Note that wi-fi services
may be either free or chargeable; each establishment sets its own rules. Hotels offering internet access are marked in re-
views by
.
Practicalities
»
Internet charges vary regionally; charges fall anywhere between ?15 and ?100 per hour and often with a 15- to
30-minute minimum.
»
Power cuts are not uncommon; avoid losing your email by writing and saving messages in a text application before
pasting them into your browser.
»
Bandwidth load tends to be lowest in the early morning and early afternoon.
»
Some internet cafes may ask to see your passport.
