Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Notify your bank that you'll be using your card in India (provide dates) to avoid having your card blocked; take along
your bank's phone number just in case.
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Always keep the emergency lost-and-stolen numbers for your credit cards in a safe place, separate from your cards,
and report any loss or theft immediately.
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Away from major towns, always carry cash (including rupees) or travellers cheques as back-up.
PROHIBITED EXPORTS
To protect India's cultural heritage, the export of certain antiques is prohibited, especially those which are verifi-
ably more than 100 years old. Reputable antique dealers know the laws and can make arrangements for an export-
clearance certificate for old items that are OK to export. Detailed information on prohibited items can be found
on the government webpage
www.asi.nic.in/pdf_data/8.pdf
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The rules may seem stringent but the loss of ancient
artworks and sculptures due to the international trade in antiques has been alarming. Look for quality reproduc-
tions instead.
The Indian Wildlife Protection Act bans any form of wildlife trade. Don't buy any product that endangers
threatened species and habitats - doing so can result in heavy fines and even imprisonment. This includes ivory,
shahtoosh shawls (made from the down of chirus or rare Tibetan antelopes), and anything made from the fur,
skin, horns or shell of any endangered species. Products made from certain rare plants are also banned.
Black Market
Black-market money- changers exist but legal moneychangers are so common that there's no reason to use them, except
perhaps to change small amounts of cash at land border crossings. If someone approaches you on the street and offers to
change money, you're probably being set up for a scam.
Cash
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Major currencies such as US dollars, pounds sterling and euros are easy to change throughout India, although some
bank branches insist on travellers cheques only.
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Some banks also accept other currencies such as Australian and Canadian dollars, and Swiss francs.
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Private moneychangers deal with a wider range of currencies, but Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi currency can be
harder to change away from the border.
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When travelling off the beaten track, always carry an adequate stock of rupees.
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Whenever changing money, check every note. Don't accept any filthy, ripped or disintegrating notes, as these may be
difficult to use.
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It can be tough getting change in India so keep a stock of smaller currency; ?10, ?20 and ?50 notes are helpful.
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Officially you cannot take rupees out of India, but this is laxly enforced. You can change any leftover rupees back into
foreign currency, most easily at the airport (some banks have a ?1000 minimum). You may have to present encashment
certificates or credit-card/ATM receipts, and show your passport and airline ticket.
STANDARD OPENING HOURS
General opening hours are as follows:
