General Information

 

Weather and Climate

Delhi has temperate winters with temperatures at the time of the IIPTF temperatures could range from between 24˚ C by day and 10˚ C by night. The northeast monsoon spans a period of December to early March, but is less severe than the southwest (summer) monsoon which occurs between June and September and accounts for approximately 80 percent of India’s rainfall.

Therefore, due to the northeast monsoon, light rains (showers) may occur during the IIPTF. Visitors may therefore wish to take precautions by carrying a collapsible umbrella. Showers are generally short however, and when they stop, the sun usually comes out.

 

Currency & Money Matters

Indian currency notes come in denominations of Rupees1000, 500, 100, 50, 10, and 5. Coins come in denominations of Rupees 5, 2 and 1, plus smaller coins less than 1 rupee, which are virtually worthless on their own.

Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at licensed moneychangers and at most good hotels. Banks are open daily, but some do not do foreign exchange. Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted in most business establishments in India, but not in local bazaars.

Ratty Money: Vendors will not accept damaged currency notes – ones with big holes in them or those that have been ripped in two and taped back together. Some vendors will, however, attempt to pass off damaged notes onto unsuspecting and trusting foreigners. Ensure that you inspect your change after purchases. If ratty notes are detected, demand a replacement right on the spot. You’ll get it, usually with a smile that seems to say, “Ok, you caught me!”

This is import: Do not change your money with touts on the street, even if they are offering better rates. You, as a foreigner, may not recognize counterfeit. Also, ensure that you retain the receipt from the approved moneychanger when you change your money into rupees. You will most likely be asked to show the receipt when changing your excess rupees back to dollars/euros at the airport. This practice is to ensure that you didn’t unwittingly change your money on the black market.

 

Electricity

India voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 hertz. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 hertz. If shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in India are of the three-pin, round-shaped type.

 

Medical Matters

Some species of mosquitoes carry malaria, but mosquitoes are seldom seen during the winter in north India – they are most prevalent in the shoulder seasons between winter and summer. Our advice is to consult your doctor prior to departure and take his/her advice on what medication or precautions (if any) to take.

Medication: If you are on some sort of medication, ask your pharmacist for the generic name. Then, if you loose your medication, you can pick up the equivalent in India – most likely at a quarter of the price you paid in North America, Europe or Australia.