Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 30 per cent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim population. There are 16 other languages alsospoken.
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The currency is the Rupee (INR), which is divided into 100 paisa. Major currencies can be changed at banks, and authorised bureaux de change. It is impossible to obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs are not generally available.
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The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi. International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use acalling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main cities and resorts.
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Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however all other services expect small tips, including porters, guides, hotel staff, and waiters in small establishments. In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10 per cent service charge is often added to bills. Baksheesh is common in India, it is more a bribe than a tip and will ensure better service; it is given before rather than after the service.
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The vast majority of visits to India are trouble-free, however in light of the dispute with Pakistan most governments advise against travel to the Jammu and Kashmir regions, all but essential travel to Srinagar (fatal attacks continue), and anywhere near the border with Pakistan, with the exception of Ladakh via Manali or byair to Leh, as well as to Jaisalmer and Amritsar. A number of recent grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir, have targeted touristsand tourist buses, causing several deaths and numerous injuries. Manipur and Tripura should also be avoided and travel to Imphal is not recommended. There has been an increase in the severity of terrorist attacks in the east and northeast of the country with a spate of bomb attacks, and visitors should keep up to date with the situation. Many people, including tourists, have been killed. Violent extremist groups are active in Bihar, Jharkland, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Orissa where attacks and violent crime has caused fatalities.
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There are a number of health risks associated with travel to India, including malaria and dengue fever, and travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least three weeks before departure. Food poisoning is a major risk in India; all water and ice should be regarded as contaminated and visitors should drink only bottled water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and fish should be regarded as suspect in all but the best restaurants and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Travellers are advised to take out medical insurance.
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240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three roundpins.
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