Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+5�
Capital City: New Delhi
Population: 1.2 billion
Area: 3,287,590357,021 square km, 1,269,338 square miles.
Language(s): Hindi, 18 other official languages. English widely used
Dialling Code: 91
Emergency: Police: 100. Fire: 101. Ambulance: 102
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit recommended, temporary licence available from local authorities on presentation of National licence
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR 1 = 100 Paise)
Notes: INR: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000
Coins: INR: 1, 2, 5. Paise: 10, 20, 25, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Currency may only be exchanged at banks or authorised money changers
Opening Hours
Bank: 1000-1400 Mon-Fri, 1000-1200 Sat
Office: 0930-1700 Mon-Fri, 0930-1300 Sat
Shops: 0930-1900 Mon-Sat
Public Holidays
2012
Note: * Only the secular holidays of Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhiás Birthday are universally observed. Public holidays in India tend to be observed on a strictly regional basis. The above dates are Government of India holidays, when government offices will be closed nationwide. In addition, there are numerous festivals and fairs which are also observed in some states as holidays, the dates of which change from year to year. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Although not government official holidays, Christmas Day (25 Dec) and New Year’s Day (1 Jan) are widely observed throughout India.
Business/Social Hints:
Tipping: Around 10% of bill is customary
