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Bridges student photographing in a small Indian village

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIA
Dharamsala:
Located in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and lying just on the Outer Himalayas, Dharamsala commands majestic views of mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks. The city is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and more than 8,000 Tibetan refugees. The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), a school and community for refugee children, is also located here, and Bridges has worked with students from TCV for five years.

Entry & Exit Requirements:

  • A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay
  • An India tourist visa, can be valid for 6 months
  • A return or onward ticket

Weather:
India is characterized by three major seasons, summer, winter and monsoon. The summer months of March to July are very hot in most of India. September is when the weather begins to cool. By December and January, North India can be quite cold. October-November is one of the best times to travel in Dharamsala; the weather is generally temperate, about 60°F.

What to wear:

  • Comfortable shirts and pants (both long and short)
  • Warm clothes
  • Comfortable walking shoes/ hiking boots
  • Jackets/ windbreaker
  • Raincoat or umbrella

Official language:
India has two National languages (Central administrative). They are English (associate official) and Hindi (in the Devanagiri script). The Indian Constitution also officially recognizes 22 regional languages.
At TVC, the children speak Tibetan and English.

Immunization:
We at Bridges do not give out medical advice, and advise you to speak directly with your doctor if you have any questions about immunizations.  MDtravelhealth.com says the following about visiting India:

  • Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult.
  • Yellow Fever: An International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required IF you are arriving from an infected area.
  • Japanese encephalitis: For long-term (>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk.
  • Hepatitis B: For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months.
  • Rabies: For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and not have access to medical care.
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): Two doses recommended for travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.
  • Tetanus-diphtheria: Revaccination recommended every 10 years.
  • Malaria pills are recommended year-round throughout the country.

Electricity:
240 volts AC 50Hz (US is 120V, 60Hz, so an adaptor will be needed)

Weights & measures:
Metric

Telephone dialing code:
91

Currency:

  • Indian Rupee (Rs) (INR)
  • The exchange rate as of 10/9/07 is: 1USD = 39.2200 INR
  • Most international credit cards are accepted

Average costs:
Prices in USD

  • Internet café                             $0.70                                      
  • Meal in a restaurant                 $5-10
  • A bottle of beer                       $0.50-2.00

Time:
The Indian Standard Time is exactly 12 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. At 10am in Seattle, it would be 10pm in India. India does not observe daylight savings time.

The US Consular Agency in New Dehli
Tel: 011 - 24198000

US Embassy
Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi-110021

http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Embassy http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov
Tel: 011 - 24198000

US Embassy
Shantipath,
Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi-110021