Banks: 10:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 13:00 on Saturday
Government offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Department stores and shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday
Business offices: 09:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday; 09:30 to 14:00, Saturday

During daylight hours Bangalore is quite safe, but after dark it’s wise to be on your guard. It’s never a good idea to walk alone in secluded places at night; and it’s important to safeguard your valuables, avoiding any obvious display of wealth. While incomes have been on the rise for those involved in the business boom here, this has resulted in an even greater disparity between rich and poor, and in a significant increase in crime. 

Pick-pocketing is a problem throughout the country, and particularly in busy urban areas, such as Bangalore. There have also been reports of drugs being added to drinks of unsuspecting tourists at clubs – so be sure that you don’t leave a drink unattended, or if you do so then purchase a new one. 

Driving can be dangerous in India for anyone not familiar with local driving habits. It’s a much better idea to hire a car with a driver. Lack of courtesy and erratic driving are the norm; as is constant use of the horn, making it unnerving to try driving on your own.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. Most plugs are of the two- or three-round-pin variety.

Food poisoning caused by bacteria is a very real concern for visitors to India. All water, and even ice, should be considered contaminated; and only properly-sealed bottled water should be considered potable. Both fish and meats should also be considered suspect, unless thoroughly cooked and served hot in one of the better restaurants. Salads and fruits that have not been peeled should be avoided as they may not have been properly cleaned.

High temperatures in southern India can lead to dehydration unless you drink lots of water. If you’re out for a walk or hiking outside of the city, it’s important to drink only bottled water and not be tempted to drink from any streams or waterfalls. Bird flu was reported in India in early 2006, but to date no cases of human infections have been noted. Although the risk of contracting this disease is low, it is recommended that you avoid contact with caged, wild and domesticated birds – and to eat only well-cooked egg and poultry dishes.

In the city, you’ll find well-equipped hospitals and pharmacies, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding medical treatment or medications that you might require during your visit. It is highly recommended that anyone visiting Bangalore, or India overall, should have travellers’ health insurance that will cover medical consultations and minor procedures, as payment in these instances is normally required in advance. Emergency care, however, is provided to anyone in need; and payment up front is not required.

Manipal Hospital: +91 80 2526 6977

Emergency services: 103

Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka – and the official language of the state is called Kannada. English is the main language spoken by the largest number of people and is the language used in business transactions. Other languages spoken – and widely understood - here include Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

The rupee (INR) is the currency unit of India, and is commonly abbreviated in country as Rs. One rupee equals 100 paise. Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1Rs – although notes in denominations of less than 10Rs are rare. Coins are most commonly seen in 5, 2 and 1 rupees; and 50 and 25 paise. You may also find coins in 20 and 10 paise denominations, but they are less common these days.

Most major foreign currencies can be exchanged at authorised currency exchanges and banks. Outside of India, it is not possible to obtain rupees; so you’ll need to plan on making your first exchange at the airport, where you’ll always find a number of exchange counters. You are advised that changing currency on the black market is illegal; and also that it’s a good idea to refuse torn banknotes that may be given to you when changing currency or making purchases, as most vendors and banks will refuse to accept them from you. 

Also, whenever possible, it’s best to carry banknotes in small denominations for making smaller purchases. You’ll find that major credits cards as well as travellers’ cheques are readily accepted in areas accustomed to tourists, and at larger restaurants, boutiques and stores and also hotels. You won’t, however, find ATMs readily available outside of central business districts.

Visitors to India have a duty-free allowance of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco and one bottle of alcohol – as long as they are 17 years of age or older. Medicines and perfumes in reasonable amounts for personal use may also be brought in duty-free. On the prohibited list are livestock, including birds, and all meat products from pigs.

You will find that in general, Indians are quite tolerant of visitors’ habits, but it is important to be aware of basic social and religious customs. Women are generally expected to dress conservatively, and to cover their heads when visiting temples. Everyone entering temples should remove their footwear. You will find that Indians always prefer to say ‘yes’ or to provide help, even when they cannot follow through. As an example, rather than tell a visitor that they do not know the way to a particular attraction, a local may well offer directions that are incorrect. There is also a great emphasis placed on social status and maintaining social order, even in modern India.

Tipping, often in small amounts, is expected in India – with the exception of taxi drivers. You’ll find that hotel porters and various other staff, waiters and tour guides will all appreciate – and expect - at least a small gratuity. At restaurants catering to tourists and in hotels, a 10 per cent service charge is commonly added to bills. Bribes – or baksheesh – is often used to obtain good service or preferential treatment, and is offered in advance. This is a common practice in India.

Dining Etiquette
As many Indians are either Hindus or Muslims, your choice of meats will often be limited, in that both beef and pork are often not on menus – and many Indians are vegetarians as well. Cows are sacred creatures to Hindus; and pigs are considered unclean to Muslims. If you are invited to dinner, it’s best to ask for chicken, lamb or vegetable-based dishes. If you are dining in a restaurant and these meats are on the menu, you certainly may order them – but be advised that they are not typically Indian ingredients, so you may be missing some of the better food choices.

Food that is not messy is often eaten using the right hand in India. Flat breads, such as naan, are usually served with meals, and smaller pieces of the bread can be used to dip into curries or to pick up small portions of food and condiments. Indians consider eating to be a sensual experience, so basically unless it’s terribly messy to do so, most food is eaten using the right hand. It is not considered proper to use the left hand for eating, as the left hand is traditionally used in personal hygiene.

All persons travelling to India are required to have a valid passport and the proper visa, unless they are holders of a PIO card (Person of Indian Origin). In addition to a visa, entry to a few border areas is restricted, and requires a special permit, obtained in advance. Anyone who plans to visit the far northwest of the country, Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas, and some island destinations, should first check with an India tourism office for current information on requirements.

There is a tourist information desk at the Bangalore airport, which can also be reached by phone at +91 80 526 8012. In the city, the Government of India Tourist Office is located at 48 Church street and their phone number is: +91 80 2558 5417. For information on the surrounding area, you can contact the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation at 49 Khanija Bhavan, West Gate, Racecourse road – or by phone at: +91 80 2227 5883; and online at www.karnatakatourism.org