Banks: 10:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 13:00, 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

In general Cochin is a very safe place. However, pickpockets can be a problem; so make sure that you carry your personal belongings in a safe and inconspicuous place on your body. 

Don’t try your hand at purchasing illegal drugs, even marijuana, as you can be thrown in prison if you’re caught. When enjoying the many festivals in Cochin, avoid having arguments with locals, as it’s impolite to lose your temper.

Tourists should be aware of scam artists. If you’re approached and hassled by people wanting to sell you things or be your guide, just say ‘no’ firmly as many times as it takes. Don’t lose your temper; just be solid on your stance. If you use a credit card for anything, don’t let it out of your sight. Some shops will run off a few copies and then forge your signature.

If you’re going to participate in one of India’s many outdoor sports and activities, then choose a reputable company and inspect their hire equipment. If you’re not satisfied with the instructor or the equipment, then move on to another company; likewise with tour operators.

Electricity: 220V, 50AC, plugs are two round pronged.

There are few major health concerns in Cochin. Once you make sure to drink only bottled water and wear sun protection while out and about during the day, your trip should be safe and healthy. Although no vaccinations are required for India, you may want to make sure you are up-to-date on some key ones like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Risks include: dengue fever, cholera, hepatitis A and B, malaria, dysentery, meningitis and typhoid. You should take care not to get bitten by mosquitoes as they can carry dengue and malaria. 

HIV and hepatitis B, both transmitted through blood, are relatively high here. Avoid getting tattoos and piercings, and stay away from hairdressers who use a razor to shave the back of your neck. 

Even if you are not a vegetarian, it’s advisable to become so temporarily while in India as the quality of meat is questionable. If you’re not used to spicy food, this is probably not the time to try it, as you can become quite ill. If you’re going to be eating with your hands, then make sure you wash them thoroughly.

Specialists’ Hospital: +91 484 239 5952/2395066/2394602/2391066 

Emergency services: 102

Malayalam is the official language of the area but English is spoken widely throughout the region in businesses and tourist areas.

Cochin uses the Indian rupee, which comes in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 notes. There are 100 paise in a rupee. Coins come in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, as well as 50 and 25 paise.

There are a number of different commercial banks operating throughout the city. Although ATMs are not as widespread as in other parts of India, each area will generally have at least one. Currency exchanges can be made at any of the city’s banks with the US dollar generally offering the best rate of exchange. 

It’s a good idea to carry around a nice supply of smaller bills like Rs100s because most smaller shops can’t make change for anything larger than an Rs500 bill. The small Rs10s also make good tipping cash. One thing to watch for when your receive banknotes is not to accept any notes that are ripped or severely damaged. Shopkeepers in Cochin rarely accept torn banknotes, so you should also refuse to accept any in return.

Foreigners entering India with US$10,000 or more in a foreign currency, must fill out a declaration form at the airport. Adults 18 years and over can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 litres of alcohol; and 60ml of perfume.

Electronic equipment such as laptop and camera or video equipment requires filling out a Tourist Baggage Re-Export Form. This is to protect you, as you may be asked to show the form when you leave India. Bringing in any livestock or pork products, live plants, or gold and silver bullion, is not permitted.

The culture of Cochin as with the rest of India for the first-time traveller to the country will be nothing like what Western culture is. The first salutation one should learn is namaste, hands pressed palms together while bowing your head slightly. Men may shake an Indian man’s hand but never a woman’s. Women do not shake hands at all. 

Shoes should be removed upon entering a home or temple, while conservative dress is an essential act of respect, even on the beaches. The culture is just as conservative when it comes to public displays of affection. The right hand should be used for putting food into your mouth, passing objects and pretty much anything that requires using only one hand.

Be sure to control your temper while in India, as angry outbursts will only cause problems as opposed to solving them. If you would like to take someone’s photo ask politely before doing so.

Dining Etiquette
If attending dinner at a private home it is customary to bring a gift, although it’s not necessary; a good choice would be something from your home country that is not available in Cochin. Alcohol is generally not the right choice as most Indian’s don’t drink.

Meal times in India are a family and friend affair. Groups of four and five and often more will eat together regularly and it is not uncommon to be asked to join. A selection of dishes will be placed in the centre of the table and each member of the party will take a spoon to his/her plate at a time. The right hand only should be used for eating as the left is for personal hygiene.

Visitors can often relax slightly more into their own dining etiquette if not accompanied by locals. Pork and beef are generally not offered and if you don’t see them on the menu, then don’t ask for them. Tipping is common in larger restaurants and usually is about 10 per cent.

All visitors coming to India must apply for a tourist visa before their trip. This can be easily accomplished at the local Indian consulate in your nearest capital city. Tourist visas are valid for stays of up to six months upon first entering the country, and are usually issued without any delay. You will need two passport-sized photos and a small fee when you submit your visa application. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the day you plan to arrive in India. Extensions from the Cochin Commissioner of Police are available for an additional fee once you are in country: +91 239 4770.

The Government of India Tourist Office is located on Willington Island and is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and can be reached at: +91 484 668 352.