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

There are no real safety concerns in Jodhpur during daylight hours, but it is recommended that you avoid walking alone in remote areas after dark. It’s also a good idea to be on your guard, protecting your valuables whenever you are sightseeing as pick-pocketing is widespread – with tourists being likely targets. Any large sums of cash, along with expensive jewellery, are best kept in a hotel safe along with your important travel documents.

Driving is chaotic here, as it is throughout the country, and can be quite dangerous for visitors who are inexperienced driving in India. It’s highly recommended to hire a car with a driver, leaving the driving to someone who is more accustomed to the local driving methods.

Electricity: 240 volts, 50Hz. A number of different power outlets are found in the country but most accommodate plugs with two or three round pins.

Health concerns for visitors to India include illnesses arising from bacterial infestations of food and water. Drinking water should be considered safe only if it comes from a sealed bottle; ice should always be regarded as suspect; and raw vegetables and salads should be avoided. Meat and fish should always be eaten well-cooked and while still hot. Health clinics and hospitals in the city are of an acceptable standard, but the smaller desert communities will not have adequate facilities to treat serious accidents or illnesses. It is recommended that you have all your vaccinations up-to-date before embarking on your trip to India.

Dehydration due to the heat and dry desert air is a particular concern when visiting Jodhpur and other parts of Rajasthan. It’s important to drink a lot more water than you normally do, and to seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you begin to experience symptoms of breathlessness, dizziness or intense thirst. It’s also important to remember that water from any streams or waterfalls you may come across is most likely not potable: drink only purified water or water from sealed bottles.

All visitors should make sure that their travel insurance covers unexpected medical treatment that might become necessary while they are in India. While emergency care is generally available without pre-payment, consultation for routine care or for minor procedures typically requires payment upfront.

Jodhpur Hospital and Research Centre: +91 291 277 1566

Emergency services: 103

Three main languages are spoken in Jodhpur: Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani. English is commonly understood and is spoken by most people involved in the tourist industry.

The Indian rupee (INR) is the country’s currency, usually written in-country as Rs. One rupee comprises one hundred paise. Banknotes are found in denominations of Rs500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 – but you’ll rarely see those in amounts less than Rs10. Coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 rupees, and of 50 and 25 paise are in circulation.

Major world currencies can be exchanged at banks and currency exchanges inside India only. It is illegal to exchange currency on the black market; and it is best to refuse torn or otherwise damaged bank notes, as they will not be accepted by most businesses or small bank branches. It’s recommended that you carry currency in small denominations for making your purchases from small vendors, as they will often not be able to give change for larger bank notes. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are readily accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and department stores. ATMs are not common, and will be found only in the centre.

Visitors entering India who are 17 years of age or older may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco duty-free, and also one bottle of wine or spirits, and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use. There are items that you are prohibited from bringing into the country – such bird and livestock meat products.

In general, you’ll find that Indian society is tolerant of the customs of others but it is recommended that you be aware of some of the country’s more important social and religious customs. Before entering temples, visitors are expected to remove their footwear and to cover their heads. It is generally expected that women will dress conservatively, respecting Indian tradition and avoiding unwanted attention from men. Also of note to women: if your plans include travel to the beach, you should be aware that topless sunbathing is against the law.

Tipping, at least in small amounts, is generally expected by service staff in restaurants and hotels, and by tour guides; taxi drivers do not expect tips. Tourist restaurants and hotels typically add a 10 per cent service charge to their bills. ‘Baksheesh’, actually more a bribe than a tip, is common throughout India, and is given upfront to ensure that better service is provided.

Dining Etiquette
Meats are often not a part of meals served in India, as Hinduism treats the cow as sacred and Islam considers pigs unclean. Most restaurants will not have beef or pork products on their menus, but some catering mainly to tourists and foreign visitors may. If these items are on the menu, it’s certainly acceptable to order them, although you’ll find that chicken and lamb are Indian specialities and may be tastier. Vegetarian restaurants are also popular, as many Hindus eat no meat at all.

Many traditional foods, including naan, the flat bread that’s a daily staple here, can be eaten by using the right hand – as opposed to utensils. Proper use of the naan would be to break it into bite-sized pieces and then dip it into the chutney, daal or other items on your plate. A rule of thumb is that if it’s not too messy to eat by hand, it’s acceptable to do so. The Indian philosophy regarding eating is that foods should be experienced by all the senses in order to be enjoyed fully. It is not acceptable to eat with the left hand, however, as that is reserved for use in personal hygiene.

Anyone entering India must present a valid passport and visa. Visas are not required of those holding a Person of Indian Origin card. There are parts of the country to which entry is restricted and for which additional entry permits are required: Jodhpur is not one of these areas, however. Information on obtaining the appropriate visa is available from a consulate or embassy in your home country. Typically visas are issued for 6 months and take effect the moment they are issued, not when you enter the country.

The Jodhpur division of the Regional Tourist Office is located at the Hotel Ghoomar in Jodhpur (phone: +91 291 254 5083). In addition, there is an office for the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation at the Hotel Swagatam in Jaipur, where you can find a good selection of information on all of Rajasthan (phone: +91 141 220 3531). The small Jodhpur Airport also features a tourist information counter.