Banks: 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Post offices: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 14:00, Saturday
Government offices: 07:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business centres: 08:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday
Shops: 09:30 to 19:00, daily

Pune is a relatively tame destination with a low crime rate. However, there is a raucous young student population and you might find that nights here can be busy and loud – and may lead to some petty crime. It’s best to keep your personal belongings close to you, especially at night and in crowded bar areas. Women should not venture out alone at night.

Pune is a bustling little town and places like the markets can be so crowded you are literally shoulder-to-shoulder. It’s during these times that you should be mindful of your wallet or purse. While most crimes are not violent, it would still be a shame to lose your credit cards or camera.

You should also be mindful of the sun. Although Pune is cooler than many other cities in India, the heat can still be powerful and you could dehydrate quickly. Be sure to use a good sunscreen if you plan on spending a day sightseeing or participating in outdoor activities.

You may have heard that India has a liberal drug scene and might be tempted in this college town; however, you shouldn’t try your hand at purchasing illegal drugs, even marijuana, as you could be thrown in prison if you’re caught. 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.

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

In Pune, just as anywhere else in India, you should take care not to get bitten by mosquitoes as they may carry dengue and malaria. If you plan on spending a lot of time outside of Pune city in the countryside, then you may want to take additional precautions. Rates of HIV and hepatitis B infection, both transmitted through blood, are relatively high, and you should avoid getting tattoos in this country.

There is some potential for disease and risks include: dengue fever, cholera, hepatitis A and B, malaria, dysentery, meningitis and typhoid. Vaccinations are not required for entry into the country unless you are coming from a yellow fever affected area. Having hepatitis A and B vaccines at the least is recommended.

Even if you are not a vegetarian, it’s advisable to become one temporarily while in India as meat in Pune may not be fresh. You should only consume bottled water, and even use it to brush your teeth. If you’re not used to spicy food, you shouldn’t try it, as you could become ill. Additionally, it’s best to seek out restaurants that are crowded, as logic notes they are probably cleaner and fresher than you might find in a place that receives few customers. It’s traditional custom to eat with your hands, and thus you should carry around some alcohol wipes or ensure you wash your hands at the restaurant before dining.

Deendayal Memorial Hospital: +91 20 25652497

Emergency services: 101

Marathi is the major language in Pune. English is understood and spoken by many residents, particularly so among the large student population. Hindi is also widely understood and spoken. Pune is a cultural city drawing people from around the country to its educational institutions and you may hear many different dialects.

The Indian rupee (Rs) is India’s currency, and comes in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 notes. Coins come in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, as well as 50 and 25 paise. There are 100 paise in a rupee.

There are plenty of ATMs in Pune and these provide the best way of exchanging currency. Not only are they the most convenient option, but they offer the best exchange rates. You should make sure, however, that your debit card works in these machines before you travel. The next best thing for exchanging money is to go into a bank, as these offer the best exchange rates. The least favourable rates are offered at major hotels and at the airport.

Indian rupees cannot be taken out of the country and thus you cannot exchange any money into Indian currency before you arrive in the country. If you’ve not spent time in any other parts of India before arriving in Pune, then your best bet is to have pre-arranged transport from the airport to your hotel, from where you may walk to an ATM. If this isn’t possible, then change just a small amount at the airport to cover your taxi ride. Ask for a receipt when exchanging money and hold on to it until you leave the country, in case you want to exchange rupees back to your home currency before leaving. It is illegal to take rupees out of the country.

Unauthorised money changers exist everywhere in India, but it’s not advisable to use them as you can be taken advantage of. You will find that shopkeepers will not accept notes that are torn or damaged badly, and you should not accept them as change either. It’s a good idea to keep a wad of the smaller bills for tips. At small shops, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to change anything larger than a Rs500 note, so try and keep a good supply of Rs100s. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants only.

A Tourist Baggage Re-Export form should be filled out by those bringing a laptop computer, special camera gear or video equipment into the country. 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.

If you bring more than the equivalent of US$10,000 into India in a foreign currency, then you must fill out a declaration form at the airport. Adults aged 18 years and over can import 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 litres of alcohol; and 60ml of perfume.

It’s polite to remove your shoes when going into a home or temple, and Indian society is generally conservative, so you should dress modestly. Women especially need to cover up their legs and shoulders - not just to avoid insulting locals but as protection from the powerful rays of the sun. Even men in India don’t wear shorts.

Public displays of affection, even if you are on your honeymoon, should be saved for your hotel room. You should always use your right hand for handing over objects and eating, as the left hand is considered unclean and used in personal hygiene only. Feet are the lowest part of the body and you should never point with your feet or touch anything or anyone with them. If you accidentally do so, then apologise immediately.

The namaste greeting is used in India and this consists of pressing your palms together and tilting your head forward slightly. In business, some men follow the Western handshake; however, Indian women never shake hands, even with each other. Getting angry in public is frowned upon as well, so you should keep your temper in check. If you can’t get the price you want when bargaining, then just walk away. When taking photos of someone, be sure to ask first.

Dining Etiquette
Indian families share huge meals and it’s quite normal for them to ask guests to join in. During a meal, several dishes are presented, and everyone spoons them onto their own plate so there’s a chance to try a bit of everything. Eating off the plate is done with the right hand. You should be mindful though that you are not committing jootha if you share food: this means drinking from the same glass, sharing the same spoon, or double dipping, which is considered poor hygiene.

Hindus consider the cow to be sacred and Muslims consider the pig to be filthy, thus you will not find much pork or beef offered in Indian restaurants. If you don’t see it on the menu, don’t ask for it. Many restaurants also don’t serve alcohol. Tipping is normal at restaurants and 10 per cent is the norm.

If you are invited to an Indian’s house for dinner, it’s not necessary to bring a gift, but it will be much appreciated if you do; just remember that most Hindus do not drink alcohol so gifts of wine are not advised. Usually something from home that you cannot purchase in India will be well received. Women typically do all the cooking and cleaning up; and guests do not participate, so you should just sit back and enjoy the evening.

Visitors must apply for a tourist visa at their nearest Indian consulate before travelling to India. Tourist visas are valid for up to 6 months after entry, and are usually issued without trouble to citizens of most countries. You should submit two passport-sized photos with the application and the fee. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months past the date of your expected entry.

Foreign tourists in groups of four or more who are sponsored by recognised Indian Travel Agencies and have an itinerary can be granted a collective landing permit for a specified period of time up to 30 days upon written request. US citizens can sometimes be issued with 10-year visas and can check with the nearest Indian embassy if they are interested.

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) offers a few tourism offices throughout Pune. A couple of the most convenient ones are at the airport and at Pune Railway Station. The city office is at MTDC, Central Building, I Block, and can be reached by phone at: +91 20 2612 6867 / 8169.