Banks: 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; and 10:00 to 12:00 on Saturday Central Bank in Ashok Hotel and State Bank of India at the airport are open 24 hours
Post Offices: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; and 10:00 to 12:00 on Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Business Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday

As India’s holiest city, Varanasi attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. Not all of these holy men and women are genuine however, and a small minority make a living out of scamming tourists. Although most of these scams are harmless, visitors should avoid participating in any religious ceremonies on the religious banks unless they are prepared to pay a ‘donation’.

Cycle and taxi rickshaw drivers are also renowned for overcharging naïve tourists and for stopping off en route at places where they can get commission such as handicraft shops and hotels. As there are so many rickshaws around, it is advisable to spend some time bartering for a good price for your journey instead of stepping in the first vehicle you come across. Knowing your route is also helpful; don’t rely on your driver to be able to read a map.

Petty crime is present, particularly in temples and on public transport. For the most part nothing more than a pair of flip-flops will go missing, but losing your wallet or passport can have the potential to spoil your holiday, making it essential you keep a close eye on valuables or keep them locked in a hotel safe.

Electricity: 220v/50Hz; sockets are the round, two-pin variety. Power cuts are common, sometimes occurring several times a day.

There are a few health concerns travellers to India should take note of. Visitors commonly suffer from upset stomachs, which can stem from contaminated water or food, unhygienic preparation or even just from the spiciness of some dishes. While Imodium will solve most minor cases of diarrhoea, most serious cases of gastroenteritis or dysentery will need to be treated with antibiotics. Other health threats include typhoid, cholera and jaundice.

The best way to avoid getting sick from food or water is to only eat at busy and reputable eateries that look clear. It is also necessary to avoid drinking tap water and to check the seal on bottled water. HIV infection is high and visitors should take precautions. Make sure all standard vaccinations are up to date before visiting and consult your doctor about other recommended inoculations.

Merdian Hospital: +91 542 259 1300, +91 542 309 8141
Police: 100
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 102

Hindi is the official language used by the government of India, but over 20 other languages are recognised as official languages including English and Urdu, which are widely spoken.

India uses the rupee, which is divided into paise. New banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500 rupees. Coins are available in 1, 2, and 5 rupees, as well as 50, 10, 20, 5, 2 and 1 paise. Many notes in circulation are in poor condition and you should avoid accepting a torn note as change as you may have a problem getting it accepted elsewhere.

Banks are quite efficient in India, even if changing money at one does require time and patience with the paperwork. The hassle a trip to the bank may entail is worth it for the good exchange rates they offer, with moneychangers at high-class hotels and the airport offering some of the worst rate. Avoid changing money through any unauthorised agents.

ATMs are not widely available in Varanasi, but foreign exchange counters are widespread, as are banks. Make sure you plan when to change up money as public holidays and religious festivals can interfere with bank opening hours. Save your exchange receipts as you may need to show these for visa extensions and when converting rupees back at the end of your trip.

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in the larger hotels and restaurants around the city. It is also possible to get cash advances in rupees using a credit card at a bank – a useful backup.

All visitors to India must fill out the customs portion of their disembarkation card and submit it to a custom official on arrival. Foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 must be declared and the import of Indian currency is prohibited. The following items can be brought into India: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; 2 litres of liquor or wine; and one laptop computer for personal use.

Visitors should get accustomed to greeting others with the Namaste, which consists of joining your hands together at the chest level. It is polite to greet elders first and to say goodbye to each person in your group individually when leaving. It is also becoming more common to be greeted with a handshake in India, but you should not shake the hand of the opposite sex.

Holy men along the Ganges may offer to put a tilak on your forehead as a sign of a blessing, greeting or auspiciousness. New friends or hotel staff may also offer a tilak to guests as a welcome or farewell. White jasmine and orange marigold flower garlands are also commonly given to visitors as a welcome.

Tipping is not obligatory in India but is much appreciated, especially by those who work in poorly paid sectors such as rickshaw drivers, porters and waiters. Ten per cent is the norm in upmarket restaurants, but other services typically receive just a few rupees extra.

Dining Etiquette
If you are dining with Indians, you should arrive on time and dress modestly. If you are offered tea or coffee, it is polite to decline initially and to only accept a cup upon repeat offers. Many Hindus and Sikhs are vegetarian and it is polite to refrain from eating beef when dining with them. Likewise, do not order pork or drink alcohol if dining with Muslims. If you are unsure of the religion of those in your party, it is best to order a vegetarian, fish or chicken dish.

While western style restaurants offer diners knives and forks, many restaurants in Varanasi do not provide customers with cutlery. If you plan on joining the locals and eating with your hands, make sure you wash them before and after the meal and only use your right hand for handling food. Leave a small amount of food on your plate to politely indicate you are full.

If you have enjoyed your meal, it is common to leave a small tip, while a 10 per cent tip is recommended in a high-end restaurant. Some restaurants include a service charge in the bill and it is worth checking this before you order.

All visitors to India must have a valid passport and a visa issued by an Indian embassy or consulate. Visitors’ passports should be valid for at least 6 months past their entry date. Tourist visas are available for periods of 15 days, 3 months or 6 months.

Varanasi is well equipped to assist visitors, with several government tourist offices now open. The central tourist office is open on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:30, and on Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. Further offices are available at Parade Kothi, and at the Cantonment Railway Station.