Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalleled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Indian Rupee
Symbol: ₹
ISO code: INR
Subunit: Paisa
Banknotes: ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, ₹500, ₹2000
Coins: ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Weekends: Limited hours or closed
Public Holidays: Yes (Varies, typically reduced hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Vistara
International Airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), and others
Domestic Airports: Numerous
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Limited
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Extensive
Subway System: Limited (in select cities)
Water:
Ferries: Limited
Water taxis: Limited
Leisure cruises: Limited
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Wash thoroughly or peel
Ice: Use commercially produced ice
Meat: Ensure it's well-cooked
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Indian cuisine is diverse and varies greatly by region. Highlights include dishes like biryani, curry, dosa, chaat, and tandoori specialties. Vegetarian options are plentiful.
Drinks: Chai, lassi, sugarcane juice, and various regional beverages like coconut water. Alcoholic beverages are available, with beer and whiskey being popular choices.
Tipping: Generally 5-10% in restaurants; tipping for other services is discretionary.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies greatly by region
Average temperature: Varies greatly by region
Summer:
Average highs: 25-45°C
Average lows: 20-30°C
Winter:
Average highs: 10-25°C
Average lows: 5-15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit India depends on the region and your preferences. Generally, the winter months from October to March offer milder temperatures and are ideal for exploring most parts of the country.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type M
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Fringed by the North Sea, the Netherlands is a country in northwestern Europe known for its colourful tulip fields, windmills, UNESCO- listed canals and endless cycling routes. More than half the country lies below sea level, and these famed Dutch windmills have helped to pump water over the dykes since the 13th century. The Netherlands boasts one of the most striking coastlines in Northern Europe. Visitors can look forward to exploring the beautiful capital of Amsterdam featuring the Rijksmuseum, the famous Van Gogh Museum and the world-renowned Anne Frank’s house; cycle along almost 32000 kilometres of bike routes through the scenic flat-as-a-pancake landscapes, and visit one of the laid-back atmospheric cafes known for their cozy corners and warm conversations filling the air.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Euro
Symbol: €
ISO code: EUR
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
Banking
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Yes
Diner’s club: Yes
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: Closed
Public Holidays: Yes
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: KLM, Transavia
International Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Domestic Airports: Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Eindhoven Airport
Road:
Driving on the: Right
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: Yes
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: Yes
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: Yes
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine:
Dutch cuisine reflects its maritime history and includes dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and haring (herring). Notable local drinks include Dutch beer, jenever (Dutch gin), and Dutch liqueurs like advocaat.
Tipping: 5-10%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 700 - 900 mm
Average temperature: 10°C
Summer:
Average highs: 22°C
Average lows: 12°C
Winter:
Average highs: 6°C
Average lows: 0°C
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Netherlands is from April to October when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring cities and countryside.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: No
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type F
Voltage (V): 230V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.