This page is intended for visitors from USA, UK, Germany and other developed countries visiting India for meetings with their BPO partners located in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and other leading Indian cities. It is written and updated by people who, while being proud of India, have lived abroad in these countries for many years and, as a result, appreciate visitors' expectations and are in a position to suggest the best available options under the circumstances.

We cover the following topics.

• Arriving into India

• Clearing immigration

• Clearing customs

• Buying Indian Rupees

• Transport from airport to hotel

There are several good books and websites providing information on generic sight-seeing in India, so we are skipping this information. However, there are only a few specialized tour organizers who understand specific needs of visitors and organize customized tours. We are happy to feature of them on this page.  

Arriving into India & Clearing Immigration

Citizens of most nations need a visa to enter India. Please refer to the official website of the Indian Embassy in your country for visa procedures. Typically, a short-term business visa for India takes around 5 working days in most of the embassies. A second time visitor will be amazed to see the rate of change in some Indian airports, especially Mumbai. Immigration areas are much bigger, queues get cleared much quicker. Typically, budget for 30 to 45 minutes to clear immigration in most airports and about 15 to 30 minutes at Mumbai airport.

Clearing customs

Buying Indian Rupees

Foreigners are required by the Indian Central Bank (Reserve Bank of India) to settle their hotel bills in foreign currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.). Many restaurants accept credit cards. To that extent, your need for Indian Rupee currency notes is limited and is restricted to short rides in public transport (taxis and auto rickshaws). Around 200 Rupees per day of expected stay should suffice for most situations. Buy this at the bank or currency conversion houses located just outside the customs area of the airport.