The currency is the Indian Rupee, approximate value being US$ 1.00=INR 45.00 ( rate of exchange is subject to change) Credit cards are widely accepted in Indian cities and larger towns, particularly American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Credit cards can also be used to get cash advances in rupees.

Delhi observes numerous national and religious holidays; in such cases the commercial places are closed. Most government and private banks are open weekdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and on Saturdays 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon, they are closed on government holidays. The international airport and some luxury hotels have 24-hour money-changing facilities.

The major offices of American Express that offer check-cashing facilities also have extended hours. Most of the five star deluxe hotels will also change money for their guests. Post offices are open Monday-Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and are closed on government holidays and Sundays. Most museums are closed on Mondays and site museums (near archaeological monuments) are normally closed on Fridays. Museums are also closed on government holidays. Business hours of market places, shops, bazaars vary from place to place.

Removing shoes is a must before entering a shrine with all sects. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the premises is not permissible. Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Women should always be properly dressed and should cover their head before entering a Sikh gurudwara. When you enter a mosque, you are supposed to step right foot first into the courtyard. In some Hindu and Jain temples all leather products inside a shrine like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited. Many temples also expect visitors to wash their hands and feet under a tap or tank available there before entering. No visitor in a Gurudwara should keep his feet pointing towards the Holy Book or step over any one sitting in prayer or meditation.

If you are taking photographs of local people, always ask their permission beforehand. Your driver / guide will assist you in this and will possibly help you agree on a modeling fee. Do not take photographs of any official buildings, such as military installations, airports, railway stations, boarder posts or roadblocks.

It is advisable to carry your camera in dust-proof bags especially in the dry season. Film rolls are available in most hotels and lodges but it is advisable to stock up in major cities.

India being a country of all religions and castes, boasts not one or two but about as many cuisines as the number of communities. One can broadly categorise the foods of India into North Indian and South Indian for the purpose of simplicity. But that is a simplistic categorisation, you’ll realise, for even within every state in India one finds great culinary variation.

Drink only bottled water. Buy it only from respectable or known outlets. In restaurants insist that they bring a sealed bottle to your table. Try Indian Beer - it is quite drinkable. Beef is not served in India. Pork is also not easily available. Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants. The meat in cheaper and smaller places is generally of dubious quality. Vegetarian food is easily available, cheap, and of excellent quality. Curd or yoghurt is served with most meals. It is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food. As far as possible, avoid drinking any kind of water or juices from roadside carts and vendors.