While visiting a place as a tourist, you would always be interested in knowing the place and most important of all you would surely like to carry along some useful tips about that place.
It is all-important that you are well aware of the traditions, culture and customs of Delhi before you step out for a ourney. Being a foreigner and new to the city, you should be having an insight to all those factors, which would help you avoid hassles and problems.
Climate in Delhi is very much extreme in trait with weather being too cold during winters and too hot during the months of summer. During the winters, Delhi sees cold wave because of the influence of disturbances from hilly states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal. A usual morning in winters is very foggy with thick layer of smog all across. Summers are witnessed during the months of April to July before monsoon sets in. The temperature during the day in summers rises above 40 Degree Celsius with some relief in the evening.
Delhi is well linked by Road, Air and Rail network. Most of the major airlines from the world across run their services to and from Delhi. So, reaching Delhi is not a big issue with so many choices available. Once you are in the city, you will find countless transport options to choose from. You can rent a personal cab, an auto rikshaw or take the service of DTC buses. Metro Rail Service within the city is well connected to most areas of the city that makes commutation an easy ride for tourists and passengers.
Useful tips for tourists and foreigners -
- Avoid taking too much of cash while traveling in the city.
- Keep your wallet in an inside pocket of a shirt or trouser. Avoid keeping it in the back pocket.
- ATM networks of major banks can be found at various locations and in different markets within the city. hence, it is better to use plastic money instead of carrying cash all the time.
- Never open the doors of the hotel room without inquiring the identity of the person knocking the door.
- Keep your important documents in proper bags within the bend of the elbow or wrap it around if the strap is long.
- Don't forget to keep your pocketbooks on your lap while dinning and sitting at a public place.
- It is always better to keep all your valuables like passport and jewelry in a safe place of your hotel room.
- Be conscious of your belongings and luggage at Airports, railway stations and Bus Terminals.
- If you have a business appointment with a prospective client, then you should look into the credentials of the company and the person you would be seeing. It is better that you meet at a public place like restaurants and cafes.
- If you have any doubt or issue always go to "May I Help You" counter at Airports and Railway Stations for any help.
- Be cautious of the pickpocket and frauds in the city.
- It is advisable to travel in a "Pre Paid Taxi Service" as it is governed and managed by the Delhi Traffic Police. In pre paid service, you pay the fare in advance, which depends on the distance and luggage you have.
- Never stick with the advice of taxi or cab drivers regarding your travel and stay in the city. Always prefer to take assistance from "May I Help You" counter and other government help cells, such as Delhi Tourism, DTC, etc.
- Avoid traveling alone during night, particularly in sparsely populated localities.
- Avoid mingling with persons you don't know and before following any of their advise, think twice. In case you need any help, you should visit the Delhi Police PCR Vans that can be found at any corner of the city. You can also dial 100 number from anywhere in Delhi in order to register complaints.
- If you are a female then avoid shaking hands and mingling with general people in the crowd. As far as possible opt full trousers instead of a Capri or minis.
- Guides and waiters would generally expect 10% of the total bill as a token of service.
Gatekeepers and bellboys would generally expect Rs. 50 as a tip. - You must follow the rules and regulations of the city and relish the grand experience of staying in the beautiful city of Delhi.
Some useful addresses for tourists and foreigners Railway Assistance:
Railway Assistance:International Tourist Bureau(for Train Reservation & Indrail Passes)1st floor, New Delhi Railway Station Paharganj sideTiming : 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.
International & Domestic air Ticketing :Delhi TourismN-36, Bombay Life Building,Middle Circle, C.P., New Delhi - 110001Timing : 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.
For Visa Extension :The foreigner's Regional Registration Office (F.R.R.O.)Hans Bhawan, Tilak Bridge, New DelhiTiming : 9.30 am to 1.30 pm; 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
Permits for Restricted Areas :Ministry of Home Affairs,Lok Nayak Bhawan, opp. Khan Market, New Delhi(Monday to Friday Timing : 10 am to 5 pm).
Money Exchange :(Beyond Bank Hours)i) State Bank of India, I. G. I. Airport, 24 hoursii) Central Bank of India, Ashok Hotel, 24 hoursiii) Delhi Tourism, N-36 Bombay Life Building, Middle Circle, C.P. New Delhi - 110001(Monday to Saturday) Timings : 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.
Prepaid Taxi/Auto :Prepaid Taxi & Auto available from airport (Domestic & International), all Railway Stations and Bus terminals & other important places (Beware of touts).
