Travel Tips « HiPC – High Performance Computing

Below are General Travel Tips that reflect the many travel sites on the Web and also offer advice from our Indian colleagues and others who have traveled in India. The best travel tip we can offer is to confer with friends and colleagues who are from India and plan to take full advantage of this opportunity to travel to India and explore areas beyond Hyderabad, or at least beyond the Novotel convention site.

ELECTRICITY

The supply voltage is 240V/50Hz, and also has a different plug configuration compared to US/Europe. Some hotels may already have a dual purpose plug configuration. To use the supply voltage for your device chargers, check a couple of things. You should get a plug adapter that is suited to the Indian plug model. You should also check if your device charger can work with an input supply of 240 V/50Hz. If not, you should get an adapter that can also transform the input supply voltage. Depending on your hotel, accessories such as travel adapters and hair dryers may be provided. As a last resort, you can buy an adapter from Indian airports, or within the city too. Reliance Electronics is a leading electronics retailer with multiple outlets in Hyderabad. Some small shops that sell electrical/electronic/computer items also carry travel adapters for sale.

LOCAL CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS

The INR (Indian Rupee) is the official currency. Currently, 1 US Dollar is roughly 60 INR. Currency can be changed at airports, or at some specific banks, or at currency exchanges such as Thomas Cook. Typically, currency exchangers may require copies of your passport/ticket, so keep a couple of copies available if you plan to exchange currency in India/Hyderabad. Most restaurants, businesses and hotels accept VISA/Mastercard credit cards. There may be a small convenience charge when you use cards issued outside of India.

WATER

Bottled water is available for sale at all hotels/restaurants, and even small local shops. When purchasing outside the hotel, make sure it is not refilled bottle; buy carbonated if you are not sure.

WEATHER

End of May in Hyderabad is typically the start of summer months with day temperatures in the range of 38 Celsius to 41 Celsius (over 100 Fahrenheit). Night temperatures are in low to mid 20 Celsius (mid 60’s). Occasional rains are expected. Check local weather in Hyderabad closer to your departure. Most hotels, restaurants, and big retailers keep air conditioning switched on during the summer months.

STAY HEALTHY

Avoid tap water and any food that may have been washed in it, at all times. No ice, no salads and no fruit you haven’t just peeled yourself.

Many travelers go veggie while in India. It’s not a bad idea. A bad bit of meat will do you a lot more harm than slightly undercooked vegetables. Plus, many Indians are vegetarian, so there’s a terrific choice of vegetarian food. If you do eat meat, make sure it’s well cooked. If in doubt, eat at a place that’s packed with locals.

Toilets outside of hotels are notoriously bad in India, but they don’t have to be health hazards. Consider using the left-hand-and-water-jug method preferred by many locals (it is, after all, so much more hygienic than using dry paper), but don’t forget to carry a hand cleaner with you so you can wash your hands properly afterwards.

WEBSITES FOR TRAVEL IN INDIA – In no specific order