The Indian rupee (₹) is the official currency of India. The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise.

An incredibly welcoming country, India is famous for its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions and historic landmarks including the iconic Taj Mahal. This vast country boasts diverse landscapes, from the Himalayan mountains to tropical beaches and vast deserts. Renowned for its festivals, textiles and distinctive, favourful cuisine, India is also known for its spiritual practices, including yoga and meditation.

Yes, tipping is generally expected and appreciated in India, especially in tourist areas and for good service. While not mandatory, it is a kind gesture that shows gratitude and supports those in the tourism industry. 10-15% of the bill in a restaurant is a good guideline. Rounding up to the nearest ₹10-₹20 is a kind gesture for street food.

Both American and Canadian citizens need a visa to enter India for any purpose, including tourism. For US citizens this can be obtained online via the U.S Department of State and Canadian citizens should check the Canadian Government website for advice.

India’s peak tourism season is from October to March, with pleasant, dry weather ideal for sightseeing after the monsoon. April and May are hotter, especially in the north, but offer fewer crowds and lower prices, with some regions starting to see monsoon rains. The Himalayan region is best visited from March to June or September to November, while southern India’s ideal weather occurs after November, once the monsoon has ended.

India's climate varies widely: the northern plains have hot summers above 100°F (38°C) and heavy monsoon rains from July to September, with cooler, pleasant winters. The Himalayas experience cold winters with snow and warm summers. Southern India remains tropical year-round, with a monsoon from June to September.

Yes, it does snow in India, primarily in the northern and mountainous regions. Specific locations in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir experience snowfall, particularly during the winter months.

For India, the standard plug types are Type C, D, and M. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Check if your devices are dual voltage - if not, you may need a voltage converter. It’s advisable to carry a universal power adapter to accommodate different outlets during your trip.

ATMs in India are less widespread than in some countries, mainly concentrated in major airports, large cities and tourist spots. In rural or lesser-known areas, finding an ATM can be challenging, so it's wise to plan ahead. The country's four largest banks offer online ATM locators to help you find nearby machines. Most ATMs return your card at the start of the transaction; simply take your card, enter your PIN, and proceed. Be aware that withdrawal limits are often low, typically around INR 10,000 per transaction.

Generally, it's not recommended to drink tap water in India due to potential contaminants. Instead, opt for bottled water or use a portable water purifier, as tap water may contain bacteria, viruses, and other substances that could cause stomach problems.

To prepare for a trip to India, pack light, breathable clothing, including loose cotton t-shirts, long blouses, skirts and dresses that fall below the knee for visiting religious sites. Linen trousers are also ideal. Include a light raincoat, sunglasses, a hat and scarves. Comfortable walking shoes, structured sandals and slip-on trainers are essential for exploring. Remember to pack essentials like a sun hat or cap, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

For a first-time visit to India, it's recommended to spend 10-14 days to get a good taste of the country. This allows you to explore the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra), potentially visit a region like Rajasthan or Goa, and experience a mix of culture, history and nature. A country of endless wonders, if you have more time, 3 weeks would be ideal to delve deeper into South India, to explore stunning places like Kerala.

Some must-see places in India include the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur for its spectacular Amber Fort, Varanasi, one of the oldest spiritual cities on the Ganges and Kerala’s beaches are perfect for relaxation. Delhi is packed with historic monuments like the Red Fort and India Gate and Ranthambore National Park is a must for tiger safaris.

India has no official national dish due to its diverse cuisine reflecting various cultures and regions. Popular foods include biryani, butter chicken, samosas, dosas and delicious curries like paneer tikka masala and lamb rogan josh. Street foods like chaat are also staples.