Frequently Asked Questions
What about money and currency exchange? (New)
How do I get alcohol in Gujarat? Help! (New)
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Where exactly is this wedding?
Where am I going to stay?
What should I do about bringing a wedding gift in India?
What kind of weather should I expect while I’m there?
What should I wear when I’m traveling in India?
Do I need special vaccinations or medications before traveling in India?
Should I bring any meds?
Should I bring any food?
What about money and currency exchange?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most newer stores in India. American Express is also accepted but not nearly as widely as Visa and Mastercard. If you're planning on any large purchases most likely the merchant is equipped to take all three major credit cards. (I really had few issues using an Amex in India.)
Also, stock up on your cash when you can. The best place to get your Rupees is to convert your US dollars to Indian rupees at the airport currency exchanges in India when you land. Keep your receipt.
Beware of the pickpockets! They're good at what they do. Keep your money close and in your front pocket if possible. Do not leave your money in your luggage. Keep it as near you as you can.
How do I get alcohol in Gujarat? Help!
As many of you have already heard, Gujarat is the only dry state in India. Don't panic!
If you're flying into Delhi we recommend you buy a bottle or two in the US of your favorit beverage and pack it in your check in luggage. Keep the receipt. Once in Gujarat you'll need a liquor permit. Don't worry we're going to take everyone on a bus to obtain the permits on the 11th.
If you're flying into Gujarat, we reccomend you buy your liquor at the Duty Free shop in Ahmedabad. It's located right after your pass throug immigration. Here you can purchase the alcohol of your choice. (Wine is tough to get. Hopefuly, enough people coming from Delhi will bring wine with them.) Also, you will obtain your liquor permit at the same time. Yes, you need a liquor permit!
Please note, we're stock piling Dewar's White Label and The Famous Grouse so there should be plenty of it for everyone. We're also going to stockpile domestic beer for those that perfer something a little different.
We won't be able to serve alcohol at the reception. However, there will be plenty of opportunity to imbibe at the hotel and at a cocktail reception to held on one of the days at Shridhar's parent's house.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, you will need a visa, a tourist visa to be exact. There are two ways to obtain one; either go through an online visa service or visit an Indian Consulate. The links below will take you to the best visa sites. Center. They're excellent sites that should explain the process in detail. Please contact us if you need more assistance.
http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com
http://www.us.cibt.com/login.aspx (login as "guest")
Where exactly is this wedding?
The wedding is in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat.
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Where am I going to stay in Ahmedabad?
We've found the perfect hotel! We've negotiated rates for a block of rooms at the Pride Hotel. It's close to all the activities and it's Western friendly (the staff speaks English.) It's about as nice as it gets for that neck of the woods. Click the room types for a 360 degree tour of each room
Approx Rates (subject to change with currency rates)
Deluxe (click me) - $175 per night ($12 discount for single occupancy)
Superior (click me) - $192 per night ($12 discount for single occupancy)
www.PrideHotel.com
If you're traveling alone and wouldn't mind sharing a room please let us know! Many have expressed interest in sharing a room to split the costs. Please use the contact form above!
Email us the dates and type of room you want and we will reserve it for you. It's that easy!
What should I do about bringing a wedding gift in India?
There's nothing more painful than bringing a wrapped box through multiple international security points. Well, actually there is: Bringing it all back! So make everyone's trip more comfortable, we ask you have the gift delivered to our Chicago address instead of toting it to India. In an attempt to avoid being a target of a Nigerian Phishing Scam, we will give out the address as requested, just us our contact page.
What kind of weather should I expect while I’m there?
The weather should be awesome!!! In February, it starts to get warm and there shouldn’t be any rain. The average temperature during this time is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should I wear when I’m traveling in India?
Wearing light, comfortable clothing is the way to go. T-shirts, polos, capris, long pants or skirts are perfect to wear everyday. During the wedding festivities, please feel free to wear what is most comfortable for you. If you prefer to wear your “western wear,” please do so. Should you wish to branch out and wear a sari or a salwar kameez that would be appropriate too and we can help you acquire those garments. You can buy these traditional outfits in the US before you go or in Ahmedabad or New Delhi.
Modesty is a must when choosing clothes to wear in India. Women, please refrain from wearing tank tops, short skirts and shorts. Also, during the wedding avoid wearing white as white is the traditional color of an Indian funeral. White dress shirts for men are ok.
Do I need special vaccinations or medications before traveling in India?
Before traveling to India, you should to be current on all routine and some additional vaccines.
MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) - Should already be vaccinated for!
Tetanus-Diptheria - Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Hepatitis A - Highly Recommended
Typhoid - Highly Recommended
Malaria - Ask your doctor for anti-malarial medications
Hepatitis B - Optional
While traveling in India, it is best to take anti-malarial medications. To get these vaccinations and medication you can see your own physician or be seen at a travel clinic. If you plan on traveling somewhere else before or after India, please make sure to check out information on those countries. Below are websites to check out regarding travel medicine and vaccination requirements:
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/india.html
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentTravelClinics.aspx
Should I bring any meds?
If you’re on prescriptions, please ensure you have an ample supply to cover you while in India. While it’s relatively easy to obtain any medication should you need it, it’s best to bring your own supply from the US. It’s a good idea to bring some pain reliever, such as Tylenol, Advil or Aleve. It doesn’t hurt to bring some Imodium just in case!
Should I bring any food?
It may be a good idea to bring a few granola or protein bars to tide you over whether you are waiting at the airport or just as a snack on a long car ride. |
