My Incredible India experience began with the incredible people at India Tourism. The helpful people at the India Tourism office in Toronto not only supplied me with contacts and all kinds of brochures and information, they are also sponsoring my upcoming trip. These people really do know India. If you don’t have an office near you, they have a very informative website, and offices throughout India. It’s unfortunate that there are many shady travel and tourism operators in India. But if you go through India Tourism, you can be sure of dealing with reputable people and organizations. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts India Tourism supplies to all visitors.

Do’s

• It is advisable to avail pre-paid taxis/autorikshaws wherever available at the airports and railway stations. For metered taxis insist on paying by meter or ask for fare chart.
• Contact the nearest IndiaTourism office/State tourism office for authentic information. These offices also supply guide maps/brochures free of cost/at the nominal cost.
• Always reserve your tours or other travel related reservation through Government approved Travel agencies/tour operators. A list of approved agencies is available at the local Indiatourism office/state tourism office. This list is also available at Incredible India.
• Hire a government approved tourist guide who always carries an Identity Card issued by IndiaTourism and archeological survey of India.
• Keep your valuable in hotel lockers.
• Change money only at authorized foreign exchange outlets/banks/hotels and insist on proper receipt.
• Shop at government emporia/fixed price shops as far as possible to ensure good quality products at reasonable prices. And do not forget to collect proper receipts/bills of purchase.
• Buy train tickets from railway Booking Counters or through authorized Travel Agents.

Don’ts

• Don’t fall for tempting exchange rates offered by unauthorized people.
• Don’t purchase air/bus/train tickets from/through strangers,  touts and unauthorized travel agencies.
• Don’t accept lavish hospitality extended by strangers/unknown persons especially while shopping for expensive items.
• Don’t travel in a taxi carrying any other passengers.
• Don’t deal with unauthorized persons. Stay away from touts.
• Don’t show excessive money/Expensive items in public.
• Don’t use ATM machine in presence of any other person. Don’t forget to collect your card and balance information slip before you leave ATM kiosk.

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