Electricity240 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used
in India, but most plugs have two or three round
pins. LanguageAlthough English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages TippingIn India, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped; however,
tipping is expected in other services (porters, guides, hotel staff
and waiters in small establishments). In tourist restaurants or
hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills. 'Baksheesh' is
common in India: more a bribe than a tip, it is given before rather
than after service. Safety InformationTravellers in India must be aware of, but not paranoid about,
the threat of terrorism. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi,
Ahmedabad, Agra and Bangalore occurred in popular tourist haunts
like hotels, railway stations, markets and temples. There is the
threat that public places frequented by Western tourists in the
metropolitan centres (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai) may be
targeted in future. Tourist areas such as Goa are also at risk.
Travellers visiting large religious events are advised that these
ceremonies, which attract hundreds of thousands of people, can
result in life-threatening stampedes. Increased security at major
airports means travellers can expect delays. On a more everyday
level, there is a risk of minor property left, such as
pick-pocketing - but incidents of violent crime in India are
astonishingly low. Travellers using India's vast railway network
are advised to lock their baggage, and to keep it as close to them
as possible. There are also always stories about India involving
scam-artists - so be on your guard, and if someone offers you a
'business opportunity' that seems too be good to be true, remember
that it probably is. Local CustomsIndia is a tolerant society, but visitors sh
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