1. What is the current currency exchange rate?
The currency of India is the Rupee, which is divided into 100 paise. The Rupee comes in denominations of Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and R

s.1000. The printing of notes in the denominations of Re.1 and Rs.2 has been discontinued as these denominations have been coinised. However, such notes issued earlier are still in circulation. The current exchange rate is US$1 = INR 39.

2. What is the population and main language used?
There are over 1.1 billion Indians today and the number is growing every year. English is commonly used in all business transactions. Ten years ago, the United States was the country with the largest English-speaking population. Today, India has taken over that status. With roughly a third of its population – or more than 330 million – possessing English language capability, India has more people speaking the language than the US and UK combined However, the main spoken languages are Hindi and Urdu. India also has 25 other major regional languages!

3. What is the climate like?
India basically has a tropical climate with three main seasons:
Summer season: April to Mid-June
Monsoon season: Late June to September
Winter season: October to March

4. What is the proper clothing to wear in India’s climate? I also hear that Indians are a more conservative lot especially compared to people in Western countries. What kind of clothes would be acceptable?
During the winter months of October to March, light woolen clothes would be preferred. For the rest of the year, it can be very hot, so light, tropical clothing is advised. Shorts, minis and tank tops are unadvisable unless you're on a beach. In small towns and cities especially, people may tend to stare if you expose too much skin. Safe clothing would be trousers, peddle pushers, capris, skirts, tops and shirts. India has great cottons, which are trendy and affordable. Buy yourself some. Women could try wearing a salwar kameez, which is very cool and comfortable and could even improve the attitude of people towards them – salwar kameez are quite acceptable in Business meetings. Business attire is appropriate for business visits. We suggest that you plan to wear the same suit more than once to conserve suitcase space. Bring at least one pair of comfortable shoes!

5. What are the usual business hours in India?
Banks: 1000-1400 Mon-Fri, 1000-1200 Sat
Offices: 0930-1700 Mon-Fri, 0930-1300 Sat
Shops: 0930-2000 Mon-Sat \

6. How safe is drinking water in India?
If you are from a foreign country, you may not be used to drinking the water here. Hence, we advise that you pick up a bottle of mineral water, which is cheap and widely available and usually provided in hotel rooms. Order the same when you are at a restaurant. As far as possible, avoid drinking any kind of water or juices from roadside carts and vendors; and, avoid ice outside touristy places!

7. How should I tip waiters at restaurants / hotels?
In tourist restaurants or hotels a 10% service charge is often added to bills, in which case there is no need to tip. In smaller places, where tipping is optional, you need only tip a maximum of 10 percentage of your bill. It is customary to tip waiters, porters, guides and drivers.

8. How safe is it to eat non-vegetarian food in India?
Food is safe if eaten in a good hotel or restaurant.
Available: wonderful chicken and lamb dishes are offered.
Unavailable: India, being a primarily Hindu country, beef and pork are not easily available.

9. What is the economy of India like?
The economy of India is the fourth largest in the world as measured by purchasing power parity, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of around US $4 trillion. When measured in USD exchange-rate terms, it is the twelfth largest in the world, with a GDP of US $800 billion. India is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 8.9% at the end of the first quarter of 2006-07.

The economy is diverse and encompasses agriculture, handicrafts, textile, manufacturing, and a multitude of services. Although two-thirds of the Indian workforce still earns their livelihood directly or indirectly through agriculture, services are a growing sector and are playing an increasingly important role in India's economy. The advent of the digital age, and the large number of young and educated populace fluent in English, is gradually transforming India as an important 'back office' destination for global companies for the outsourcing of their customer services and technical support. India is a major exporter of highly-skilled workers in software and financial services, and software engineering.

India followed a socialist-inspired approach for most of its independent history, with strict government control over private sector participation, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment. However, since 1991, India has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms by reducing government controls on foreign trade and investment. The privatization of publicly owned industries and the opening up of certain sectors to private and foreign interest has proceeded slowly amid political debate.

India faces a burgeoning population and the challenge of economic and social inequality. Poverty remains a serious problem, although it has declined significantly since independence, mainly due to the green revolution and economic reforms.

10. How much money should I budget for meals?
Generally $25-$30 US per day should be sufficient to cover both lunch and dinner.