I am planning to visit India in the first week of May. Since this will be my first visit after coming to Canada, obviously there are a lot of questions.

My son's passport is expiring on 2nd week of June. Is it possible to renew the passport before the expiry date from India consulate office here in Canada? What happens if it is not possible and he is in India on the date of expiry? I believe it might be much difficult to have it renewed while he is in India.

I have heard that couple of air lines are still allowing 32 Kg per bag of weight. How do I know that?

How can I book the domestic flight from Mumbai to my hometown from Canada? What are the issues I confront at Mumbai? like going from International to domestic air port; how much weight do the domestic air lines allow in this case?

Some one advised me to search and get the ticket on internet (e ticket) and it will be a cheaper option. Can anybody throw some light on this?

Last but not the least.... Can I take the camcorder and digital camera (both to be brought back when I return)? Do they count in total value of goods I bring to India?

I will appreciate if someone can advise on these.

Thanks.

My son's passport is expiring on 2nd week of June. Is it possible to renew the passport before the expiry date from India consulate office here in Canada?

>>>>>>>>> Yes. You can either mail the application or go in person. Personal appearance will get you the passport the next day or for an extra fee, on the same day. Mailing probably takes about 20 days.


I have heard that couple of air lines are still allowing 32 Kg per bag of weight. How do I know that?

>>>>>> Various airlines are allowing various limits for various laps. You need to check with the travel agent or with the airlines. Lufthansa's limit, as far as I know is about 23 kg.


How can I book the domestic flight from Mumbai to my hometown from Canada?

>>>>>You can try both travel agents and online. Jet, Air Deccan, Sahara, Indian Airlines, etc all allow online booking.



What are the issues I confront at Mumbai? like going from International to domestic air port;

>>>>>>>>>>Nothing serious really. Immigration and customs have been organized extremely well and happens fast. You simply pick your bags, follow signs to the shuttle bus, take the shuttle to the domestic terminal and you are all set. You do not have to leave the airport bldg in search of the shuttle and that has made things safer. Also, the shuttle does not go outside of the airport property and hence no going thro' the city.


how much weight do the domestic air lines allow in this case?

>>>>>>check with the individual airlines. Air Deccan, although allow very less weight, simply might most probably will accept your baggage if you are flying from an international destination. Return trip might be a different story.


Last but not the least.... Can I take the camcorder and digital camera (both to be brought back when I return)? Do they count in total value of goods I bring to India?

>>>>>>>>>Yes.

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Dimple2001

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it. Some questions though, needed to be asked more specifically on my side. like if I book the online ticket for domestic air lines (say Mumbai to Ahmedabad); I still am able to use the shuttle service at air port? I am curious about it because I purchased the (domestic) ticket without the use of agent (who got me the international ticket). In other words my flight not "connected". Where do I check out my baggage - Mumbai or Ahmedabad? I emailed to Air Deccan about weight and other requirements and they have not got back to me so far.

Another question still remains is will the value of goods be count if we are going to bring them back?

Thanks in advance.

like if I book the online ticket for domestic air lines (say Mumbai to Ahmedabad); I still am able to use the shuttle service at air port?

>>>>>Yes. Simply print the e-ticket and show that to the security guy before boarding the shuttle.

I am curious about it because I purchased the (domestic) ticket without the use of agent (who got me the international ticket). In other words my flight not "connected".

>>>>>There will be no issues. I did the same past Aug. I booked my own via Air Deccan and my company bought and paid for the rest from Windsor.


Where do I check out my baggage - Mumbai or Ahmedabad?

>>>>>>Mumbai.


Another question still remains is will the value of goods be count if we are going to bring them back?

>>>>>>No.

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Dimple2001

Thanks again!..........also to RajCanada for editing the title.

I would like to update the article. I called Air Deccan and they let me know that they are allowing only 15 Kg per person for domestic flights. Although their rates are very cheap, any additional Kg of luggage is charged with Rs. 70. Air India and Jet Airways have two bag system for USA / Canada passengers and they allow 2 bags of 23 Kg each. These Air Lines charge in USD / CAD. I checked with couple of agents and basically I will not be paying too much additional money if I book the domestic flight through them instead of booking by myself. Another benefit is that since it will be connected flight; I will not have to worry about losing money if I miss the domestic flight due to delay in international flight. This would not be possible if I had booked the domestic flight by myself.

Another important thing I like to mention here is getting vaccinations from the family doctor. The doctor suggested some vaccines (Hepatitis A; Cholera - for whole family and other two for my son who is 5 years old). The doctor also suggested to take medicines for Malaria for one week before the departure date and for two weeks after landing back.

I am now looking for better deal for travel insurance. Will appreciate if anyone can shed some light on it.

Hope to have trouble free journey in mid summer

Buddy!
The doctor is trying to fleece you.
Malaria tablet is required only if you are travelling to Africa. For india , it is not required. Donot strain your immune systen.
Yes. Heppatitis and colera vaccine can /should be taken. If he is charging for it in Canada, donot take it here.
Go to india and take it as the first thing. It is much much cheaper there.
Just my 2 cents to save you some money.
TK
Sidenote : When i went to India, i put hepa shot for my daughter. it cost me $20 at Walmart. As we were born and brought up in india, i nor my wife did not take it. Just drink bottled water there . These Gora doctors think that India is Sudan or Rwanda.

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.