Planning to visit India after long time ,any new changes in respect of Indian customs -exemptions one should be aware of ?
Secondly what documentation for Canadian Passport and OCI holders to carry along ?
Check all of these items and avoid a lot of delays at the destinations.
I was told that they stopped stamping the OCI passport into the Canadian Passports. So, One step has been eliminated. So, they will look for both these items at the Indian end when you land. Have it all in order for all of them who are traveling with you.
Anything over $5,000 US will get you into a different channel and expect a few delays in that line up.
You can buy your Duty Free stuff, such as Booze and Cigarettes etc., after landing there in India. I was told that they are normally open for business when the flights arrive and land there. Please confirm the same and do not take it for granted.
You can get Taxi Services through the PRE PAID counter. That eliminates your dickering after reaching the destination. Baggage is charged Extra. Currently there are a few Airways that have a transit into the town. In a few areas they have MonoRails too. So, look for all of these new features at each Airport, that will take you closer to home.
Traffic on the roads during the peak hours is hell and so anticipate a few delays en route. Also have a chat with the travel agent. Take proper coverage for baggage, ticket and air travel to safe guard the family and yourselves. It is pea nuts compared to what they will charge, if you do miss the flight for any good reason.
Always carry a list of items in each suitcase that you packed. (Must pack it your self) No meats into Canada on your return.
EDIT.: GST is the new money grabber on the block now. So, add the appropriate amount of Tax to each and every purchase, spend etc., In some cases it is as hefty as 28% on your spends. WOW!
2nd EDIT.GST.: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/a-quick-guide-to-india-gst-rates-in-2017/articleshow/58743715.cms
FH.
https://nricafe.com/india-announces-baggage-rules-2016-raises-free-allowance-to-rs-50000/
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide
Quote:
Originally posted by Bingo
Planning to visit India after long time ,any new changes in respect of Indian customs -exemptions one should be aware of ?
Secondly what documentation for Canadian Passport and OCI holders to carry along ?
Tx .Full House.
Any insight on getting mobile sim with data and calling ,at the airport itself IGI,or better to get from outside ...?
Quote:
Originally posted by Bingo
Tx .Full House.
Any insight on getting mobile sim with data and calling ,at the airport itself IGI,or better to get from outside ...?
Better to get it outside.
The SIM card is free. Just for Rs. 349 ( $ 7 CAD ) - Vodafone has unlimited local & Long distance calling and 1 GB/day for 1 month. Go for PRE-PAID only, not Post paid.
https://shop.vodafone.in/shop/prepaid/special-offers.jsp?Type=Unlimited
Airtel, Reliance JIO etc also have same offers.
Better to ask a relative or friend to keep a pre paid SIM card ready for use in their name, which you can use on arrival. Costs them next to nothing and they can get it in 5 mins. You return the SIM back to them when you leave or keep it with you for future visits to India. You can even pay the Rs. 349 if you want.
If you want in your name its a hassle like giving your Aadhaar card, PAN card Foreign passport etc. Much better & easier for a local to get the pre paid SIM than for a NRI or foreigner.
Not that you can't get it yourself, just a bit time consuming that's all. 1 proof of ID is required and 1 proof of local residential address is required.
Otherwise you have to give them a copy of your Canadian passport and OCI/Visa or stuff like that. Don't trust these guys with such confidential info.
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 07-11-17 12:00:20
A Non Resident getting a Phone SIM card is almost impossible these days. You need residential address stated in your Aadhar card.
Best option is to use your relatives phone.
I have seen prepaid SIM being sold at airport but not sure what documentation it requires.
On the other hand for residents of India, Rs 449 + tax gives you 1 GB data per day plus unlimited STD / Local calls.
Murali
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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
I was there in Chennai for my summer vacation and would like to pint out few things:
1. OCI hOlders no issues at all just a breeze to get out of the airport.
2. Phone do not get your own sim at all, its a big hassle and you don't want to divulge your passport details to some shop keepers. Ask your relatives or frnds to get a SIM card in their name and use in your unlocked phone or just get a cheap phone and use it. We got a basic fone from there and used the SIMS provided and used our fones for wifi and pictures.
3. Traffic as always is increased drastically but depending on which city u will be residing lots of new stuff and modernization.
4. You will be able to get most of the clothing brands there if u need to shop.
5. Always carry a bottle of water when you venture outside and refrain from getting mosquito bites by wearing full sleeves if possible.
6. Pepto Bismol is ur frnd throughout and trust me you will need 2 to 3 packs of it per person. I ate almost all street food and used Immodium and Pepto and was fine.
7. My kids ate only in high end restaurants and did not fall sick.
Last enjoy ur trip and feel free to ask any questions.
Quote:
Originally posted by samna1978
...
6. Pepto Bismol is ur frnd throughout and trust me you will need 2 to 3 packs of it per person. I ate almost all street food and used Immodium and Pepto and was fine.
7. My kids ate only in high end restaurants and did not fall sick.
Last enjoy ur trip and feel free to ask any questions.
There is an oral vaccine called Dukoral available in travel clinics to prevent traveler's diarrhea if you are particularly concerned about stomach upset while traveling.
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