Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national is prohibited. Only Indians who travel overseas frequently can bring small amount of INR. Hence please bring your country currency and get it exchanged into Rupees here.

Any person can bring into India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:-

(a) Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5000/- or equivalent

(b) Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent

20 rupees is good for carrying bags, 50-100 in an upscale place. Many restaurant bills contain a service charge, which includes the tip, so check it out. Ordinarily, it's between 7-10% for restaurants.

Yes. You always need to bargain in Local shops and flea markets. Be willing to walk away. In fact, try walking away, and notice how quickly the price comes down! Be firm, even though things seem incredibly cheap, you have to get into the mode of the local economy. Start with offering 50% lesser then asked for. You'll also need to bargain with Auto rickshaws & Cycle rickshaws in most cities.

All major brands are accepted in India, but some banks may only accept cheques from Amex and Thomas Cook. Pounds sterling and US dollars are the safest currencies, especially in smaller towns. Charges for changing travellers cheques vary from place to place and bank to bank.

Always keep an emergency cash stash in case you lose your travellers cheques, and keep a record of the cheques’ serial numbers separate from your cheques, along with the proof-of-purchase slips, encashment vouchers and photocopied passport details. If you lose your cheques, contact the Amex or Thomas Cook office in Delhi.

To replace lost travellers cheques, you need the proof-of-purchase slip and the numbers of the missing cheques (some places require a photocopy of the police report and a passport photo). If you don’t have the numbers of your missing cheques, Amex (or whichever company has issued them) will contact the place where you bought them.

Yes. ATM's can be found everywhere in India. All big cities are full of ATM machines from several banks accepting Master Card, Visa, Maestro cards. For smaller districts the frequency is lower. However very few villages can boast of ATM's so its advisable to carry cash while traveling through remote areas.

Unlike other developed countries, Tap water or water from unknown sources are a big no no for foreigners. Please buy your own water bottles or drink distilled water at homes or good hotels.

Though it is not a big taboo for women to travel alone in India, but it's highly advisable to travel in groups or with a friend. It just ensures safety and removes any risks. Practise extreme caution and vigilance if traveling alone. Be surrounded by people and try avoiding any unnecessary attention. A pepper spray can be handy.

Common way to greet Indian's is to say "Namaste". (That's like a respectful Hello). You can optionally shake hands while meeting people however avoid hugging or kissing are not generally accepted especially in case of opposite gender.

Shots that are advisable are -

Tetanus
Polio
Meningitus
Hepatitus A
Typhoid

Its a good idea to check through various websites and news about the current health situation. If in case of some outbreak, you must take appropriate precautionary mesaures before coming.