Tipping
Tipping is optional, although cabbies and rickshaw drivers seem to expect tips from foreign tourists. Make sure the driver turns down the meter after you get in. If he refuses to do so (cabbies and rickshaw drivers may refuse to do so late at night or early in the morning or if you want to travel a short distance), hail another cab or rickshaw. If nothing else, ensure that you fix a price before you get in. It is generally expected at hotels and restaurants. Ten per cent of the bill or around Rs. 5 for other services is in order.

Conducted Tours
To see all the places of historical interest in Delhi, it is advisable to use a guided tour. Delhi is a round and widely spread out city, and it may be difficult to get to all the places with considerable ease. Compared to Bombay, Delhi has a much more complex structure and easier to get lost in, so be careful. You can rent a chauffeur-driven car or join a conducted tour that is probably the best way to see most in the least amount of time.

Doctor/Chemist If you need a doctor, your hotel can contact a house physician. The medical stores in Super Bazar, Connaught Circus and in AIIMS and at some private hospitals such as Batra (Tughlakabad Institutional Area) and Spring Meadows (East of Kailash) are open 24 hours.

Food and Beverage
Delhi has an amazing variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian cuisine. Contrary to what you may have heard, all Indian food is not hot and spicy. Most dishes are only richly garnished to provide an exciting flavour. You will find excellent restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Continental and other cuisine in Delhi. Consumption of liquor is prohibited in public places.

Shopping
India is a shopper's paradise. Delhi markets specialise in carpets, handicrafts, jewellery, readymade garments and leather goods. It's best to buy goods only from the more established shops and official Indian Government outlets.

Beggars
If you encounter beggars, who are rare in New Delhi, give in kind rather than in cash.

Bargaining
Asking for a discount is part of the shopping experience - you might be lucky and the shopkeepers may oblige. Otherwise the prices are more or less fixed at most places. Remember, it's a game you should both enjoy and if you get "swindled", you are contributing to the local economy! At Connaught place, Meena bazaar, Palika bazaar and other shopping centres, bargaining is necessary. Begin by quoting half of whatever the vendor quotes.

Telephone and Telegraph
You can direct dial to most cities in India, and to countries abroad. For elsewhere book a call through the operator. On the direct dial facility within the country, note that while during the day - 6 am to 7 pm - the full rate is charged. On Sundays and National Holidays there is a concessional charge of 50%. Half rate is applicable daily 7 am to 8 am and 7 pm to 8.30 pm. The tariff from 6 am to 7 am and from 8.30 pm to 11 pm is 1/3 the rate, and from 11 pm to 6 am it is 1/4 the rate.
For details contact:
International Telegraph Office

Tourist Information:
Government of India Tourist Office, 88 Janpath

Safety Tips