Global Travelers

VISAS

Please visit for the latest information.

EVENT BASICS

Here are a few details you will want to know prior to attending this conference in Hyderabad, India.

UTC/GMT +5:30 hours
(Time convertor: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html)

The currency used in Hyderabad is the Indian rupee (INR), which is the official currency of India. As of April 2023, 1 USD equals to 81.87 INR and 1 EURO equals to 90.03 INR.
(Currency Converter: https://www.xe.com/)

We encourage you to convert cash to Rupees (INR) at the airport as you may experience issues when using an ATM.

In India the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in India, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in India. (You can consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter: https://tinyurl.com/42sd8vud)

English is widely spoken at many businesses and is one of India’s official languages.

Hyderabad, India experiences pleasant weather in December with cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons. December is generally a good time to visit India as the weather is mild and comfortable in most parts of the country.

  • Southern parts of India: December is usually warm and pleasant with temperatures averaging around 15°-25°C (59°-77°F).
  • Northern parts of India: December is usually quite cold with temperatures averaging around 5°-15°C (41°-59°F).
  • Eastern parts of India: December is usually cool and dry with temperatures averaging around 10°-20°C (50°-68°F).
  • Western parts of India: December is usually warm and dry with temperatures averaging around 20°-30°C (68°-86°F).

Click here for the December 2023 Weather Forecast.

Business or business casual attire is appropriate for conference/business meetings. Meeting rooms can get cold, we recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket.

India’s country code is +91. Dial 011 to get international access followed by the country code and phone number that you are trying to reach. Please make sure to get an international data plan from your current service provider.

You can download and install WhatsApp on your smartphone. It is a very popular messaging app in India and is an excellent way to connect with local people quickly and easily.

It is best to avoid drinking water from the tap in India. You should also avoid putting ice in drinks. It is best to use purified or bottled water. Hot drinks are generally fine, so feel free to drink your fill of chai (sweet Indian tea).

For more information, click here.

National Emergency Number: 112 (equivalent of 911)

(Link: https://indianhelpline.com)

As always, when visiting any popular tourist destination, please be aware of your surroundings. Tourists visiting holy sites are an easy target for pickpocketing. Do not carry valuable items and avoid wearing expensive jewelry while visiting. Be mindful of your belongings at all times and always be aware of your surroundings. If possible, travel in groups.

CULTURAL NUANCES

If you are not familiar with India’s cultural preferences you may want to become familiar with them prior to traveling.

There are many India’s within India. India is a multilingual, multi-ethnic and pluralistic society, and the local people are typically fluent in multiple languages and enjoy many cultures in India. The great Cambridge economist Joan Robinson once observed: “Whatever you can rightly say about India, the opposite is also true.”

Learn more here about Indian business culture.

How to Greet People: Indians greet one another with namaste (palms together with a slight bow). In business, handshakes are more common.

Attire: Business formal or business casual attire is appropriate. Click here to learn more.

Eating Tips: Please wash your hands before you eat, as many foods are eaten using your hands instead of utensils.

Removing Your Shoes: When visiting people’s homes or places of worship, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering.

Public Display of Affection: Generally speaking, public displays of affection are not common in India.

It’s normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and cafes in India. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments – and other places, like spas or salons. Generally, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.

  • Whether you’re tipping with cash or card, always use the local currency to save money.
  • No tipping is required for street food.
  • It’s customary to give the waitstaff a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

Learn more by visiting these links:

Haggling for a fair price when buying things is a way of life in India, but it should never be an angry process. If you cannot come to an agreement on a price with a vendor, politely decline and shop somewhere else. Typically, a vendor will quote you a price and expect that you will present a counter-offer. Try halving the quoted price and working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure. Do note that some shops have fixed pricing.

  • Be prepared to remove footwear
  • Dress conservatively in trousers or skirts—no shorts—and carry a spare shawl to cover bare shoulders.
  • Keep some change/small currency notes if you’re inclined to leave a small donation (optional)

Learn more by visiting these links: