As with travelling to anywhere in the world, visitors are advised to take careof their personal belongings and stay aware when out and about. Baggage handlers are often among the greatest annoyance just after stepping off the plane at the airport. Say ‘no’ politely yet firmly if you do not need help. If you find yourself lost, look for a policeman or go into a shop for directions.

Health

The major health concern in Kolkata, like much of the rest of India, is probably first and foremost an upset stomach. Many visitors often spend many days in bed or even hospital with severe stomach problems. To avoid this, take your meals in restaurants that have good sanitation facilities and safe methods of food production. Another problem that is quite common is malaria or dengue fever from mosquito bites. There are a wide range of hospitals in the city and many are of international standards. The private hospitals in the city offer by far the best standards of care and these receive the greatest numbers of patients.

Language

Bengali and Hindi are the two most widely spoken languages in Kolkata. Most people, particularly in tourist areas, will have a fairly decent understanding of and capability to speak English. However, foreigners often find themselves having to compromise their English in order to communicate effectively. Speaking broken English may take some time getting used to but it is often the only way to make yourself understood. Using your hands and actions also help greatly in communication.

Currency

The Indian rupee (Rs) is India’s currency, and comes in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 notes. Coins come in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, as well as 50 and 25 paise. There are 100 paise in a rupee.

Currency Exchange

You can’t exchange Indian rupees outside of the country so if you’re going to need money to get to your hotel, you must head to the airport’s exchange bureau when you arrive. However, exchanging large amounts is not advisable as the rates at the airports are among the worst available. If your hotel has an airport transfer service, then arrange for pick-up before you arrive.

The best exchange rates are offered by the banks in India, however the cheapest option is to withdraw cash from the ATMs as they are convenient and give the most competitive rates. You’ll find no shortage of unauthorised money changers, but it’s inadvisable to use them as you could be cheated easily.