Tourist information

Currency & Costs

The Indian rupee is available in denominations of Re 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 500. One rupee is split into a hundred paise, available in denominations of 10p, 25p and 50p. There are coins for Re 1, Rs 2 and Rs 5.

The most meagre that your budget should get is US$20 per day of your stay- on this amount, you’ll struggle with dormitory accommodation, look for cheap grub, and constantly try to figure out bus routes and timings but you’ll just about survive. A healthy budget would cost about thrice that. US$45 a day will see you sleep in decent clean beds and wake up to an attached bathroom for morning ablutions. It’ll fetch you three decent meals, a spot of shopping and some auto-rickshaw rides.

The dollar goes a long way and the pound sterling, longer. The bare minimum is just under US$15 a day while a top end holiday could blow through the roof especially if you are planning a stay at one of the deluxe or heritage hotels, then US$ 200 and upwards alone will do. Whatever else you budget, keep aside enough for souvenirs though. Jodhpur offers an endless list of temptations and a feast of textiles and crafts!

Banks & Money Changers

Banking in India has become quite easy now. The sector has steadily opened up to privatised participation, which has bolstered the services and performance of state run entities too. Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments in Jodhpur.

Banking hours usually are 10 AM to 2 PM Monday to Friday and 10 AM to 12-noon on Saturdays. Bank holidays vary from region to region. Major festivals are holidays though it is unlikely that a bank will be closed for longer than 2 days in a row. Major international credit cards are widely accepted in the hotels and major shops.

Changing money in India can be a tedious process so change substantial amounts at a time. Not all banks accept travellers’ cheques or currency other than dollars or pound sterling and if you find one that services your needs take advantage of it. Changing money anywhere but at accredited bureaux is illegal. The main city branches of Indian banks in Jodhpur will exchange money and cash traveller’s cheques. Save up all exchange receipts (encashment certificates); these are required for visa extensions and other formalities, and when you want to convert rupees at the end of your trip.

Business Guide

Jodhpur is an important tourist centre in the country but is very slowly developing into an industrial and business centre with a few factories and plants being set up. All official transactions and meetings are held in the capital Jaipur. Those interested in doing business in Jodhpur will find these pointers helpful.

The official language of the state is Hindi and most of the government business, especially at the lower and middle levels, is carried out in Hindi. But English is commonly understood and development institutions/ service agencies work in English. With increasing liberalisation at both the economic level and at the societal level, business protocol adheres to western standards. Keep appointments, be punctual (though that’s a value that Indians are only now picking up), and shake hands if one is offered or greet with hands folded in ‘namaste’. You’ll most likely be asked questions about family and home not because anybody wants to pry but because many Indians believe that curiosity conveys concern.

There are many women executives, often top-level management. Most will not take shaking hands amiss. Some however, are still conservative, so to make sure you don’t misstep, be sensitive to how the lady greets you and respond accordingly.

Dress formally for business meetings. Women would probably be more comfortable in trousers than a skirt. Men should wear formal cotton shirts with a tie and trousers if the weather is warm. Otherwise a business suit is appropriate.