Shopping in India

Indian crafts have been perfected over the centuries, from traditions and techniques passed on from generation to generation. Each region has its own specialties, each town its own local craftspeople and its own particular skills. Silks, spices, jewelry and many other Indian products have long been acclaimed and are widely sought after; merchants would travel thousands of miles, enduring the hardships and privations of the long journey, in order to make their purchases. Nowadays, the marketplaces of the subcontinent are only eight hours away, and for fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork and antiques, India is a shopper’s paradise. Bargaining is expected, and the visitor can check for reasonable prices at state-run emporia.

Fabrics: One of India’s main industries is textiles; its silks, cottons, and wools rank amongst the best in the world. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous; other major centers include Kanchipuram, Murshidabad, Patna and Surat. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive ‘tie and dye’ design is usually brilliantly colorful, while Chennai cotton is known for its attractive ‘bleeding’ effect after a few washes. Throughout the country may be found the himroo cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns. Kashmir sells beautiful woolens, particularly shawls. Carpets: India has one of the world’s largest carpet industries, and many examples of this ancient and beautiful craft can be seen in museums throughout the world. Each region will have its own specialty, such as the distinctive, brightly colored Tibetan rugs, available mainly in Darjeeling. Clothes: Clothes are cheap, and can be quickly tailor-made in some shops. Cloth includes silks, cottons, himroos, brocades, chiffons and chingnons.

Jewelry: This is traditionally heavy and elaborate. Indian silverwork is world-famous. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, moonstones and aquamarines. Hyderabad is a leading pearl center. Handicrafts and leatherwork: Each area has its specialty; the range includes bronzes, brasswork (often inlaid with silver), canework and pottery. Woven rugs and papier mâché (some decorated in gold leaf) are a characteristic Kashmir product. Inlaid marble and alabaster are specialties of Agra. Rajasthan is known for its colorful fabrics and silks. Leatherwork includes open Indian sandals and slippers.

Woodwork: Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and Chennai. Other goods: Pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, Orissan playing cards and musical instruments.

Note
There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, animal skins and objects made from skins.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0930-1755 in most large stores.

Currency Information:

Currency
Rupee (Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, and 10 paise.
Note: 1 and 2 Rupee notes and 5 paise coins may still be in circulation but are no longer being produced.

Currency exchange
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorized money changers. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorized money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
These are widely accepted and may be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of travelers cheques which others exchange quite happily.

Currency restrictions
Import of local currency is prohibited. Export of local currency is also prohibited, except for passengers proceeding to Nepal (excluding notes of denominations of Rs100 or higher), Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka (up to Rs20 per person). Foreign currency may be exported up to the amount imported and declared. All foreign currency must be declared on arrival if value is over US$5000, and when exchanged the currency declaration form should be endorsed, or a certificate issued. The form and certificates must be produced on departure to enable reconversion into foreign currency. Changing money with unauthorized money changers is not, therefore, advisable.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Rupee against
Sterling and the US Dollar:

Date May '04 Aug '04 Nov '04 Feb '05
£1.00= 79.70 85.22 85.15 82.68
$1.00= 44.62 46.26 44.97 43.78

Banking hours
Mon-Fri 1000-1400, Sat 1000-1200.travel.