Guidelines for Foreign Tourists Visiting Rajasthan

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If Rajasthan is one’s choice for an international vacation getaway, then nothing can be a better choice. This ‘royal state’ is a beautiful representation of India’s rich architectural heritage, cultural diversity and hospitality.

We wholeheartedly welcome you to revel in the sights, sounds and flavours of Rajasthan.

Below are a few things you will need to know:

GUIDELINES

In an effort to ensure your stay is a comfortable and safe one, we have listed out a code of conduct for both the tourists and hosts:

DOs

Accommodation:

  • Always check into approved/classified hotels, paying guest houses, bed-and-breakfasts or RTDC run hotels.
  • Whenever possible, make enquiries at the Rajasthan Tourism Tourist Information Bureaus located in major railway stations, bus stands and airports.
  • Before staying in a paying guest accommodation, always check about its authorization by the Department of Tourism.

Transport:

  • Take autorickshaws or taxis from pre-paid kiosks at Railway Stations, Bus Stands or wherever available.
  • If a prepaid autorickshaw is not available, settle the fare/charges before embarking on the journey.
  • Hire taxis from approved Travel Agency or RTDC.
  • Book taxis through taxi aggregator apps.
  • Make enquires (as to where, and how far each monument or tourist site is located) before setting out on sightseeing.

Shopping:

  • Purchase from reputed/recognised shops or Government emporiums.
  • Always insist on a bill for purchases made.
  • Ensure there is a Value Added Tax registration number (VAT) on your bill sheet.
  • Payments made by credit cards must have the amount mentioned in both, words and numbers.
  • Always double-check the goods in the parcel before leaving the shop or allowing it to be packed for dispatch.
  • Ensure payment by credit cards is made only once for each bill.
  • Ensure that wrongly made out bills are destroyed immediately to avoid double payment.
  • Avoid showrooms near tourist sites or else ensure the price and authenticity of the purchase being made.
  • Avoid shops that have names very similar to Government run emporia or concerns like RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation) or Rajasthali, which are public sector undertakings.
  • Avoid associating or developing relations for furthering business with unknown persons who are glib talkers and at times impeccably turned out.
  • Avoid help of guide /driver while shopping. Try to avoid shops recommended by them.

Money Exchange:

  • Take from authorised money exchangers and always get a receipt.

Taxi:

  • Utilise services of pre-paid taxis, wherever available.

IN CASE CHEATED:

If you are cheated, inform the nearest Police Station/Police Control Room immediately or TAF (Tourist Assistance Force) personnel posted near monuments.

Miscellaneous:

  • You are advised not to dress in clothes that are too revealing and too scanty.
  • Eat food that you buy yourself.
  • Always ensure your passport and other precious belongings are safe. Never give them to strangers, shopkeepers or hotel staff.

DON’Ts

Accommodation:

  • Stay with or be coaxed into staying with people you meet at railway platforms, bus stands or shopping areas.
  • Think you are getting a bargain if a free ride is given by any transporter to a hotel.
  • Check with Rajasthan Tourism tourist information office first.
  • Allow any one into your room (for a drink, snacks or just a chat) unless the person is well known to you.

Transport:

  • Free rides can culminate into trouble at a hotel suggested by the driver.
  • Leave your important documents, valuables, luggage, etc. with the driver.

Shopping:

  • Let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sightseeing.
  • Sign on blank letter heads or bills.
  • Let shopkeepers pack your purchases behind a counter or in another room. It must be done in front of you and signed across the joints or ensure some method whereby no changes can be made.

Money Exchange:

  • Exchange from unauthorised money exchangers who do not provide a receipt.

Taxi:

  • Leave your valuables and goods/ luggage in taxi/auto rickshaw etc.

Miscellaneous:

  • Hang on to the arms of young men or give them the impression that you find them attractive.
  • Go in for free lunch and dinner or drinks.
  • Roam around alone in the late hours of the night.

For more info please contact:
Media Coordination:

  • Jagdeep Singh
    M: 09829065787
  • Kamal Kant
    M: 09571836810