Kerala Travel Guide Money There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring. BanksBanks are open for transaction from 10:00 – 15:30 hrs on weekdays and from 10:00 – 12:00 hrs on Saturdays. Credit CardsMain hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards. Time(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST)USA: -10.30, Germany: – 4.30, Canada: – 10.30, France: – 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: – 4.30, UAE: – 1.30, UK: – 5:30. Best time to Visit KeralaHigh season: September-MayMonsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June-August Travel KitCotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. DrugsHeavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs. AyurvedaGo only to those Ayurveda centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism. Click here to see the list FoodAll standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala food. Emergency NumbersPolice control room: 100Fire station: 101Ambulance: 102, 108 Police HelplineWhile traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100Website: www.keralapolice.org Temple CodesSome temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises. NudityNudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach. SmokingSmoking is banned in public places. Footwear in HousesVisitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house. Demonstrativeness in PublicBehaviour, demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala. Wildlife SanctuariesTo visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the authority concerned of the sanctuary.Website: www.forest.kerala.gov.in For further enquiries, contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Tel: + 91 471 2322217 Official websiteTo know more about Kerala, visit the website of the Government of Kerala www.kerala.gov.in Miscellaneous travel tips Hiding Valuables It is very necessary to hide your valuables when you are on a trip as they might get lost. Passport security socks are a great way to hide your valuables. They are available in all sizes and heights. For cash, passport, keys and other small valuables, a zipped pocket inside you clothes is a great idea. A Bus Driver May be Better than a Concierge! Make it a point to be friends with the bus drivers around. The public bus drivers can be of great help and provide with better suggestions than the concierges. These bus drivers are familiar with the local customs/secrets and can make your entire vacation a pleasant one. Air Medical Transport May Not be Covered under Your Current Insurance When you have to travel more than 150 miles from home, it is advisable to have a yearly air medical transport membership. In case you are hospitalized, the expenses of getting you transported to a hospital in your home city might not be paid under your private insurance. ATM Withdrawals Always use that ATM for withdrawing money which is located outside a bank and also make sure that the bank is open. Incase, your card gets stuck or something else happens, you can always go to the bank and solve it out. Ask for a Discount Shopping at your trip, can be really expensive, if you don’t act smart! Shopkeepers tend to ask for prices above than the actual price thinking of tourists as unaware of it. Also, if you opt for tour guides/operators, they have deals fixed with the shops for their own commission on whatever items you purchase. They intentionally take you to those shops. So, in order to save your money, be smart, bargain and ask for discounts while shopping. Bargains and discounts, always work effectively. Declare Your Credit Cards Remember that in most countries, credit cards are considered as “Live Currency”, so do remember to mention them, if asked by the customs officials. This will help you avoid trouble with countries that are strict with the rules of money importation. Don’t Keep All Cash in One Place Always keep your cash at different places such as in your suitcase, personal pockets, handbags, etc. In this way, even if you get robbed or loose something, you still be left with something to carry on your trip. Must Carry Things Whenever you go for a trip, carry these things along with you so that you dont have to face problems later on: An extra debit card just in case you lose the first one. Food for the flight or train, sometimes the food that you get is awful. If you are going to a city with tropical weather, carry tale board shorts. Sunscreen is essential. A photocopy of your travel guide, in case you loose the original one.