Q 1. Which city is hosting TEST 2008?
A1. Your host city is New Delhi.
New Delhi is a beautiful mix of the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary! The city has many historical monuments and buildings of national importance besides interesting art galleries and museums. The political nerve centre of the world’s largest democracy is also a sprawling cosmopolitan city.

India’s capital city, New Delhi is the most widely used entry point into the country and it is on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked with air and road to all parts of the country.

Delhi is beautifully landscaped and is probably one of the prettiest and greenest capitals of the world. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and the traditional, where skyscrapers exist in perfect harmony with UNESCO World heritage monuments such as the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s tomb and Red Fort amongst others.

Q2. Which airlines are providing aviation services in India?
A2.  Air India is India’s national flag carrier and has a worldwide route network connecting over 50 cities abroad with India. Indian Airlines, which is the national airline and three major private airlines – Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Sahara along with a host of budget carriers, serve all the metros and many towns of India besides almost all the tourist destinations in India.

Q3. What languages are in popular usage?
A3.  English is commonly used in all business transactions. However, the main spoken and national language is Hindi.

Q4. What is the currency of India?
A4. The currency of India is Indian Rupee. One Rupee is divided into 100 paise. Rupee currency notes come in the denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. The present conversion rate is USD = Rs. 40 approx.

Q5. Are passport and visa mandatory for a trip to India?
A5. Citizens of all countries require a valid passport (except in the case of Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals, who may carry suitable means of identification) and an appropriate Visa. The Visa must be obtained from an Indian mission abroad. If planning to visit a neighboring country such as Nepal and reentering India, a double / multiple entry India visa should be obtained. A letter of invitation / confirmation of  attendance to the conference, if required may be requested to Test2008 at info@test2008.in

Q6.Is medical clearance /immunization certificate required for visitors to India?
A6. A valid yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all persons who have been, even in transit, to Africa, South America or Papua New Guinea in the last six days prior to the visit to India. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. India does not require immunization against small pox or cholera.

Q7. Are Debit/Credit cards accepted?
A7. Almost all the world’s top credit cards like Visa Master Card and Amex are widely accepted by many establishments including hotels, restaurants, shops etc.

Q8. Can foreign exchange be conveniently done?
A8.  Facilities for banking and exchange of foreign currency are available at banks and at most hotels. There are also a number of foreign exchange offices in the New Delhi. Most banks are open from 10 am to 2pm from Monday to Friday; however some banks offer extended banking hours. 24-hour ATMs are located in shopping centers and many neighborhoods markets.

Q9. What is the electricity supply voltage?
A9.  Voltage in Delhi and other parts of the country is 220 V, 50Hz. The 2/3 pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries, e.g., USA, UK, Japan. In India, we have round pin plug and not flat pinned plugs.

Q10. What mobile phone services can be availed in India?
A10. GSM Handsets, either triband or quadband with 900 & 1800mega hertz frequency will function in Delhi / India. Local SIM card and hand set can be easily hired.

Q11. Is tipping followed as a necessary etiquette?
A11. Generally expected at restaurants, around 10 percent of the bill.