Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I need a visa to get to India?
Yes, you will need a valid visa to be able to stay in India. You can get an Indian tourist visa at the Indian embassy in your country. Initially it is valid for three months. For those who intend to stay for a period longer you will need to renew your visa. We will guide you on this.
Tell me about flying into India?
Some volunteers will fly straight to Jaipur, others land in Delhi and then go by bus. The second option is the cheapest and it is also something you want to have experienced!
By plane:
When you fly straight to Jaipur then there will be someone to pick you up. Just let us know the flying details that we will be there on time.
By bus:
When you go by bus, you have to know that we do not have any buses till 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning and it is safe to be in the airport till that time. When you leave the airport of Delhi go to the PRE PAID TAXI STAND. If you find some problem in finding it, just ask the security officer or any other passenger out side the airport. Tell the people on the counter you have to go to "BIKANER HOUSE". The usual cost of taking a prepaid taxi from the Airport to the Bikaner House is *aprox. 200 INR.
The BIKANER HOUSE is the official service run by the State of Rajasthan. You will get buses to Jaipur from BIKANER HOUSE. Here you have buses every half an hour. There are some categories:
Super Deluxe
*aprox. 240 INR
SILVER LINE
Air Conditioned
*aprox. 360 INR
GOLD LINE
Super Deluxe AC with some added facilities
*aprox. 500 INR
VOLVO
(*Keep in mind that the prices change overtime)
At the very last stop you have to get off and there will be someone to pick you up. The bus trip will take around 6 hours with a stop in between at MIDWAY. Let us know when you enter Jaipur with the bus, so we will be there on time.
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The volunteer fee covers your accommodation and meals and your transfer to your worksite. You will need to have additional money for any personal shopping and travelling you may do.
What is the climate like in India?
India has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid. There is plenty of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. The hottest period is from May to September and coldest in December and January.
Do I need to speak English to Volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer. You may have English as your first or second language. In India the people speak two main languages which are English and Hindi.
Are we able to do any sight seeing?
Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite intensive. There are often other volunteers that want to do sight seeing also. You may like to travel to meet up with other volunteers and join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings. We ask that if you wish to take a break from volunteering that you give us an advanced notice.
How is the accommodation situation?
You will live with a local family. This gives the volunteers the local cultural experience and they are able to blend in well with people.
It is exciting to stay with a family; that way, you will learn the Indian-way-of-life and get to interact very well. ?Volunteers are asked to be flexible and not expect to be treated the same way they would live back home.
How many volunteers are there at the same time?
Usually there is just one volunteer present, but if the time calapses you live with an other volunteer.
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
Volunteers are able to participate all year round.
How many hours will I be expected to take part in the program?
Volunteers will be required to adjust to the program of the day. Everyday is different!
What should I bring for wearing?
Casual dressing is ok here. India is generally a warm country and so you do not need to bring very warm clothes. Comfortable footwear as well as a pair of sandals for light walking is recommended. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat.
You can also buy cheap clothes in India, so don’t bring to much!
What about food?
India has diversity of cultures and the food is fine. You host will be sure to give you a good Indian treat. I am sure that they would be excited to taste some of your food too! They eat three meals in a day. There is breakfast taken in the morning, then lunch, which is served at about 2 PM and then dinner/supper served at 9 in the evening.
However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is need to be flexible.
How will I change my money?
The Indian currency is Rupees. 1 US dollar is the equivalent of approximately 44 Indian Rupees, but it can change from day to day. There are exchange bureaus at the airport where you can change your money. You can also carry a debit or a credit card for ATM transactions.
Do I have to worry about health?
It is expected that participants have their own health insurance. As an organization, we are not able to cater for your health needs. However before you come to India, you can get shots for prevention against Malaria, Hepatitis and Typhoid, but it is not required. Also, please carry with you some preventive agents like mosquito repellents and drugs for little problems like headaches and stomach-aches. In case you fall sick and need doctor’s attention, we will take you to the hospital. We have good and reputable hospitals around where you can be treated.
How will I communicate?
You will be able to easily send and receive emails, call internationally and have access to a post office.
How will I get around?
The easiest way to travel in India is to use a “rickshaw” to go around the town. If you want to go further, then there are intercity buses and trains as well to certain places. You will have someone to accompany you if you need to travel to a market or a mall. You don’t need to worry about loosing your way.
How will I shop?
There are very good grocery stores around where you can shop. You will be able to get everything that you need from toiletries to drinks to sanitary and other things you may need.