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About Starofcity |
The Indian rupee is available in denominations of Re 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100 and Rs 500. One rupee is split into a hundred paise, available in denominations of 10p, 25p and 50p. There are coins for Re 1, Rs 2 and Rs 5. The most meagre that your budget should get is US$ 25 per day of your stay- on this amount, you’ll struggle with dormitory accommodation, look for cheap grub, and constantly try to figure out bus routes and timings but you’ll just about survive. A healthy budget would cost about thrice that. US$40 a day will see you sleep in decent clean beds and wake up to an attached bathroom for morning ablutions. It’ll fetch you three decent meals, a spot of shopping and camel rides. The dollar goes a long way and the pound sterling, longer. The bare minimum is just under US$18 a day while a top end holiday could cost upwards of US$ 100 a day. Whatever be your budget, keep some money aside for souvenirs though. Jaisalmer offers an endless list of temptations and a feast of textiles and crafts!
Banking in India has become quite easy now. The sector has steadily opened up to privatised participation, which has bolstered the services and performance of state run entities too. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments in Jaisalmer. Banking hours usually are 10 AM to 2 PM Monday to Friday and 10 AM to 12-noon on Saturdays. Bank holidays vary from region to region. Major festivals are holidays though it is unlikely that a bank will be closed for longer than 2 days in a row. Changing money in India can be a tedious process so change substantial amounts at a time. Not all banks accept travellers’ cheques or currency other than dollars or pound sterling and if you find one that services your needs take advantage of it. Changing money anywhere but at accredited bureaux is illegal. The Bank of Baroda near the Amar Singh Pol will exchange money,usually US Dollars to Indian Rupees, give advances against credit cards and cash traveller’s cheques. Save up all exchange receipts (encashment certificates); these are required for visa extensions and other formalities, and when you want to convert rupees at the end of your trip.
Jaisalmer is an important tourist centre in the country but most definitely not a business or commercial centre. Any business/official transactions and meetings are held in the state capital Jaipur. Business travellers to Jaisalmer will find these pointers helpful. The official language of the state is Hindi and most of the government business, especially at the lower and middle levels, is carried out in Hindi. But English is commonly understood and development institutions/ service agencies work in English. With increasing liberalisation at both the economic level and at the societal level, business protocol adheres to western standards. Keep appointments, be punctual (though that’s a value that Indians are only now picking up), and shake hands if one is offered or greet with hands folded in ‘namaste’. You’ll most likely be asked questions about family and home not because anybody wants to pry but because many Indians believe that curiosity conveys concern. There are many women executives, often top-level management. Most will not take shaking hands amiss. Some however, are still conservative, so to make sure you don’t misstep, be sensitive to how the lady greets you and respond accordingly. Dress formally for business meetings. Women would probably be more comfortable in trousers than a skirt. Men should wear formal cotton shirts with a tie and trousers if the weather is warm. Otherwise a business suit is appropriate.
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