Your Host City – New Delhi
New Delhi, your host city, is a beautiful mix of the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary! The city boasts of many a 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 points into the country, and it is on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked with rail, air and road to all parts of the country.The historical city of Delhi, which is beautifully landscaped, is probably one of the most 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 as the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb amongst many others.

Air travel :
Indian is India's national flag carrier and has a worldwide route network connecting over 50 cities abroad with numerous destinations in India. 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.

Clothing :
At the time of the conference, Delhi will be pleasant. Approx. minimum and maximum day time temperature will range between 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Cottons are ideal for this time of the year.

Languages :
English is commonly used in all business transactions; however, the main spoken & national language is Hindi. Official language of the meeting will be English.

Currency :
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 1 USD = Rs 40 approx.

Currency Regulations :
You can bring in any amount of foreign currency, travelers cheques and take out as much as you brought in. However, foreign exchange in excess of US$ 5000 or its equivalent in another currency, US$ 10,000 in form of travelers cheques or a combination of currency and travelers cheques in excess of US$ 10,000 should be declared upon arrival on the Currency Declaration Form, to be attested by Customs Officer.

Visas :
Citizens of all countries (including Commonwealth) 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 re-entering India, a Double / multiple entry India visa should be obtained. A letter of confirmation of attendance to the conference, if required, may be requested to asiaforge2008@sitaindia.com

Health Regulations & Immunization :
A valid Yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all persons who have been, even in transit, in Africa or South America or Papua New Guinea in the last six days. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. India does not require immunization against small pox and cholera.

Credit / Debit Cards :
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

Banking and exchange facilities :
Facilities for banking, exchange of foreign currency are available at banks and at most hotels including the venue Hotel Taj Palace (for hotel residents). There are also a number of exchange offices in the City. Most banks are open from 10 am to 2 pm from Monday to Friday, however some banks offer extended banking hours. 24-hour ATMs are located in shopping centers and many neighborhood markets.

Electricity :
Voltage in Delhi and other parts of the country is 220 V, 50 Hz. The 2 / 3 -pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries e.g. USA, UK, Japan, etc., and is most similar to European plugs. Using European style 2 pin plug should not be a problem with Indian sockets. In India we have round pin plug and not flat pinned plug.

Mobile Phones :
GSM handsets, either triband or quadband with 900 & 1800 mega hertz frequency will function in Delhi / India. Local SIM card and hand set can be easily hired.

Tipping :
Generally expected at restaurants, around 10 percent of the bill.