Workshop on Advanced Materials - II
Nanostructured Advanced Materials
February 13-16, 2002, Bangalore, India
Climate and Clothing
Currency conversion
Medical advice
Sight seeing
Miscellaneous
Climate and Clothing
Bangalore, though situated in the tropics has a pleasant weather throughout the year, by virtue of being at an altitude of ~920 mts. February marks the end of winter and the daily highs go up to ~30 degree celcius (86 degree farenheit). Cotton wear with light sweaters would be ideal.
Currency conversion
The Indian currency is Rupee (1 US$ = 48 Rs). Currency conversion is possible at airports and banks, although many of them deal only with US-dollars and British-pounds. At the end of the trip, rupees can be converted back into foreign currency,only if one has receipts demonstrating that a larger amount of foreign currency was converted into rupees earlier during the trip. If you are carrying large amount of foreign currency (not travellers cheques but cash), that should be declared at the customs when entering India. Travellers cheques do not have to be declared and are easier to carry. Expensive equipment liable to custom duty (e.g. laptop computers and video cameras) should also be declared at the customs. Such items will be entered in your passport, and you don't have to pay any duty provided that you take them back when you return. International credit cards are accepted at major hotels and shops, but not everywhere. There are 24hr ATM close to the place of accommodation (HDFC bank ATM), where you can use international credit cards to get Indian rupees. The logos of acceptable credit (and debit) cards are shown alongside. The ATM provides a better exchange rate than that offered by hotels and shops. (The HDFC bank charges the credit card company Rs.55 per transaction. The amount charged by the credit card company to you will depend on the agreement between you and your credit card company.) You may possibly want to look at the
Universal currency convertor
page to check the current exchange rates
Medical advice
The air in Bangalore tends to have a higher content of pollen and other atmospheric allergens, consequently, people with acute respiratory and asthmatic problems tend to face increased discomfort
Most common medicines are available locally, probably with different brand names than in the West. It should be possible to obtain the drug locally, if you know the chemical name.
Food and Water
Though good food is available in several restaurants around the city, caution should be excercised in taking the food from ourtide. Typical Indian dishes are spicier than the food in the west and could probably cause an upset stomach
Good and safe water is available in bottled form and is called "Mineral water". All bottled water may not be safe. Please insist on good brands such as "Kinley" or "Bisleri".
An alternative to bottled water is "tender coconut water" which is available in plenty almost everywhere and is safe.
Sight seeing
There are several places in and around Bangalore which can be visited on one day trips. Somnathpur-Mysore-Srirangapatna, Belur-Halebidu are popular choices. Such trips can be arranged with very short notice and can be decided upon after arriving for the conference. Please feel free to seek our advice on this issue. More such places and information about the mentioned places may be found at this
site.
Miscellaneous
The electricity supply in India is 220 Volts and 50 Hz. Appliances requiring 110 Volts would need a voltage adapter. The electrical sockets require three (or two) round pin plugs.
Smoking
has recently been banned in public places all over India. Public places include airport lounges, railway stations and the roads. Smoking in such places can invite fines.
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