Each region has its own specialties, each town its own local
craftspeople and its own particular skills, often passed down the generations. For fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork, gems and antiques, India is a shopper's paradise.
Bargaining is the norm at most bazaars, and the visitor can check for reasonable prices at fixed-price, state-run
emporia.
Fabrics: One of India's main industries is textiles. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive ‘tie and dye' design is usually brilliantly
colorful, while Chennai (Madras) cotton is known for its attractive ‘bleeding' effect after a few washes. The
himroo cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns, may be found throughout the country. Kashmir sells beautiful woolens, particularly shawls, which can be easily sourced at shops in most major Indian cities.
Carpets: India has one of the world's largest carpet industries. Each region has its own specialty, such as the distinctive, brightly colored Tibetan rugs, available in Darjeeling and elsewhere. Exquisite Persian rugs can be found nationally.
Clothes: Clothes are relatively inexpensive, and can be quickly tailor-made in some shops. Cloth includes silks, cottons, georgettes, brocades and chiffons. Larger cities such as Mumbai (Bombay), Delhi and Bengaluru (Bangalore) have fancy boutiques selling domestic and foreign designer labels.
Jewelry: This is traditionally heavy and elaborate although fine, simpler pieces are also in abundance. Indian silverwork is especially world-famous. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, emeralds, moonstones and aquamarines. Hyderabad is a leading pearl center.
Handicrafts and leatherwork: Each area has its specialty; the range includes bronzes, brasswork (sometimes inlaid with silver), canework and pottery. Woven rugs and
papier mâché (some decorated in gold leaf) are a characteristic Kashmir product. Inlaid marble and alabaster are specialties of Agra. Rajasthan is particularly known for its colorful fabrics and paintings. Leatherwork includes open Indian sandals and slippers, handbags and wallets.
Woodwork: Found nationally, with especially beautiful sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, walnut wood from Kashmir, and rosewood from Kerala and Chennai.
Other goods: Pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, incense, puppets and musical instruments.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat around 0930-1700 in most large stores; variable hours in bazaars.
Note: There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, ivory, animal horns, endangered shells, animal skins and objects made from skins.
Currency Information:CurrencyRupee (INR; symbol Rs) = 100 paise. Notes are in denominations of Rs1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rs5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 paise.
Note: The import and export of local currency is prohibited.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be changed at banks, airports or authorized money changers. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorized money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAn increasing number of cards are accepted including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.
Traveller's ChequesThese are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques which others exchange quite happily.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 1000-1400, Sat 1000-1200.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | Rp71.21 |
| $1.00= | Rp48.80 |
| €1.00= | Rp65.22 |
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