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Help & FAQ's
Quick Facts-Hyderabad
| Area: |
217 Sq Km |
| Altitude: |
536 Meters |
| Climate: |
Tropical Wet and Dry |
| Summer: |
Max 40 C and Min 22 C |
| Winter: |
Max 22C and Min 13.8C |
| Rainfall: |
89cm (June to Sept) |
| Best Season: |
June to February |
| Dialing Code: |
India - + 91 , Hyderabad - + 040 |
| State: |
Andhra Pradesh |
| Currency: |
The unit of currency in India is the 'Rupee' |
| Attractions: |
Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Qutbshahi Tomb, Mecca Masjid, Osmania University and HITEC City |
| Languages Spoken: |
Urdu, Hindi, Telugu and English |
| Tipping: |
Tipping is usually 10% to 15% of the charge |
| Airport: |
The new airport at Shamshabad is 35 km from HICC |
| Electricity: |
220v, 50Hz, Round two pin & three pin plugs used |
| Emergency Numbers |
Police -100 ; Fire- 101; Ambulance -102; Tourist Information- 1363; EMRI - 108; (Single number for Medical, Police & Fire Emergencies ) |
| Hospital |
Apollo Hospital - +91-40- 23607777
(Most of the Deluxe hotels have Doctor on Call) |
| 24 Hr Pharmacy |
Apollo Pharmacy - - +91-40- 23607777 ( Ext 2020 ) |
| Mobile Phone |
GSM handsets, either triband or quadband with 900 & 1800 mega hertz frequency will function. |
IGF Help Desk
Upon arrival, please look for the IGF Help Desk located after the immigration and Customs in the Arrival Hall of the Airport for assistance.
Airport Shuttles
Shuttles between Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad and the listed hotels
Complimentary shuttle service is provided on to all the meeting attendees who are staying at one of the listed hotels in the Accommodation Options.
Service available from 1st Dec till 3rd Dec 2008 for arrivals and from 6th to 8th Dec 2008 for departures.
Private car transfers are also available at INR 2200 (one-way). Please write to igf2008@kdm.in to inform your preference and travel details latest by 25th Nov. 2008
HICC Shuttles
Shuttles between all listed hotels and the venue -HICC will be available from 3rd Dec till 06th Dec 2008. A time table will be announced soon.
Baggage Rules & Traveler's Information
Please refer to www.cbec.gov.in for important information on baggage rules and other related traveler information such as duty free allowance, Green & Red channel at Customs, prohibited goods etc.
Currency Regulations
Currency Exchange
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorized money changers. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorized money changers. US Dollars and Euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. It is possible to exchange money when you arrive at the Airport, as there is a bank, ATMs and a bureaux de change. Banks & ATM's can be found throughout the city. Most of hotels provide the facility of exchanging commonly used foreign currency such as USD, EUR, UKP etc. Credit cards are accepted by most large businesses.
Money Changers
All money in bills or traveler check should be changed into Indian currency only through authorized money changers and banks. For the list of money changers check http://www.outofindia.net/hyd/htm/f_exch.htm
Travelers cheque
These are widely accepted and may be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers check in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions
Import of local currency is prohibited. Export of local currency is also prohibited, except for passengers proceeding to Nepal (excluding notes of denominations of Rs100 or higher), Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka (up to Rs. 20 per person). Foreign currency may be exported up to the amount imported and declared You can bring in any amount of foreign currency, travelers cheque and take out as much as you brought in. However foreign currency in excess of USD 5000 or its equivalent in another currency, USD 10,000 in form of traveler’s cheque or a combination of currency and travelers cheque in excess of USD 10,000 should be declared upon arrival on the currency declaration form, to be attested by customs officer.
Exchange rate indicators
Check http://www.xe.com for exchange rate updates.
Banks
The bank timings are usually from 10.30 - 15.30 hrs from Monday through Friday and from 10.30 - 13.00 hrs on Saturday. For a list of major banks in Hyderabad, check http://www.outofindia.net/hyd/htm/banks.htm
Credit and Debit cards
Most hotels, travel agents, airline offices, commercial establishments and shops welcome MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
Cuisine & Dining
The cuisine of Hyderabad is highly influenced by the Mughals who ruled here . Hyderabad boasts of a wide range of traditional vegetarian & non- vegetarian dishes, which are tempting to the core. Both the categories are rich in spice content and you need to be careful if you are not used to spicy and tangy food. Biryani - The one word that visitors to this famous city think of. Biryani is one of the oldest and most popular specialities of Hyderabad. The best quality rice is used to cook the biryani layered with meat and spices.
Though a well-cooked biryani can be eaten without any accompaniment, people prefer to garnish it with 'Mirchi-ka-Salan', thick gravy made with chillies, tamarind extract and spices. Mirchi-ka-Salan is a 'hot favorite' with vegetarians too. Another dish relished by both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian revelers is the 'Bagara Baingan', spicy curried brinjals.
A typical Hyderabadi feast has biryani, large portions of curried chicken eaten with 'sheermal' or local bread, minced meat, vegetarian dishes and a sweet. The sweet is usually 'Qubani-ka-meetha' made with dried apricots, 'Double-ka-meetha', a bread and milk pudding. During the holy month of Ramzan, a special dish, "Haleem", is prepared with punded meet and wheat and delicately spiced
Some of the ingredients of the traditional recipes are kept secret and are only known to the subsequent generations of the royal cooks. The royal cooks of the traditional Hyderabadi families are known, as 'Khansas' and are held in high esteem in these families.
Check with your hotel concierge/ information desk for in -hotel restaurant or nearby places to dine.
While alcohol is served in many restaurants and last orders are normally between 10.30 pm to 11 pm, it is best to check in advance.
Local Transport
Several choices depending upon the distance, time, and money at hand. While the local population uses the traditional local bus & train service and Auto (shared or private), call taxi/ cab services as well as private taxi/cabs are available from the hotel as well as airport. Check for the pre-paid option, else metered and as a last resort, pre-negotiated fare. Fare is payable in cash. Due to traffic conditions, please bear in mind to book well in advance.
For authorized private car for local sightseeing/ excursions, write to igf2008@kdm.in or contact the travel desk at venue.
Radio Taxis
Radio Taxi service is provided by service providers ‘Meru’ and ‘Easy cabs’ for the convenience of our customers. This is an air conditioned cab service with charges payable on the basis of meter reading at the end of the journey.
- Only those taxis that have taken the license for operating Radio Taxi Service from the Government of Andhra Pradesh can operate this service in Hyderabad.
- Fare: Rs 15 per km, Minimum Rs 30 which include the first 2 Km travelled.
- Waiting charges @ Rs 1 per minute.
- 25% night surcharge is applicable between 2300hrs to 0500hrs.
To book the service, please call:
Easy Cab - +91-40-43434343/ Meru - + 91-40 - 44224422
Location
The city of Hyderabad in India is located on the Deccan Plateau in the southern part of India. Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is the largest state in the south of India. The geographical location of Hyderabad is 17.20 N Latitude and 78.30 E Longitude. It is situated at an altitude of 536 meters above sea level. Located on the East coast of India, the state of Andhra Pradesh stretches along the coast of Bay of Bengal.
The tour to South India usually begins from this part and proceeds further down south. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are called as 'Twin cities' as they are closely linked with each other. A man made lake, known as the Hussain Sagar Lake, separates the two cities. The city is a developed one though it maintains its traditional essence.
Health & Safety
- Check for hygiene and cleanliness while eating in roadside restaurants Try to get bottled water while eating out in restaurants.
- Always insist for sterilized and disposable syringes in case you are in need of medical help.
- Keep all sorts of valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return tickets, etc) in your hotel's safe deposit box. Do not leave them unattended in your room. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Substitute it with travelers' cheques and credit cards. Keep good amounts of change though.
- Do not keep your wallet/purse in your rear pocket. Keep it inside your jacket pocket or side pocket of your trouser.
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes while your stay in Hyderabad. You will end up attracting unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits because they do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. Jeans and trousers with normal shirts are accepted.
- Avoid any public display of affection. It will be better if you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her hand before you do.
- Always keep your belongings in sight, especially in open areas like restaurants, snack bars, parks, and even in the event's venue. Don't leave backpacks, purses, bags, photo or video cameras hanging on chairs or on the floor.
- Don't wear expensive looking jewelry and watches.
- Don't disclose your personal data to unknown persons and avoid carrying passports and travel checks when you go for a walk or a drive. In case of loss, theft or robbery, report the fact immediately to the local police.
- If you go out for a walk or to public and open areas, keep your belongings near to your body and avoid going out alone. It's recommended to avoid going out carrying your laptop or other electronic devices.
- If you need to go to a cash machine, preferably use those located in malls (shopping centers) or banks. Avoid cash machines on streets or dark places. If you need help, always ask an employee of the bank.
- Keep an eye on your luggage. Use large and colorful labels to identify them easily on airport conveyor belts or delivery balconies.
- Change your money only in exchange houses or authorized bank agencies. Do not accept help from strangers like luggage porters and agents in airports.
Shopping
Some of the exclusive shopper's delights are...
- Kalamkari: The pen-painted fabric from Machilipatnam, these are used for clothing and wall decorations.
- Himroo: A very special fabric used mainly for shawls, bed springs,
and furnishing.
- Handloom Fabrics: Cotton and Silk fabrics used for clothing
specially in the summer.
- Hyderabadi Lacquered Bangles: very very colorful
- Lambadi Mirror-work: The Lambadas or the Banjaras, who are a part of Telangana, they wear this clothing as their customary attire. Blouses and skirts are embroidered with mirrors and very small and flat metallic disks.
- Jewellery: A shopper can get all types of semi-precious stone and Jewellery including the ever famous Pearls.
- Handicrafts: AP has rich offering of arts and crafts, all of which are available in Hyderabad. You can purchase Kondapalli toys bidri metal craft (silver inlaid on metal-copper and zinc), gun metal craft, stone carvings, wood carvings, brassware, Pembarthi sheet metal art, Nirmal art, Kalamkari art, Banjara embroidery, khadicrafts and dhurries from Eluru and Warangal, at the places listed below:
- Cheneta Bhavan, Nampally
- Handloom House, Nampally
- Cottage Industries Emporium, Minerva Complex, Sec'bad
- Lepakshi, RTC Crossroads and Gunfoundry
- Cauveri, for handicrafts from Karnataka, at Patny Circle
- Bidri Work at Abids
- Khadicrafts at Lakdi-ka-pul
- Brassware, guncraft at Basheerbagh
- Arts and cratfs from all over India at Shilparamam (watch out for the colourful exhibition)
- Sarees: Hyderabad has sarees to please every woman, in the world! You'll be fascinated by the variety of prints and materials used to create sarees. The most popular sarees are brought in from nearby towns like Venkatagiri, Siddipet, Gadwal, Naryanpet and Dharmavaram.Pochampalli, famous for sarees and ikat work, is close by and a trip to see the actual weaving is certainly worth it.
You'll also find sarees brought in from across India, like Kashmir, Bengal, Kanchipuram, Lucknow. An ordinary cotton saree can be purchased for anything between Rs.150 to above Rs.2,500 while silk sarees are priced between Rs.500 to Rs.10,000 and above.
Handlooms are also widely available. sarees are available practically anywhere in Hyderabad. Some of the preferred saree centres are MG Road, Patny Circle, General Bazaar, Abids, Nampally, Somajiguda, Charminar, Koti, Sultan Bazar, etc.
- Zardosi- Embroidery Work: A Speciality of Hyderabad is zardozi (Silk thread and cord) embroidery work. You'll find an amazing collection of embroidered sarees, Lacchas(Long tops paired with long skirts and dupatta), ghagra and cholis (skirt and blouse), salwar kameez and even sandals with embroidery work. These are particularly exquisite when purchased at Charminar. Prices depend mainly on the amount and quality of work put in.
Major Shopping areas of Hyderabad
Banjara Hills-Panjagutta-Begumpet
This is the latest commercial stretch of Hyderabad. Starting from Banjara Hills Road No:12 to Road No:1 to Road No:3 to Punjagutta till Raj Bhavan Road have become the happening shopping areas of Hyderabad for the young and vibrant. This stretch has lots of happening outlets all the way even till Begumpet.
The following are the traditional shopping areas of Hyderabad:
- Charminar: This is the oldest commercial area in the Twin cities. It is a traditional place for silversmiths, Pearl sellers, and Bangle sellers. We also get Gun-Metal articles. Charminar is also a place for the Kite festival during which you will literally find all the shoppers selling the Kites.
- Abids-Basheerbagh-Nampally: One of the contemporary shopping places, these places have some of the biggest Jewellery shops of the Twin Cities. These places also have clothes shops catering for people from all walks of life from the very rich and elite to the very common man. Abids also has a line of shoe shops.
- Koti-Sultan Bazaar: This is a all-in-one shopping area..very busy throughout the year. We don't need to specify what you get here because you will find everything under the sun.
- Narayanguda-Chikkadpally: These two areas the major entertainment centers with more than 15 theatres screening the latest Telugu movies. Apart from that just like Koti, Chikkadpally is also a all-in- one shopping center.
- Monda Market: Near the R.P Road is this biggest vegetable market of the twin cities. The market deals with both wholesale and retail selling of the vegetables.
Shopping Malls of Hyderabad
Hyderabad has some big shopping malls and stores that offer an international shopping experience. Western outfits, Jewellery, designer wear, perfumes, accessories and all the big international brands are available. Watch out for sales which are held every now and then, to pick up stuff at great price offers.
Some of the popular shopping centers are:
- Hyderabad Central, Punjagutta
- City Centre, Rd No:1,Banjara Hills
- Big Bazaar, Ameerpet
- Amrutha Mall, Somajiguda
- Swapnalok Complex, SP Road
- Minerva Complex, SP Road
- Shoppers' Stop, Begumpet
- Pantaloons, Begumpet
- Lifestyle, Greenlands
- Westside, Opp LB Stadium
- Kalanjali, Basheerbagh
- MPM Plaza, Abids
Tips & Gratuities
In hotels, porters and room service attendants are generally tipped. However, the amount of tip varies depending on the type of services rendered and the type of establishment.
In restaurants, the tip to waiters is around 10 percent of the bill. Some restaurants include a 10 percent service surcharge to the bill. Tipping at such a place is discretionary. In smaller places, the tip is not a percentage of the bill. Rather, few rupees are given as a tip, depending on the quality of service.
Tipping taxi and three-wheeler a driver is not too common. It is up to your discretion. However if you want to give tip, then, 10 percent of the fare or leaving the change is enough. If you are hiring a car throughout your stay, then, tip the driver Rs. 50-100 per day, depending on the distance travelled.
Vaccination
Before visiting India, the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required if a tourist is coming or transiting from the Yellow Fever endemic countries. This certificate conforms to the International Health Regulation. It is highly recommended to get a precautionary measure vaccination against Hepatitis B, should you plan to stay longer in India.
Your are requested to check and even your travel agent should inform you, if you need a Yellow fever certificate when you are booking your flight.
Communication
- Telephone: International Direct Dialing service is widely available all over India. Otherwise calls must be placed through the international operator. Country code: 91. Outgoing international code: 00. Hyderabad City code: 40.
- Mobile telephone: India operates on GSM 900 networks. Network operators include SkyCell, Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance Communications, and Idea Cellular. Coverage is extensive. Check with your service provider for details of international roaming on Indian networks. Your cell phone should support GSM 900. You can hire cell phones at the domestic airports in most major cities and tourist destinations in India.
- Fax: Facilities are available in most hotels, post offices, and even roadside telephone kiosks.
- Internet: Apart from the numerous Internet Café’s, most of the hotels provide wi-fi to access your ISP or an Indian ISP if you have a Roaming arrangement. Indian ISPs include VSNL and Sify.
- Mail: Airmail service to Western countries takes up to a week. Stamps are often sold at hotels. FedEx and DHL Courier pick-up and delivery is possible in most hotels.
- Press: There are numerous local dailies published in several languages. Many newspapers are in English, the most important include The Times of India, Indian Express, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The National Herald, The Economic Times and The Statesman.
- Radio: BBC MHz 15.31, 11.96, 6.195, 1.413, Voice of America MHz 17.74, 11.71, 9.645, 6.110
Book a tour
| Option-1 |
Pre/Post Tour |
Golden Triangle |
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Delhi
5 nights/6 days |
| Option-2 |
Pre/Post Tour |
Kerala, God’s Own Country |
6 nights/7 days |
| Option-3 |
Pre/Post Tour - Goa |
Mumbai-Goa-Hyderabad (or reverse) |
2 nights/3 days |
| Option-4 |
Post Tour |
Frescoes & Caves - Ajanta & Ellora |
Hyderabad - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai
3 nights / 4 days
|
| Option-5 |
Post Tour |
Southern Odyssey |
Starts ex Hyderabad and finishes at Chennai
3 nights / 4 days
Cities: 01 night at Chennai & 02 nights at Mamallapuram
|
| Option-6 |
Post Tour |
Jewel of the Deccan |
Starts ex Hyderabad and finishes at Bangalore
3 nights / 4 days
Cities: 01 night at Bangalore & 02 nights at Mysore
|
| Option-7 |
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Hyderabad Sightseeing |
Full day & Half day |
| Option-8 |
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Excursions |
ex-Hyderabad |
Write to igf2008@kdm in for any queries and information
Food Court at the venue-HICC
A food court is being be put up at the Pool Side Lawns of Novotel Hyderabad on all 4 days of the meeting.
Varied menu of different International cuisines like Italian, Continental, Chinese and Indian shall be available.
Experience the mouth watering dishes prepared A’ La Minute by the Chefs of Novotel ranging from USD 15 to USD 20 / approximately, equivalent to INR 750 to INR 1000 per person per meal.
Service Time- 1100 - 1500 hrs
Exhibitor Information
A) The exhibitor may use the services of a courier company like DHL, UPS, Blue Dart or any other door-to-door service provider as per exhibitors preference and local availability and pay up all the handling fee/charges and duty and send their consignment directly to attention of :
Mr Kunal Salooja
Events Manager
Hyderabad International Convention Centre & Novotel Hyderabad
Novotel & HICC Complex
(Near Hi-tech City)
P.O. Bag 1101
Cyberabad Post Office
Hyderabad 500 081, India
Ph: +91 40 6616 3009
Fax: +91 40 6613 4322
Mob: +91 92461 80605
Email: ksalooja@hicc.com
HICC will receive it from 22nd November 2008 onwards (and only) as long as all duty & fee etc has been fully pre-paid by the Exhibitors. This should be done well in advance as to reach the HICC in time.
B) Should the exhibitor choose to bring the exhibition material along with him in flight as check-in baggage in person, he should carry a Performa invoice declaring the value of the content and stating that it is for display & promotion in a technology and knowledge meeting organized by a UN body called the 'Internet Governance Forum' and hosted by 'Dept. of Information Technology', Government of India and is not for any commercial use. In addition, they should have a letter of invite of the event. Should however the Customs still levy a duty, it will have to be paid by the exhibitor on spot.
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