India Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers has been working in India since 2000. Working in partnership with local people on long-term community service work projects is foundational to our relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, program support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your flight to arrive at the Meenambarkkam airport in Chennai (Madras), (airport code MAA) anytime on the first day of your service program. Plan your departure from Chennai anytime on the final day of your service program. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to and from the host community. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. Your team leader will meet you in the public area outside Customs at the airport and will be holding a Global Volunteers sign. You'll travel with your teammates to the host community.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in Greece before the service program begins, we ask that you not proceed to the guest house without your team leader. You may meet your team at the airport within the designated arrival window on the first day of the service program or make alternative arrangements with the Global Volunteers office.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided?
You will stay at the Global Volunteers House, a comfortable, air-conditioned guest house in Porur featuring family-style accommodations. The house has double-occupancy bedrooms and a kitchen, dining room, sitting room, and three bathrooms with showers.
What are the laundry arrangements?
You may hand wash and hang-dry your clothes. Alternatively, there is an inexpensive laundry service available in the community.
What is the electrical power?
Electricity in India is 230-240 volts. Plugs are usually three round-pins, similar but not identical to the European plugs. Bring a power converter and a set of universal adapters. Expect power outages from time to time.
What is the local cuisine?
Traditional Indian meals are prepared by a local cook employed by Global Volunteers. In addition, some evening meals are eaten at local area restaurants. Typical Indian foods include curry dishes, rice, vegetables, limited amounts of fruit, tandoori (herbed and baked chicken, meat and fish) and flat breads. Breakfast includes eggs, hot cereal, biscuits, fried vegetables and coffee or tea.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Vegetarians can easily avoid meat, but those with very restrictive diets should bring special foods to supplement their meals.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
We will supply bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing. Water can also be boiled.
HEALTH TIPS
What are the principal health risks?
Sunburn and heat exhaustion indicated by headaches, dizzyness and low energy, can occur quickly in hot climates, such as Chennai. Heat exhaustion can become life-threatening if not treated, so be prepared with a hat, sunglasses and sunblock and stay hydrated during the day hours, especially if working outside.
What health precautions should I take?
For general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
No. We recommend that you obtain a water bottle and keep it filled with bottled water that will be provided to you by the team leader.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
There is an exchange facility at the Chennai airport that may be open upon your arrival. There are no facilities to exchange US currency near the guest house or work sites, and banks in downtown Chennai require a half-day trip.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
ATMs are the easiest way to get money in Chennai. Both Visa and Mastercard debit cards (or credit cards with PINs) can be used at an ATM near the guest house to get Indian Rupees and to make purchases in larger stores. Prior to your departure, please inform your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling to India. Cash can be exchanged at the airport and banks in downtown Chennai. However, you should bring only new, clean bills. Banks in downtown Chennai require a half-day trip.
How much money should I bring with me?
How much money you bring depends on your free-time plans, personal spending and shopping habits. Expect to pay a minimum of US$125 for a weekend excursion.
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me while I am in India?
In the event of an emergency, your family should refer to the Emergency Contact Sheet that you will receive prior to your departure. This will include all the directions for getting in contact with you should the need arise. Please be sure to leave a copy with them.
Can I make international phone calls?
You can make telephone calls from a nearby Internet cafe or from any other shop with a "STD" sign displayed out front.
Is internet service available?
There is an Internet cafe about three blocks away from the Global Volunteers House with six internet computers. The cost is about US$1.00 per hour.