One of the innumeral crossroads of Kolkata

Visitors to Kolkata, although find Kolkatans to be warm and helpful, are taken aback by the the city, busy streets and unruly traffic in the city. It is one of the cheapest cities in the world with an elaborate transport system, a variety of places to stay and dine, an amazing array of shopping malls and markets to suit all budgets.

The India Standard Time (IST) is 5 1/2 hours ahead of GMT. Business hours is usually between 9 and 5 and Saturdays and Sundays are off days for most organisations. Banks are open for public on weekdays from 10 am-2 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-12 pm. Entry is by and large free in most places of visit.

It is customary to tip 10% of the bill at restaurants, but there are no hard and fast rules. You aren't expected to tip taxi drivers and bargaining is rampant in all road side shops and with porters or 'coolies' in the railway stations.

Kolkata has a number of hospitals and private nursing homes and a host of 24 hour chemists and medicine shops. Most of the chemists insist on prescriptions but there are some where you can buy medicines without them.

Although it used to be considered a very safe city, the scenario has changed now. It's not advisable to roam about in the city alone now.Help is usually at hand if you face trouble in finding your way or understanding the local lingo. It is wise to keep your travel documents and money close to your body. If you lose your passport, lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at the nearest police station and contact your embassy immediately.