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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Maharashtra, India

Fundamental Preparations

A structured timeline for your journey.

Travel Timeline

Organize for a smooth experience.

1

Early Planning

Passport & Visa

Confirm validity and apply for India visa well in advance.

Health & Flights

Consult doctor for vaccinations, book international airfare.

Insurance

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

2

Mid-Term Actions

Accommodation

Secure lodging and plan daily activities.

Domestic Transit

Book intercity train or bus tickets.

Banking & IDP

Inform banks of travel, acquire IDP if self-driving.

3

Final Checks

Booking Confirmations

Verify all reservations (flights, hotels, tours).

Packing & Documents

Pack appropriate attire, prepare physical and digital copies.

Electronics

Charge devices, pack adapters and converters.

Reservations

Secure elements early.

Essential Pre-Bookings

  • Flights (international and domestic).
  • Accommodation in Pune.
  • Popular train routes (AC classes).
  • Major tours or specific festival tickets.

Pre-Departure Learning

Familiarize yourself before arrival.

Recommended Research

  • Review cultural etiquette.
  • Basic Marathi or Hindi phrases.
  • Local safety tips.
  • City orientation.

Household Arrangements

Ensure peace of mind while away.

Inform Contacts

  • Alert family or friends.
  • Share your itinerary.
  • Leave emergency contact info.
  • Home security awareness.

Property Management

  • Pet care arrangements.
  • Plant watering plan.
  • Secure all entry points.
  • Turn off unnecessary appliances.

Mail & Deliveries

  • Suspend mail service.
  • Pause newspaper deliveries.
  • Manage package deliveries.
  • Arrange for holder.

Important Advisory

Double-check visa requirements and health advisories for your specific nationality and travel dates.

Arrival Guide

Your initial hours in Pune. This checklist guides your first steps.

Pune Airport Procedures

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs

    Clear procedures with passport and visa prepared.

  • 2
    Baggage Claim

    Collect checked luggage efficiently.

  • 3
    Transport Link

    Find pre-booked transport or ride-sharing services.

Initial Setup

  • Local SIM Card

    Consider purchasing at the airport or in the city.

  • Offline Maps

    Navigate to your accommodation using downloaded maps.

  • Currency

    Familiarize with Indian Rupee and small denominations.

First Steps in the City

Orientation

Use offline maps for initial navigation.

Understand immediate surroundings.

Currency Management

Exchange a small amount or withdraw from an ATM.

Have small notes for immediate needs.

Essential Buys

Buy bottled water and any quick necessities.

Secure a local SIM card.

Arrival Transportation

Use pre-paid airport taxis or ride-sharing apps (Ola/Uber) from Pune Airport. This option delivers the safest and most reliable arrival transport.

Departure Details

Prepare for your departure from Pune to facilitate a smooth exit.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Plan souvenir purchases in advance.
  • Allocate time for packing or shipping.
  • Inquire about international courier services (e.g., DHL, FedEx).
  • Arrange well before your departure date.

Tax Refunds

  • No common VAT refund system for tourists in India.
  • Not applicable for general purchases.
  • Specific luxury items might present export incentives.
  • Confirm with vendors for unique items.

Departure Timing

Allocate sufficient time for airport procedures.

Recommended Check-in

  • International Flights:3 hours before departure
  • Domestic Flights:2 hours before departure
  • Trains & Buses:30-45 minutes before departure
  • Platform/Bus Search:Allow extra time

Return Journey Checks

  • Confirm flight status or train/bus schedule.
  • Have travel documents ready (passport, boarding pass).
  • Pack according to airline baggage rules.
  • A Digital luggage scale prevents overweight fees.

Departure Checklist

Verify all bookings, confirm luggage weight, and have all documents accessible for a smooth exit from Pune.