Kolkata Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Essential Preparations

A sequence of events of tasks before your trip.

Planning Timeline

Coordinate your preparations over several months.

3

Three Months Out

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months). Apply for Indian visa or e-Visa (time).

Flights & Stays

Book international flights (high season). Research and book accommodation.

Health & Insurance

Consult doctor for vaccinations/prescriptions. Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance.

1

One Month Out

Internal Travel

Reserve internal flights or trains within India (AC classes sell out fast).

Itinerary & Health

Finalize your itinerary, book any certain excursions or activities. Arrange any health checks or complete vaccinations.

Financials & Driving

Notify your bank and card issuer company of your travel plans. Obtain an International Driving Permit (if needed).

1

One Week Out

Confirmations & Packing

Confirm all your bookings (flights, hotels, tours). Pack climate-appropriate clothing, essentials, and medications.

Documents & Currency

Organize all documents (physical and digital copies). Obtain some the local money or verify easy ATM access upon arrival.

Digital Tools

Download key applications and offline maps for Kolkata.

Advance Bookings

Bookings and reservations for a seamless trip.

Reservations

International and domestic flights.
Train tickets (especially for AC classes, which get sold out fast).
Lodging for your entire stay.
Popular tours (e.g., Sundarbans National Park).

Home Preparation

Final checks before leaving your home.

Before You Go

Inform a family member or friend about your itinerary and contact details.
Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and plant watering.
Make your house safe by locking up and windows, and setting alarms.
Pay any bills in advance to avoid issues while away.

Pre-Trip Research

Research recommendations for a connection.

Cultural Knowledge

Read on Kolkata's history and culture.
Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette.
Learn basic Bengali phrases.
Research current events or festivals happening during your visit.

Practical Planning

Familiarize yourself with the city's geography.
Plan general sightseeing routes.
Understand local transit options.
Research local currency and payment methods.

Safety Awareness

Review staying safe while you are traveling guidelines.
Note major healthcare providers and emergency contacts.
Understand local emergency procedures.
Check forecasts for the weather and seasonal factors.

Checklist Advantage

A physical checklist, ticking off items as you go, prevents forgetting tasks, even for experienced travelers.

Arrival Checklist

The first steps upon arriving in Kolkata define the commencement of your trip.

First Steps

Immigration & Customs:
Go through immigration and customs at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).
Baggage Claim:
Collect your baggage off the carousel.
Local SIM:
Obtain a local SIM card (if no pre-arranged e-SIM) to stay connected immediately.

Initial Orientation

Locate Accommodation:
Locate your accommodation on a digital or physical map.
Local Transport:
Familiarize yourself with local transit options near your stay.
Neighborhood Walk:
Take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to get your bearings.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure to avoid a last-minute rush.

If shipping large items, arrange with a reputable service well in advance. Check customs regulations.

VAT Refunds

India currently does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for travelers on most goods.

Do not anticipate claiming refunds on purchases.

Departure Timings

International Flights: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure. Domestic Flights: 2 hours prior.

Train Departures: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure. Factor in potential traffic delays.

Local Address Tip

Have your hotel's name and address in both Speaking the english language and Bengali script. This helps taxi drivers, bridging any language barrier.

Return Trip Preparation

Final checks before you set off home.

Flight & Train Reconfirmation

Reconfirm your flight or train details 24-48 hours prior to leaving.
Verify departure times and any gate changes.
Check for any last-minute updates from airlines or railways.
Contact customer service if applicable details are unclear.

Documents & Currency

Guarantee all your travel documents are in order and conveniently located.
Keep some local currency for airport or station expenses.
This covers food, beverages, or last-minute purchases.
Consolidate any receipts for expense tracking or potential refunds.

Airport Terminal Check

Confirm your departure terminal to avoid last-minute confusion.

Essential Checks

While Kolkata airport has an integrated terminal, confirming your departure gate Gate
And any specific check-in zones Zone
Prevents confusion. Alert
Always check your boarding pass carefully. Pass

Online Check-in Benefits

Online check-in often saves time at the airport.
Select your seat preference in advance.
Print your boarding pass or download it to your mobile device.
If you have only carry-on luggage, you can proceed directly to security.

Terminal Confirmation

Double-check your flight terminal. While Kolkata airport has an integrated terminal, confirming your departure gate and any specific check-in zones helps prevent confusion.

This straightforward step makes your... more efficient departure experience.

Kolkata Travel Checklist

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