You must bring with you:

• A valid passport – please check to see that your Indian visa is valid for your period of stay in India. You must get a multiple entry student visa which allows up to 12 months of uninterrupted stay.
• A valid health insurance policy.
• It is recommended that you bring with you such medication as you will need during the course of your stay, along with the prescription. Many name brand medications that are available in the U.S. are not available in South Asia.
• An International Student ID that can be used for discounts on international travel and accommodation in international youth hostels. International Student ID cards are available from Friends World Headquarters. Contact (631) 287-8474 for more information.
• 7 passport size photographs for Local Residential Permit and other Indian government registration procedures.

• Strong backpacks and sturdy empty bags. Also money belts or waist pouches are a good idea.
• Branded mosquito and insect repellents that suit you. Mosquito nets and repellents are available at local shops.
• Branded sunscreen creams or lotions. These are especially necessary if you are allergic to any other.
• Western clothes you may want to wear. Indian fabrics and clothes are easily available. You can buy fabric locally and get it tailored inexpensively.
• Do bring comfortable sturdy footwear with you. The shoes available here are not as good as the ones you can purchase at home. Remember that October is monsoon season. Protective clothing (windbreakers, raincoats, waterproof jackets) is essential.

• Any narcotic substances or materials. Contrary to what you may have read or have been told, being found dealing with, or in possession of, narcotics can result in imprisonment.
• Costly Electrical/Electronic gadgets

• The best way to transfer money is through Credit Card/Debit Cards. Students can also use ATM, credit and debit cards from major card companies- Master/Visa, Citibank - or major international banks such as HSBC, to withdraw money from ATMs in Bangalore and other major cities.
• Travelers Cheques are another safe way to bring in money.
• Please check with Friends World Headquarters for a current cost sheet/estimate of costs. Bear in mind that the figures on the cost sheet are for one semester only. Tuition fees, Centre Fee and Room and Board costs are paid directly to Long Island University.
• You should carry funds for your personal expenses and books with you so that they are available for use when you arrive in Bangalore.
• Students cannot open bank accounts in India.
• Please DO NOT have money sent to you through Postal Money Orders/Personal Cheques as these cannot be cashed locally.
• Sending currency through the mail is NOT advisable- not only is it illegal but money may be stolen.
• Please retain encashment receipts if you change money locally as these may be required by the Immigration Office when you leave the country. Please also retain receipts from any large purchases made.
• Please note that only Rs.10,000.00 can be converted back into USD, and this can be done only immediately before departure, at the airport.

• Each student is assigned a mailbox, making it convenient to receive mail at the Centre.
• Once you have moved to your local accommodation, you may choose to receive mail at that address.
• Students are responsible for posting their own mail.
• Minimum International postage is Rs.18/-. All International letters must be hand cancelled (they call it “franked”) to ensure that stamps are not removed (stolen) from letters.
• All letters going to places within India and the SAARC countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives etc.,) have a minimum postage of Rs.5/-
• Sending packages to the USA involves a complicated procedure of packaging. Students must consult postal authorities at the General Post Office before mailing packages.
• Please do not plan to receive electronic goods (including favourite music CDs) by post or parcel as the import duty on these goods is exorbitant and you may be charged much more than the actual cost, even if it is a used item.

• The phone at the Centre is available for student use during working hours for local calls related to student projects and studies and International collect calls. All calls must be made through the Centre Secretary.
• Public phone booths, called STD/ISD booths, are available around the city. A local call (within the city) is Rs. 2.00 for 3 minutes.
• Cellular or mobile phones with GSM facilities, which will allow students to make local and international calls at reasonable rates are easily available.
• Various options for package deals including handset and activation fee are available locally

• Electrical power in India is 220-240 volts, and Alternating Current. Please bring adapters and necessary extra gadgets for any electrical equipment you may need to bring.
• Surge protectors are strongly recommended

• The South Asian Centre has its internet connection to broadband providing easy net access to students during office hours (9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m).
• While at the Centre, each student will also be provided with a temporary password to facilitate communication with advisors, and Friends World students around the world.
• In addition, Bangalore is dotted with cyber-cafes where a student can access the Internet for a very small sum of money (less than a dollar for an hour)