Europe Travel Guidelines: Germany

 
Germany is a beautiful country to visit, especially if you’re interested in history or knowing historical elements that make a specific region different that the others. Germany is located in the heart of Europe and May to October is the best time to visit Germany. Festivals and popular events are organized during this time. Read on to know more about life in Germany…

Germany

All visitors must have valid passports (needs to be valid for 3 months beyond the departure date). Australian, Canadian and U.S. nationals do not require a visa for a less than 3-months visit. EU countries’ visitors must have a valid national ID, which could either be a passport or some other ID. EU countries’ visitors do not require a visa at all.

• Coastal Germany has temperate climate with warm summers and mild cloudy winters. The interiors are warmer during summers and winters are colder. Expect rain throughout the year. Carry clothing accordingly and do not forget an umbrella.
• Although banks are shut on weekends, exchange bureaus at the airport and main stations remain open everyday between 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.
• In Germany, it is advised that you change currencies only at the banks or legitimate exchange bureau.
• Cash your traveler’s checks at exchange bureaus as banks would seldom accept it. Although Germans prefer cash transactions, nowadays major credit cards are being widely accepted.
• Probably the most convenient and quickest way to obtain cash would be at an ATM.
• In Germany, unless asked, do not address people by their first names. Also take a small gift such as unwrapped flowers or a bottle of champagne for the hostess. Make sure that you take uneven number of flowers and that they are not red roses.
• Courtesy states that on entering stores or restaurant use greeting such as Guten Tag before asking for anything. Also do not offend the Germans by just leaving without saying anything. The phrase to be used here is Auf Wiedersehen or Tschuss.
• Normally casual dressing is acceptable, but in theaters, opera, certain restaurants, casinos and important social functions one must be appropriately dressed.
• Smoking is banned wherever notified, public transports and buildings. Restaurants and bars are exempted.

Food

• Food joints and restaurants offer variety of foods, which are European specialities. Try some delicious Veg and Non-veg German Cuisine with the local brand of beer available. Don’t miss on freshly baked German Cheesecake.

Local Beer

• Shops generally remain open between 10:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.- Monday to Saturday. The bigger stores, departmentals and supermarkets may remain open till 8:00 P.M. Countryside stores close by 6:00 P.M. and usually shut down for an hour in the afternoon.
• If the service charge is not added to the bill leave a 5 to 10 per cent tip on the check amount. Also tip the cleaning staff, hairdressers, porters and taxi drivers in small amounts.
• Non-EU visitors require an international driving license or an official German translation.
• In order to hire a car you have to be a minimum of 21 years of age and require a valid driver’s license and a major credit card.
• Germany drives on the right and overtakes on the left. Always.
• If there are no signals/traffic police/sign indicating right-of-way, then right-of-way is always valid for traffic coming from right. This is true also for small side streets and main roads intersections.
• German laws are very strict on drunken driving. Front and rear seat belts are mandatory everywhere. Hand held mobiles while driving are not allowed.
• There are no tolls to be paid on the German Autobahns.
• Radar traps to monitor speeds are frequent in Germany. Maintain speed limits while driving. Within cities the limit is 50 kph and two-lane highways 100 kph. Although most motorways or autobahns do not specify a speed limit, avoid topping over 130 kph.
• Public toilets are easily available in Germany. They are marked as Toilette or WC. Larger cities would have spherically shaped or automatic cubic “boxes.”These toilets operate on coins of up to 50 Eurocents or even 1 Euro. Therefore keep some change handy. Also at several of these washrooms you will find attendants. Do leave small tip for them.
• Choose the correct toilet. ‘Manner’ is for men whereas women’s toilet would have ‘Damen’ or ‘Frauen’ sign boards.
• A comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all travelers. Travelers can either purchase it from their respective countries or from the Insurance agencies in France. Remember, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• For medical emergencies (ambulance) call 112 and 110 for police.

(Reference resources – http://www.worldtravelguide.com)

France

          Who is not excited to visit France?  France is officially known as French Republic and the capital of France is Paris.  Baroque architecture and Gothic Art are said to have been born in this incredibly interesting and historic land. French language, french fashion and french wine are world-famous and you should explore this classic country at least once in life. Read on to know more about France…

Eiffel Tower

 Before planning a trip to France, get a detailed weather update, especially the cities you plan to cover. Find their rainiest months, average temperatures etc.

 While in bigger cities such as Nice or Paris you may get away with English, but in rural areas it is slightly difficult if you have no knowledge of French. Generally, French people regard it to be rude if you address them in English, they may not respond or pretend not to know English. So, do know the few basic and important words and carry a English to French dictionary.

- Most people would make Paris synonymous with France. Please note that apart from Paris, there are whole lot of interesting and beautiful places you may include in your itinerary-e.g. Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux etc.

 - Choosing the correct rail pass is very important-it differs depending upon the number of passengers or countries or places within France that you intend to visit and save money accordingly. There is a wide variety to choose from, a brief list of which is given below- select as per your need:
a)     France Single-Country Rail Pass
b)     France Saver Pass
c)     France Youth Pass
d)     France Senior Pass
e)     Point-to-point Ticket
f)      Rail ‘N Drive Pass
g)     France ‘N Italy and France ‘N Spain Pass
h)    Eurostar (for London)
i)     Eurail Select (for adjoining 3 to 5 countries) Pass or Eurail Pass (For 17 countries).

France is undoubtedly very pretty, but be prepared to encounter and accept their negatives as well. It is fairly common to find dog litter in France-it could be the parks, sidewalks anywhere- so be careful while treading on foot.

Mona Lisa

• Look out for “non-stop” signs on shops and restaurants as they do not shut down in the afternoon. Get the opening and break timings right for any places you will visit on your trip. Same applies for the Museums.

-  Carry minimal Euros from your hometown. In France you may avail them from the numerous ATMs which provide generous and best rate of exchange, you may use your credit card for the same purpose. However, do confirm it with your bank beforehand about the usability, withdrawal limit, any surcharges on foreign withdrawals etc. Never go to the moneychangers, they charge exorbitant commissions and their exchange rates are horrible.

•  Banks are open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. with maybe a couple of hours break in the afternoon.
• Make sure that your ATM pins are not over four digits as French system may not accept them. Also, they should be numbers and not letters.
• Do carry a Five-Language Translator preferably the talking one. French is absolutely must here especially if you are on your own and need help for routes, menus etc.
• The Electricity runs on 220 volts. Make sure you are carrying a Voltage transformer as well as an adapter.
• In France minimum age required to drive is 18. Carry your license and proof of insurance coverage and certificate.

- Get refund on your vat payments on purchase of 1200 francs or more. The stores would furnish the forms which you deposit with the custom officials on departure. Your credit cards are refunded the amounts between 13 to 19.6 percent or you shall receive it via mail in a few days. (To avail this benefit the stay in France should be less than 6 months in case of U.S. citizens.)

• For international calls from France first dial 00 followed by country code, area code and then the telephone number. Use calling cards or bank cards to call from public booths. Calling cards are easily available in Metros, hospitals, airports etc.
• Using a public washroom in France is no mean task. It is slightly difficult to locate one in the first place and they can be difficult to handle ( if it is not out of service). Carry change of 5 or 10 centimes as you have to insert it in the slot for the door to open and then shut behind you automatically. Make sure you come out within 15 minutes or the doors would open automatically. Although it may be wet and slightly dirty, it is disinfected after each use.

- Better option therefore is to use a cafe (save their receipts, they have a code to let you enter the rest rooms)or mall restrooms. Now, French toilets do not have flushing at the rear- it could be a foot pedal, a chain hanging from above, at some places maybe one or a couple of buttons on top (both have to be used in order to flush) or it could be a rectangular block on the wall behind with either a pull or push option.

• While you take a tour of France, enjoy the local food with the famous french wine. 
  

  French wine and food

   

• Since tips are assessed for taxation purpose under French Laws, restaurants, cafes and others levy a 15 percent service charge to your bill. You may leave additional tip of 5 to 10 percent for a pleasant dining experience. Taxi drivers expect a 10-15 per cent tip on the fares. Also tip the porters on per bag basis and room maids on per day basis.

- A comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all travelers. Travelers can either purchase it from their respective countries or from the Insurance agencies in France. Remember, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

In case of any emergency, call 112

(Reference sources: http://www.worldtravelguide.com, http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/DF_tourism.shtml, http://www.intransit-international.com/services_french_immigration_france.html)

Switzerland

Switzerland

Switzerland is a great place to visit. It’s one of the most popular destinations in Europe that travelers love to explore.  If you’re planning a tour to Switzerland, make sure you know the basic rules and regulations before getting in there. Here are some handy tips:

Visa Overview

(Source: www.worldtravelguide.net)

• Visitors from any other country apart from the European countries need to fulfill the passport requirements while entering in Switzerland. European Nationals except Bulgaria and Romania,  holding a valid national ID card do not need passport. Citizens from Bulgaria and Romania are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.
•  Visitors from Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain can enter in Switzerland with normal passports, expired for up to five years, providing not taking up employment, for stays of up to three months. Citizens of Germany can get in with passports expired for up to one year.
•  Tourists and business visitors who travel repeatedly to Switzerland but stay less than three months each time must apply for a residence permit if their total stay exceeds six months within a period of 1 year.
  Visas for Switzerland  may take between 24 hours and several weeks to process depending upon the nationality of the applicant and the type of Swiss entry clearance being sought.
•  Visa applications for short stay tourist visas and business visas must include the following:
  a)A passport from the country of residence, which is valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the grant of leave. The passport must also have at least one blank page.
  b)A fully completed application form with the appropriate fee and proof of the applicant’s occupation.
  c)Documentary evidence of sufficient funds to support the applicant for the duration of the trip.
  d)Evidence of the intention to return to the country of residence or continue to another destination
  e)Two passport sized photographs.
•  Visitors, other than EEA state members, are advised to hold a return or onward ticket, documents for next destination and proof of financial means.
•  Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Baggage Guidelines

• A number of regulations apply for luggage while flying to Switzerland.  You have to register your luggage before flying. Properly closed and locked suitcases or other solid sealable baggage are accepted as checked baggage for carriage.
•  New security regulations have come into force since 2006, governing how much liquid you can carry with you when going through a security check.  These regulations apply to all persons flying to European Union countries including Switzerland.
•  While flying to Switzerland, you have to be careful if you’re flying with liquids. Only small quantities of liquids are allowed in your cabin luggage. The term ‘Liquids’ includes syrups, perfumes, body lotions, oils, creams, hair and shower gels, semi-solid items like shaving foam and toothpaste and any other items that fall in the similar consistency.
•  These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml each. All the containers carrying liquids must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (20 cm x 20 cm = about 8″ x 8″) like freezer bags. Larger quantities of liquids can still be carried in checked-in luggage with a capacity not exceeding one liter.
  Liquids for medicinal purposes or due to special dietary requirements, including baby food can be taken on board but make sure that make sure they do not exceed the quantity required for the flight. There is a possibility that you are asked to taste the items like baby food, if you’re carrying one with you.
•  In case, you’re carrying medicines then you must produce a medical certificate or a prescription in your name. Fully collapsible wheel chairs for disabled persons, which are placed in the baggage compartment for space reasons are carried free of charge.
  Gas, flammable liquids, explosives, corrosive and radio-active substances, magnetized objects, poisons, matches and lighters (selected destinations only) must never be in your possession or packed in your baggage.
•  Before you pass through the metal detector at the security checkpoint on any Swiss Airport, do not forget to take all metal items and electronic devices out of your pockets such as mobile, laptops.
  In case of the hold baggage, you should check your heavy, oversize items. Individual items may be no heavier than 32 kg each.
  In addition to the hold baggage you check in, you are entitled to take one item of hand baggage plus one personal item (eg. laptop, handbag/purse, camera) into the cabin provided they weigh no more than 12 kg.
•  New size limit on hand luggage is specified as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22×17.7×10 inches).
•  You need to inform your Airline when booking your ticket if you intend to travel with sports items such as surf boards or bikes.
  This is only generalized information and may differ from airline to airline. Kindly confirm with your airline before hand. Click here for airlines’ toll- free numbers and websites.

Prohibited/ Permitted Items

• Weapons, ammunition, knives, toys that look similar to the real weapons such as pistols, grenades, infectious materials, caustics and compressed gasses are strictly prohibited.
•  Food Products: Strict import sanitary conditions apply to meat and milk and meat or dairy products being imported into the European Union.
•  Flammable items like gas, combusted liquids, explosives, corrosive and radio-active substances, magnetized objects, poisons, matches and lighters (selected destinations only) should never be carried or packed in your baggage.
•   Edible Oils are allowed in the cabin provided they are hermetically sealed and placed under the seat in front of you. Check with your usual travel agent or the local health authorities.
•  Perfumes and Aerosols are permitted in the cabin or the baggage hold. The maximum  weight : 2 kg or 2 items per person and 0.5 kg or 0.5 kg or 0.5 litre per item.
•  Medical syringes are allowed only with a proof of documents and medical needs in the cabin. Disposal of the syringes is completely an individual responsibility. One should avoid leaving them aboard the aircraft.

Custom Laws

• Items for personal use like clothing, toilet articles, sports gear, photographic and amateur movie or video cameras,  (including film), musical instruments, and camping equipment are allowed by the Custom laws in Switzerland.
•  You can also take 2 liters of alcohol (up to 15% proof) or 1 liter of more than 15% proof. You are also allowed 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco if you’re flying in from outside Europe. Those entering from other European countries are allowed 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
•  Penalties for illegal drug possession are more severe in Switzerland. You could go to jail or be deported immediately.
•  Driving while intoxicated, particularly if it results in damage to property or persons, brings swift and severe punishment involving sizable fines and possible imprisonment.
•  A value-added tax (VAT) of 7.6% is added to bills. In addition, drivers entering Switzerland are required by law to purchase a windshield sticker for 40F, valid for travel on Swiss roads for 1 year. Stickers are sold at all Customs posts upon entering Switzerland. Before making a purchase, ensure that the shop has the required paperwork for you to make a claim. Refunds are given at main border crossings and at Geneva and Zürich airports, or you can claim later by post.
•  Live animals – only to those destinations where valid regulations permit Some animals can be carried for applicable charges in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage in the aircraft baggage compartment, if placed in a sufficiently large and solid container with a leak proof bottom.
•  Small animals can be carried in the passenger cabin, if placed in a container with a maximum size not exceeding a length of 48 cm, a width of 32 cm and a depth of 29 cm. Total weight of the container with an animal must not exceed 8 kg.

Health/ Medical

• No endemic contagious diseases exists in Switzerland since medical care and health facilities are considered the best in world.
•  Still, a comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all travelers. Travelers can either purchase it  from their respective countries or from the Insurance agencies in France. Remember, doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
•  Also, make sure that you have adequate health insurance. There is no free state health service in Switzerland (Swiss citizens and residents are all obliged to take out some form of private health insurance) and all treatment must generally be paid for. The EU and Switzerland have a reciprocal agreement on basic health-care provisions.
•  EU citizens should see the website of their national health system for travel advice and what the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles them to in Switzerland. In the case of the UK citizens, they should check what NHS (National Health Service) provides them while in Switzerland.
•  Some common ailments in Switzerland include symptoms of altitude sickness that leads to severe headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and lack of sleep.
• Rabies is present. Beware of the snakes as snakebites are dangerous. Seek immediate help in case you’re bitten.
•  In winter, higher elevations might also cause frostbite. Wet clothes, wind chill factor, and extreme cold can cause frostbite. Some people with poor circulation, such as those who suffer from diabetes, are particularly vulnerable.
•  Snow blindness often happens in Switzerland in conditions of great snow or ice, mostly at higher altitudes. It is usually prevented by wearing dark-lensed “glacier glasses” which are of the wraparound, side-shielded variety. Wear these glasses even if the sky is overcast, as ultra-violet rays can pass through masses of cloud formations. Don’t forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.
•  If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor. Emergency rooms at local hospitals provide appropriate medical services.
• Many hospitals also have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening; you may not get immediate attention, but you won’t pay the high price of an emergency-room visit.
•  If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. For conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems, wear a ‘MedicAlert Identification Tag’, which will immediately alert doctors to your condition and give them access to your records through MedicAlert’s 24-hour hot line.
•  Always pack prescriptions of your medicines in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels to clear the airport security check points. Also, bring copies of your prescriptions in case you lose your pills or run out.  Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

Travel safe and enjoy your Switzerland tour. Write back to us for more travel tips…

Add to :

A comprehensive medical insurance is mandatory for any student planning to go abroad for higher education. You may buy insurance from the home country or avail one from the country you will be studying at. Most universities abroad grant waivers if you are carrying an insurance from home, provided they meet the requirements specified. As an Indian planning to study abroad, it is better to take insurance from home as they are more cheap than ones available abroad.

Make sure that the policy you buy in India adequately covers the university insurance requirements. We have drawn a comprehensive list of such requirements, which varies from university to university. Usually a combination of few criterion mentioned below are specified as “must” in your policy coverage.

• The most important requirement is medical coverage, which all universities will specify. Usually the minimum coverage required is of US$ 50,000.
• Costs incurred as an inpatient as well as outpatient must be covered by your student medical policy.
• Many educational intitututes may require coverage for treatment of any mental and nervous disorders, including drug dependency or alcoholism.
• Dental insurance is another main component. The amount may differs from university touniversity.
• An accidental insurance, including death and dismemberment benefits, are must in case of college.
• You may also require coverage of costs incurred in case of emergency medical evacuation (to a nearest medical facility or country of residence) and repatriation of remains (in case of death). The coverage amount required differs among universities.
• Several universities may also require your insurance policy to cover any possible inter-collegiate sports injuries or such unforeseen events.
• Again, as per requirements of universities, your policy may have to cover mammography expenses (breast x-ray) or those related to maternity, complications of pregnancy and child care.
• Most universities require the necessary deductibles not to exceed $500. A “deductible” is the amount over and above which the insurance company starts funding the bills.

As mentioned above most universities will ask for a few or a combination of these health coverages, therefore select your health insurance policy accordingly. Do remember that since you will be traveling abroad and staying there for a considerable time, your policy must cover several other unforeseen expenses.

These include any possible personal liability, loss of passport and checked-baggage, cost of a bail bond (in case of unfortunately being arrested or detained in judicial custody), interruption in study (reimbursement of the remainder semester fee), transportation cost of an emergency visit to/from home (illness where either the student travels home or receives a family member) or other such expenses.

RELATED READ

• Customized solutions for student medical insurance

Add to :

The following carriers have made changes to their checked baggage policies.

Air Canada

• Effective for tickets issued on or after May 15 for travel on or after July 15, 2008.
• Under the new policy, customers who purchase tickets on Air Canada which carry a cancellation penalty, may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee.
• The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• This policy applies for travel within Canada and between Canada and continental U.S. including Hawaii.

Click here to visit the Air Canada website for complete details. 

AirTran Airways

• The new baggage rules are effective from May 15, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $10 USD fee if paid through AirTran Airways’ Online Check-in or $20 if paid at the airport, then $50 USD per bag thereafter.
• The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Military personnel may check one duffel/sea bag in place of a 61-inch bag.

Click here to visit AirTran Airways website for complete details.

American Airlines

• Effective for tickets purchased on or after May 12 for travel on or after May 12, 2008.
• This policy applies for travel within the U.S. the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.

Click here to visit American Airlines website for complete details.

Continental Airlines

• Effective for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• However, OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders and active military traveling on orders are NOT IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Continental Airlines website for complete details.

Delta Airlines 

• Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.
• SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are NOT IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Delta website for complete details.

JetBlue Airlines

• This new policy applies to customers traveling on/after June 1, 2008.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $20 USD fee ($40 USD round-trip). Subsequent bags will be assessed at $50 USD per bag.
• The fees may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of each baggage.

Click here to visit JetBlue website for complete details.
Northwest Airlines

• Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America.
• This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way.
• The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will NOT BE IMPACTED by this policy change.

Click here to visit Northwest Airlines website for complete details.

United Airlines

• United has announced a new checked baggage policy for nonrefundable domestic economy tickets that were purchased on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Customers with Mileage Plus Premier status or greater, Star Alliance Silver status or greater, government fares, military fares, standard Award Tickets, first and business class award tickets, or first and business class upgrades granted prior to check-in are not impacted by this policy change.

Click here to visit United website for complete details.

US Airways

• US Airways has announced a new baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
• The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
• Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
• Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.

Click here to visit U.S. Airways website for complete details.

Add to :

When you plan to go abroad for your studies, one of the main requirement is that of Student Travel Insurance, also commonly known as Student Medical Insurance. You cracked your University entrance exam, and now it’s time to crack this essential piece. Most of the students find the insurance aspect confusing and land up feeling lost. ICICI Lombard understands your predicament and is here to help you out. 

Our unique University Search tool gives you precisely what you are looking for. Covering more than 400 universities worldwide, we provide you the exact insurance requirement for each university. Not only this, we also tell you which plan suits the university criteria and allow you to buy it instantly online. And just in case you have any doubts and feel the need to crosscheck, we also provide the university link for you do so.  

How do you go about it? 

Simply go to our University Search tool and select the university from the drop downs. For your convenience, we have different drop downs for different countries. Select your university from the relevant drop own. You will b taken to a page which give you precise information of the university’s student insurance requirement. Side by side we also let you know whether ICICI Lombard covers it or not. The entire information is given in a table format so that it is easy for you to comprehend. You get all the information in just one glance and thus save the trouble of going through paragraphs and paragraphs of information which may become confusing.  

Not only this, we also recommend the insurance plan that satisfies all your requirement. And to save the time and hassle of actually calculating the premium online, we give you the premium in Rupees then and there! 

All you have to do is just click on the Buy Online button and get your Student Medical Insurance in just 5 minutes!  

We understand the pressure on you. And we know that time is essential. This is just one of our initiatives to assist you. And just in case you have any queries, simply chat with us (24*7) or email us.  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation.

Add to :

There’s nothing more unnerving than losing your luggage with your priceless items in a flight. On an average, airlines globally spend as much as $1.6 billion a year on mishandled baggage. How can you prevent baggage losses? Here are a few tips.

Label inside and outside

Label your business contact details: name, address and phone number to the inside of your bag with duct tape and leave a copy of itinerary and tickets inside.

Color tag on your bag

Get a small roll of bright tape (like fluorescent lime) and wrap a piece around something on your bag, like a handle strap. This enables you to spot your bag amongst a whole pile of similar-looking bags. You can also list it as an identifying mark if reporting lost luggage.

Photo-identify your baggage

A picture is worth a thousand descriptions: Take a picture of your bag, preferably with color tag, and store it in your camera phone or in your digital camera. Alternatively, place a print-out with your passport in your carry on or passport holder, too. If you have to report lost luggage, you have an easy way (your phone) to show what your bag looks like. If you have it in your phone and have a hard copy, you can leave the copy at the baggage counter if you have to leave the airport without your bag.

A rain-check before check-in

Never check baggage that won’t completely close. While use of a luggage strap is a good idea it should not replace the original closing mechanism.

Carry Travel Check-list

Write out a detailed record of your packed belongings in case you need to account for your personal items.

Pack valuables, medicines and must-have’s in carry-on bags

While most bags are recovered quickly, pack a change of clothes in your carry-on, as it may be a few days before you and your luggage are reunited.

Carry Overseas Travel Insurance

You can never be safe enough, so it becomes a smart idea to invest in Overseas Travel Insurance that enables you to claim, should you tend to lose your baggage. Click here to know more on Overseas Travel Insurance Gold

Add to :

ICICI Lombard GIC is glad to introduce Travel Guide – an online initiative catering to all aspects of traveling overseas. We understand that travel insurance is just a small part of the whole jigsaw, and have thus tried to put all the other aspects in place for you. Exhaustive and comprehensive, it has destination guides, travel guidelines and tips, tools and more. 

What does the Travel Guide contain?

Lots and lots and lots of important information and tools. The main sections are-

Discover Destinations - Find out about various destinations around the world. Get informed about what to see, their main events, the best places to eat and stay, reaching there and getting around. 

Travel Guidelines – Get country specific guidelines on visa, baggage, permitted and prohibited items and custom laws. This is a must check section while you are planning you trip.  

Travel Tips – This section contains destination specific tips on currency, health, safety, basic customs, culture etc.  

Travel Tools – A whole gamut of interactive tools assuring you a safe and smooth journey. The list includes

• Check flight status
• Track flights online
• Flight Ratings
• Departure and Arrivals
• Airport information
• Weather information
• Currency converter
• World clock
• Time zone
• Airport maps
• Airline seat maps
• International calling codes
• Electricity conversion
• Airlines toll free nos and websites
• Foreign Embassies in India
• Indian Embassies abroad

Top travel stories – the top most travel stories on travel and places from across the world.  

Travel Smart articles – A bank of useful articles ensuring that you not only travel smooth but also travel smart!  

Travel Insurance – Offering the most innovative, comprehensive insurance solutions for your trip abroad. Pay on a per day basis (rather than slab rates) and buy online instantly.  

Click here to visit the Travel Guide. Do note that we are adding new stuff everyday. So keep visiting and keep exploring! And yes, do feel free to voice your opinion. Your input is valuable to us.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Insurance is a subject matter of solicitation. 

Add to :

Great! You have decided on your trip and you have got the tickets booked. You have also found out about the travel insurance you require and have bought it – either through the agent or online. Now, if you have bought it through an agent, he must have surely filled you in with the things you need to know. So why waste time reading this article? There are other things to do. BUT WAIT! Here are a few important things which you might have skipped. And if you have bought it online, you need to read this all the more!

Here is the fine print – the most important part that one usually does not pay attention to. Read on…

- Read the policy wording properly. Know the definitions. Know what the various words like family, accident, burglary etc mean in the insurance context.

- Understand what you are covered for. Apart from the scope of coverage also go through the conditions specified for the coverage. In fact, ‘Terms and Conditions’ is one of the most important sections of the policy wording.

- Give equal importance to Exclusions as to Coverage.

- Usually, certain Special Conditions are allowed in the travel policies. Find out if your policy offers any and what are they.

- All travel insurance policies carry a ‘Deductible’, usually of $100. Deductible is the amount you need to pay from your own pocket. The insurer would pay any amount more than that.

- Know about the documents you need to submit in case of claims. There are different documents required for different kinds of claims. E.g. documents required for a baggage loss would differ from documents required for burglary.

- Read the fine print carefully. Understand what you are covered for and what not.

- Also be aware of the ‘conditions’ specified for filing of claims.

- Always carry your policy wording along with the policy itself. It is as important. As far as possible, have them online so that you can access them anytime, anywhere!

And remember, in case of any doubt, always ask. Don’t ever hesitate. It is your right to know.

Add to :

If you are visiting Bangkok and don’t know where to start and where to end, here is some help. Following is a list of places which you must visit in your trip to Bangkok.

Royal Grand Palace

When King Rama I took the throne as the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty in 1781, he moved his capital from Thonburi to the other bank. He then ordered the construction of the Royal Grand Palace as the centre of the new city. Inside the Royal Grand Palace are the Maha Monthien group of buildings, the Throne Halls, and other palaces and buildings.

Wangderm Palace

The palace was built when King Taksin moved his capital from Ayutthaya to Thonburi. .When King Rama I came to the throne, he move the capital to Pranakorn and assigned a truste relative to stay on in Wangderm Palace . King rama V donated the palace to be used as the school of Naval Education.

Wat Pho (Wat Chetupon)

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace on Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Its soles are inlaid with mother of pearl. The temple is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes call Thailand’s first university.

Wat Suwannaam (Ratchaworawihan)

During the reign of King Taksin, this temple was where Burmese prisoners of war from Bang Kaew Camp were executed. It was founded in the Ayuraya period and was initially called Wat Thong. It was dismantled and rebuilt during the restorations made in the reign of King Rama I, and the king renamed it Wat Suwannaram. It was restored again during the reign of King Rama III. It was formerly the site of Royal Cremation Ground for members of the Royal family and high-ranking officers, and was used for this purpose until the reign of King Rama V.

Phra Sumeru Fortress

Phra Sumeru Fortress, built in the reign of King Rama I, is the largest existing fortress of all 14 which now only two exist. The other is the Mahakan Fortress. The large area was established as a public park on the occasion of the 6th cycle of King Rama IX on the December 5th, 1999. Entrance is free for all; prohibited areas are the fort itself (octagon shaped buildings with wall surrounding) and the Thai-style pavilion, which is for royal ceremonies.

National Museum of the Royal Barges

Among the exhibits in the museum are the Kanya Throne, Budsaba Throne, and many kinds of oars and paddles. Due to lack of space, only of the Royal barges can be seen there. The other five a kept at Wasukree Pier and at theRoyal Tai Navy Transport Department.

To know more about Bangkok, main events, places to stay, places to eat and how to get around there, click here.

Have you been to Bangkok before? Or are you a local? If you have something say or anything to share about Bangkok, we would be more than glad to read. Do write about your personal experiences so that all of us can benefit