Language
The official languages in Hyderabad is Telugu, however most of the people speak Hindi and to some extent English.

Business Hours
Most offices are open from 10am to 6pm and most shops are open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Many offices and shops are closed on Sundays, but malls and movie theaters are usually open. Restaurants and diners are generally have longer working hours, and open earlier and closer later than shops.

Car Rental
Car hire facilities are available in Hyderabad. A non-A/C car should cost between Rs. 600 - Rs. 700 for 80km and 8 hours. An A/C car should cost between Rs. 800 - Rs. 900 for 80km and 8 hours. Additional kilometers and hours have extra charges. The number for Ibrahim's Car Rental Company is 93-46441667. You can also call the transportation coordinator at MediCiti, George, at 99-8502413.

Most importantly, come with an open mind, flexibility, and expect occasional unpredictability in scheduling. Be prepared to eat with your hands (right hand) - and 90% vegetarian food. Occasional missing of hot showers and using bathrooms that are not "American" may be part of the program.

GENERAL VACCINE INFO

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers. 1 shot protects for 12 months. 2 shots separated by at least 6 months protects for life. Approximately $52 each shot.
• Typhoid: Recommended for all travelers. Shot must be repeated very 2 years. Pills every five years. Neither 100% affective so must be careful with food and water. NO STREET VENDOR EATING! Pills should be completed at least 2-weeks prior to travel and 1-month is better. Shot is about $55 vs $65 for capsules.
• Hepatitis B: Must be vaccinated to work in health care.
• Japanese encephalitis: All medical students should strongly consider this vaccine given risk and severity of illness if contracted. Residents can make their own decision. This vaccination is a 3 shots series at 0, 7-day, and 14-day or 30 day. Last shot must be given 10-day prior to travel. Each shot is approximately $145.
• Rabies: High risk occurs in most parts of the country. Avoid contact with mammals. All dog bites or scratches while in this country should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought even in those already immunized.
• Tetanus/diphtheria: Adequate primary series plus 1 dose of TD ($52) or TDaP ($41) within the last 10 years. Should keep this up-to-date even if not traveling.
• Measles: Indicated for those born in 1957 or later (1970 or later in Canada) without history of disease or of 2 adequate doses of live vaccine at any time during their life. Second dose is usually given just before starting grade school. Parents nearly always remember this vaccine; one must either get a shot or find proof. When in doubt, it is advisable to get another vaccination. (Price $47).
• Polio: Adequate primary series and 1 adult dose. Unless you have traveled to the developing world before, you will not have gotten an adult booster prior to this trip. $32 each.

MALARIA

• Malaria Risk (approximately 50% P. falciparum) exists throughout the year and peaks after the monsoon season, which is usually June to September. Risk is widespread, though patchy, in the whole country.
• Malaria Prophylaxis: Recommend evening and nighttime insect precautions in risk areas. Medicines that protect against malaria in this area include mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone).

PROVIDER SUMMARY FOR INDIA

• India is a developing nation in the lowest 25% of the world's economies. It is located in south-central Asia. Climate in most areas is either tropical or subtropical and is subject to seasonal monsoon winds.
• Adequate medical care is available in major cities but is not up to the standards of industrialized countries. Medical care is substandard in the rest of the country. Adequate evacuation coverage for all travelers is a high priority.
• TRAVELER'S DIARRHEA: High risk throughout the country including deluxe accommodations in major cities. Consider empiric treatment with loperamide and azithromycin.
• Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries. However, this country has a prevalence of over 100 cases per 100,000 population, the highest WHO risk category. Travelers planning to stay more than 1 month should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented.
• Dengue fever occurs in urban and rural areas. Recommend daytime insect precautions.
• Visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar) is epidemic in Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam states; limited risk to travelers. Recommend insect precautions.
• Avian influenza H5N1, excreted in large amounts in the droppings of infected birds, has been confirmed in this country in birds, including poultry, but not in humans. Although risk to travelers is minimal, avoid places where direct contact with birds and/or their secretions may occur, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Well cooked chicken is safe to eat. Current influenza vaccines are not protective. Oseltamivir is effective.
• The blood type of the general Asian populace is Rh positive; Rh negative blood may be difficult to obtain.
• Due to a large recycling industry, apparently disposable syringes may have been previously used. Travelers may want to carry their own syringes.