Approx Budget for Kerala, India?

I-Shot-Jr

Hi there,

I'm a first time poster in the travel forum on boards and I'd like to get an answer to my question from those that may have gone to India before!

First of all I'm heading to Cochin in about 20 days time as I've been invited to a good friend of mine's wedding. I've never been that far away from home before but I am fairly adventurous and love travelling. I've sorted out flights, vaccinations etc but I want to go over there and be prepared for everything!

What I would Like to know is how much should I budget for a two week stay in and around Kerala bearing in mind I'm a student! I would like to do this as cheaply as possible but I don't mind splashing out a little here and there! Whats the best way to go about changing money? Will my Laser/Maestro card work or should I sort out a credit card before I go? What kind of clothes should I pack? Will the weather be hot or slightly cooler as its october? Travel insurance, how do I go about getting it and for how cheap? Is it really necessary??

I'm so excited about this trip and I really want to plan as best I can so I can enjoy my stay!

I hope some of you will take the time to answer any questions! Thanks for reading!

Andrew

smilsss

Laser/Maestro card does not work there, credit card will work in big shopes and big hotels but will not work in other medium shops, they might charge extra for using credit card and you will not get any discount also.
If you have Visa debit card you can withdraw cash from ATM machines that are all around.

Summer clothes will do. but don't expose too much of your skin.

Hotels range from 3 star to 5 star, i would recommend going to 3 star as it will be around 30 euro per day and will be very clean and good. You will get other hotels for around 20 euros per day.

Do back water cruise in a traditional boat, don't stay in that as it is very expensive around 100 euros per day. for day trip they might charge you around 30 euros for 3 hours

Do visit some wildlife national park.

Before you take any autos or taxis negotiate the price.

bittihuduga

AIB Laser card can be used to withdraw cash from many ATM machines. ofcourse an forex and commission is also charged by AIB.
you cant pay for the shopping using laser card.
kerala has so many things - hill station, backwater, beach, national park. it could be bit wetty now. have a look at the weather report and dress accordingly. the prices are different for a native keralite and an foreigner. so negotiate.
indian food is cheaper but pizzas, burgers are only half price from here i guess.

I-Shot-Jr

Ok thanks you guys I'll budget 20 euro a night roughly! I'm going to sort out a credit card and travel insurance before I go, I will probably sort out insurance before I go as well, Im also going to try and negotiate everything before I buy!!