Delhi Airport Question

neela

Hi everyone. I'm leaving next week and will arrive at Delhi airport at 1 a.m. in the morning. I'm meeting someone there (my sister who arrived before me) who told me that she would meet me outside the airport building. But when pressed for exactly where I should meet her outside of the building, she doesn't really give me any other information (she's a difficult sister!). I've tried searching through this site, google and flickr (for photos) of what's outside the arrival building, but I'm coming up short.

My questions are: Is there only one exit door out of the arrival hall? Is there a curbside area outside of the building where I can wait? Is it relatively a safe spot for me to wait by myself at 1 a.m. in the morning?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

rachelinindia

there are two exits out of the international arrivals hall, on the left and right side. it costs 60 rupees for people to go and wait inside the arrival hall...surely she is not THAT cheap? there is always loads of people around, plus loads of police and security. you'll be safe.

capt_mahajan

To add to rachelinindia's post,

The best thing to do is to meet inside this hall; less chance of missing each other
you walk out after the last check into a common area inside the arrival hall, (the best place for meeting somebody) and then split either right or left. Even if inside the hall, be alert you don't miss each other. Its quite large and crowded at times.

neela

Thank you Rachel and Capt! I am definitely going to have her meet me inside now.

akt

As suggested, do ask her to buy the entrance ticket and wait for you in the arrival lobby inside. There are chairs, a snack shop, washrooms, much more comfortable than outside. If she has a mobile phone, get her number, just in case you need to contact her. You can find a PCO ("pay phone" with an attendan) anywhere.

TMPEREZ

Does anyone know -
Will there be currency exchange available in Delhi Airport?

onajourney

Yes, currency exchange is available after you clear immigration and retreive your bags.

bihar123

dont worry too much, there is only one exit. some people do come inside the lobby. but my experience is that dont ask to come in just in case you miss her. and at least outside you will see her.
currency exchange is just after immigration check. i suggest get your luggage and head to the STATE BANK OF INDIA at the far end of the baggage claim (converyor belts).
then you will be going out. there will be green and red channels. if nothing to declare go through the green one. there will be police or immigration people there and might ask you guestions or some checks for the baggage. then you will go to a hall where you can do bookings hotels, tickets for trains etc. then exits.
all the best.
beware its HOT there. air conditioning will cease to work and there will be hundreds of people.
just ask your sissy to be outside at least you wont miss her. all the best.

Mickey S

There is an ATM in the arrivals area, and two exchange bureaux. One is Thomas Cook and the other (I think) is an Indian bank. If the ATM is not working (and there's a very good chance it won't be) just exchange the minimum at one of the bureaux because the rate is not particularly good. And be sure to clarify in advance whether there is any commission to pay - there shouldn't be, but if you don't specifically agree that then they're likely to round the amount down to the nearest Rs.1000 and call it "commission". It's a scam.

bihar123

thomas cook are always closed definately at 1am. never tried the atm just in case cards remains in there then i am pretty sure the officials will NOT do anything.

TMPEREZ

Thanks so much for the clarification on the money exchange - you all are great!

Throughout our travels we have always relied on the use of ATMs and credit cards. It is safe to assume that we can do this while in India as well? We will be traveling from Delhi throughout Rajasthan, down to Mumbai and Kerala.

TMPEREZ

How long does it usually take to clear customs? Our plan is arriving into Delhi at 5 am from London........

wdp4

If your flight lands at 0500, you should be in your taxi by 0700 unless you are carrying some stuff that the customs might be interested in the immigrations line has several queues - in case you fit any of the special categories mentioned, you may pass through quickly.

__________________
--
anywhere i roam, where i lay my head is home
carved upon my stone, my body lie but still i roam

ranjan154

there are two exits at international airport. It is advisable to ask your sister to come inside the arrival point it costs very little,where you will find other fellows waiting for their beloveds or clients. Moreover, you may come out of the airport and can wait for your sister as it is very safe outside international airport.

__________________
Rakesh Ranjan
--------------
http://www.flickr.com/photos/travinfoindia/