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Below you will find some questions and answers that may come up as you are thinking about the upcoming MCC India Mission trip. As an FYI, we are looking at the first or second week of November for the trip. This will probably involve leaving on a Friday and coming back a little over a week later, probably a Sunday. We will also have the option of staying a few more days and doing some ministry outside of Mumbai.
Airfare will be approximately $1,400. We need to get money in for that ASAP to lock in a lower cost. Once we finalize the date, we will pick the flight and therefore know the cost of the airfare.
If you would like to send some support letters to help raise funds for the trip, you can find links with some examples of support letters below. You will need to personalize the letter. I'd suggest praying about support and then sending the letter or an email to your friends and family you think might be interested in supporting your trip. You should probably also include the church's mailing address in case they would like to mail a check there. If they do, they will need to designate it (with a note that indicates it is for your support, for the trip). You can also mention in the letter that the donation would be tax deductible.
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| About.Com - Mission Letter |
| Mission Mobilizer - Mission Support Letter1 |
Mission Mobilizer - Mission Support Letter2
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- Q: Is the water safe in India? What will we eat?
A: We will drink bottled water. Plenty will be provided. We will even use bottled water to rinse when brushing teeth. Be cautious when drinking to avoid ice in beverages unless you're certain it's safe. Bottled Coke is OK. Be cautious during meals to avoid eating fresh items that may have been washed with tap water. Fresh items should only be eaten if YOU can peel it. We'll eat what the Indian's eat as long as it's cooked. George and Salomi will help us on this. There probably will not be many McDonald's or Subways in Mumbai. It's probably a good idea to bring some good snacks for the week.
- Q: Will my cell phone work in India?
A: It depends. You will need to check with your cellular provider to see if you have the right kind of phone and to make sure you have the right plan. You will also need specific instructions from your cellular provider on how to set the phone up once you get abroad. AT&T quad band phones will work in Bombay and other parts of India. The cost is $2.49 per minute.
- Q: Can I use my credit card in India?
A: Most likely. Salomi says there are banks nearby that have ATMs. Larger businesses in India will likely take credit cards. If you intend to take a credit or debit card to India it is highly advisable to call your financial institution before we leave to let them know when you'll be traveling out of the country and where. Otherwise, they will put a hold on your account and transactions will not go through. Be advised, your bank will probably charge you a 3% currency exchange fee on each transaction. Some do some don't. Yes, you can use your ATM card at an ATM in India.
- Q: Will my electrical equipment work in India?
A: Yes, but you'll probably need a converter. You can get them online, at Wal-Mart, or Brookstone.
- Q: What are the visa or entry requirements for India?
A: Each country has a requirement for entry otherwise called a visa. This has nothing to do with a credit card. Some countries like Peru don't require a tourist visa. India has a somewhat involved entry process. India outsources it's visa application process. Please see this website for more detail Travis Vista Outsourcing. You will be required to mail your passport to a company. They will require some recent passport type photos and that you have at least 6 months left on your passport from the beginning of your travel date. You will also be required to print and complete an application. There are different types of visas. We will be applying for a tourist visa. You will have different options for the length of visa you can get between 6 months and 10 years. I would suggest that you get a visa that approxmates the amount of time left on your passport if there's a chance you might go back sometime. There is a fee involved in the application. The 10 year multi entry visa is about twice ($183) the 6 month multi entry visa ($93). The turnaround time is just a few business days. But I'd suggest getting the visa at least a few months in advance. India will not let you enter the country without a visa. The airlines usually check your visa before they'll let you on the plane. If you were to get past the airline without a visa and arrived in India, you would be deported - this would be bad.
- Q: Will I need shots before I go to India?
A: Several are recommended but I don't believe any are required. Check with the Dallas County Health Department, they can tell you what are required, if any, and what are suggested. They can also provide most of the immunizations you'll need at the least cost. You will need to take malaria prevention pills. You'll need to get a prescription from your MD. We also suggest malarone and not larium. Larium is an older malaria prevention medicine and there are larium resistant strains of malaria. Larium also causes hallucinations.
- Q: What are my limits on luggage?
A: Airline checked and carryon luggage limits change frequently. Once travel arrangements have been finalized you will likely be advised of your luggage limits for your specific trip. It is also advisable to check the airline websites prior to your trip to confirm these limits. You should plan to pack as much as you can right up to the maximum limits which will likely be two 50 pound checked bags even though you might be able to get by with just one bag for yourself.
- Q: Can I take stuff to give away on the mission trip?
A: Yes. You will likely receive instructions on suggested items to bring well before the trip. If you have room left in your luggage after packing the items you are asked to bring, you may bring other items to give away. You may also wish to pack clothes to wear that you can give away when you leave. Items brought to give away on the trip should generally be given to the leaders in the Indian Church so that they can distribute as they see fit.
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