Banking
The local currency is Indian Rupees and Paisa. Paper currency comes in denominations of Rs. 2, Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, Rs. 100 ,Rs. 500 and Rs 1000.. Coins in the denomination of Rs. 0.50, Rs. 1.00, Rs. 2.00 and Rs. 5.00.
Banking hours vary from bank to bank. Most banks accept travellers' cheques and change the currency. Passports are required while cashing the travelers cheques.. Nominal charges towards the service are deducted at times.
Banks in Nainital
State Bank of India, Mallital. Tel: 235645, 235087.
State Bank of India, Tallital. Tel: 235579.
Punjab National Bank, Barra Bazaar. Tel: 235714.
National Bank Ltd, Tallital. Tel: 235414.
Kurmanchal Bank, Tallital. Tel: 235440, 236037.
Kurmanchal Bank, Barra Bazaar. Tel: 235427.

Credit/Charge Cards
Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Kumaon. American Express/ MasterCard/ Visa

Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Kumaon. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

Electricity
Power Specifications in Kumaon follow the National standard i.e. 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. The power plugs generally used are three-pin type having square-shape.

Hair Salons
Most major hotels provide a full range of hair dressing services. Hair salons are also there in shopping centres, offering standard haircuts and more elaborate services like hair treatments, facial, manicure and pedicure.

Phone Service in Hotels
Most hotels offer in-room STD or international direct dial (ISD) telephone services. Quite a few Hotels impose minimal successful call transaction surcharge. .

Medical Facilities
Kumaon's has well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. Pharmacies are ready available at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock.

Govt. Hospitals In and around Nainital
B.D. Pant Hospital, Ramsay Hospital Road, Tallital. Tel: 235388.
Vaccine Research Institute, Patwadangar. Tel: 241129.
Veterinary Hospital, Haldwani. Tel: 221014, 235636.
Tiwari Forest Hospital, Haldwani. Tel: 234423/30.
Sitapur Eye Hospital, Haldwani. Tel: 220209.


Mobile Phones
There are two mobile phone networks - GSM and CDMA in Kumaon. A wide range of service providers is there.

Safety
Increasingly, personal safety and security of international travelers are causing grave concern the world over. However, in Kumaon there is no such apprehension. It is one of the safest regions in the world to visit.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public places.

Touting and Soliciting
Though shopping in Kumaon is a hassle-free and pleasurable experience, there are, on occasion, incidents of touting and soliciting. Visitors may at times feel being coaxed for buying products or services from vendors approaching them on streets. As a consumer, you have every right not to transact with any of these vendors. If you are not interested, ignore the touts or tell them firmly you are not interested and then walk away.
Here is a short list of what to be wary of:
a) representatives from companies selling timeshare programmes, promising freebies or deals if you fill in a survey form, visit their showroom or attend a briefing at their office.
b) representatives claiming to be from reputed departmental stores selling premium products like perfume or watches at attractive prices.

What to Wear
Winters in Kumaon are spread over months from November to March, Spring from mid March- April, May-June are Summer months and from July to September you have monsoon showers. The autumn season is from September to early November. Average rainfall varies from 90 to 250 cms and 70% of it occurs between July-September. Raincoat and Umbrella are a must in the rainy season. Snowing in lesser Himalayas takes place winters.