FAQ's

How can I contact you?
Our website has all sorts of information on who, what, where, when, why, and how. If you'd like to join us as a volunteer, please send us a mail at info@ivolunteer.org.in. If you'd like to request services for your non-profit, please put your name on our waiting list.

Do you partner with any other organizations?
We work through network of verified organisations generated by our five centres located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

What is the average time commitment?
Though there are no such expectations as long as you are able to complete your assignments during the time frame given by you. You will decide your own time period (minimum two months to maximum six months). The spirit of service is much more important than the number of hours you put in. Volunteers can help with tasks that take a couple of hours a month (like reviewing websites) to tasks that take 20 hours a week (like coordinating projects).

Do you match me up with a project or do I get to pick my own?
It's both ways, based on the information given by you in your relationship form your skills and interest areas will be matched with the project. Thereafter the host project forms will be send you so that you can select your own place of volunteering.

How do I get started?
To minimize our administrative overhead, we have set up an online volunteer sign-up form. Once you fill out the form, one of our volunteer coordinators will get in touch with you with information on the volunteer process and to give you access to our Volunteer Area. The Volunteer Area has all the resources you need to get started immediately. We are not in a race to get anywhere, but the more help we have, the more we can do.

How long has iVolunteer been working in India?
iVolunteer is functional since 2001 and has been working on the concept of promoting volunteerism in India.

Will someone meet me at the airport?
Once you are cleared through immigration and customs. A person will meet you at the terminal displaying your name. If you are delayed in customs or immigration beyond what is normal for others on your flight, please notify the ticket counter of your airline. Instruct them to tell anyone who inquires about you that you have arrived and have been delayed.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Flight delays and missed flights can occur en route. That is why we encourage you to schedule your arrival as early as possible on the first day of the service program. Should you miss a connection and be forced to change your itinerary, please contact our host representative or team leader, by telephone or by email, to alert them of the new airline, flight number and estimated time of arrival. We will provide you with an emergency contact sheet prior to your departure. If they receive your information in a timely manner, they will make arrangements to meet you at the new arrival time and date.

HEALTH TIPS

What health precautions should I take?
We strongly recommend that you visit with your personal physician, public health care provider or international travel clinic to determine what immunizations, vaccinations and other precautions you should take to prepare for your trip to India. In addition to your local resources, there are a number of other sources available that offer current information on required or recommended immunizations and precautions. For more details on India please visit: http://www.who.int/countries/ind/en/

Is the tap water safe to drink?
Generally local people rely on the tap water supplied by the respective Municipal Corporations but it is advisable that unless you get acclimatized with the environment, please avoid drinking tap water. You can choose from packed mineral water or filtered water.

Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
No, you should not eat food sold by street vendors. In addition, you should avoid uncooked vegetables and unpeeled fruit.

Do I need Insurance?
We strongly recommend that you ensure that you are covered by a medical insurance policy while traveling. Travel agents have information on travel insurance providers.

Does iVolunteer provide health insurance coverage?
iVolunteer does not provide health insurance. We recommend that you purchase a "Trip cancellation insurance." Travel agents have information on travel insurance providers.

CLIMATE (should we include this)

What is the climate like?
The climate is mainly monsoon tropical.

What are the seasons?
There are mainly three seasons, summer, monsoon and winter. On the whole summers (March-June) are hot and dry except in the hills and along the coast where it is humid. Temperatures in May/June can soar as high as 47°C. During the monsoon (July-September), the sub-continent is awash with its annual quota of rain. The winters (November-February) are cool and bright except for parts of the south-east where it is rainy.

MONEY

What is the local currency?
The local currency is the Indian rupee (INR).

What is the current exchange rate?
USD 1 = 45 INR (approx.) For currency conversion information, refer to the following web site: www.oanda.com/converter/classic

You should be aware that India has strict monetary controls and they do not allow the Indian rupees to be exchanged outside of national boundaries. In most cases, you will not be able to exchange dollars for rupees until you arrive in India.

In order to exchange rupees for dollars on your departure, you must show receipts from authorized banks or other financial institutions, which document how many dollars you exchanged to obtain that much rupees and at what exchange rate. If you do not produce these receipts you will not be allowed to exchange your funds in India.

Where do I exchange money?
Upon your arrival, we recommend you exchange some money at the airport.

Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some of the large stores and hotels in larger cities but may not be widely accepted in smaller cities.

Traveler's Cheques:
Most major currencies and brands of traveler's checks are readily accepted in the cities where we have our centres. Traveler's checks are rarely used for everyday transactions, so they will need to be cashed beforehand.

How much money should I bring with me?
How much money you bring depends on your free time plans, personal spending and shopping habits. Gifts range from less than $1 to $20 USD.

How do I pay the fees?
We will let you know the same once you accept the terms and conditions.

COMMUNICATIONS

How can my family contact me while I am in India?
In the event of an emergency, your family should get in touch with us, please be sure to leave a copy of our contact details with them.

What about international phone calls?
You can make telephone calls from the Internet cafes or from any other shop displaying the sign "STD". The general process is for a clerk to dial the number for you and a meter tells you how much time you have used. The cost is usually more economical than using an international calling card.

Is internet service available?
Internet cafes are available in all the major cities all round the corners. The normal cost is Rs 20 per hour plus service charges.