Where Your Money Goes

When you choose to volunteer with IVC you aren't only donating your time, but your money goes to support our work in the community. We keep our costs low to attract as many genuine volunteers from all income levels as possible, volunteers who may otherwise by missed by other volunteer programs that ask for much more. 

We require all volunteers, interns, and researchers to pay the Volunteer Registration Fee . If you choose to use our accommodation, the accommodation fee directly covers the costs of the housing we provide, utility costs, maintenance costs, etc. The registration fee supports our staff who spend time assisting volunteers in setting up projects, conducting research, or simply learning how to shop, eat, and travel in Pondicherry. It's a one time fee whether you stay 1 month or 6 months.


Your fees go toward:

Other costs to consider

While costs vary for each volunteer, here are some additional costs you will need to consider:

• Airfare - try using a website like kayak.com to find the lowest rates, most volunteers fly into the Chennai airport
• Visa Costs - this varies by country and visa type, check with your local Indian Consulate or Embassy for current prices
• Travel Insurance - IVC requires all of it's volunteers to be covered by insurance while volunteering. You are free to choose any insurance company you would like, but many past volunteers highly recommend worldnomads.com as a dependable, affordable option.
• Vaccinations - visit your primary doctor or a travel clinic to determine if you need any vaccinations before coming to India, as well as their costs.
• Food - food costs are very low in India compared to most other countries. A good South Indian meal at a local restaurant will cost less than 100 Rs (less than 2 USD / 2 EUR) and a treat out at a rooftop Italian restaurant costs approximately 250 Rs (4 USD / 3 EUR). All of our accommodations are equipped with simple kitchens if you'd like to cook your own meals and save even more.

Daily costs

Average Daily Cost for Mid-Range Volunteer = 800 Rs 

This includes: 
large breakfast at local street vendor (20-50 Rs)
lunch at midrange Indian restaurant, meal with drink (200 Rs)
dinner at midrange to high-range restaurant, meal with drink (200-400 Rs)
2 rickshaw rides around town (120-150 Rs total, depending on distance) 

A budget volunteer could expect to spend 400-500 Rs a day and still eat well. 

Obviously all budgets depend on the individual, but keep in mind that it is incredibly easy to save money in India, and, if mindful, you will very often spend below any daily amounts you set for yourself. 

Average Costs of Some Items/Goods in Pondicherry 
5 bananas (20 Rs) 
1 Kingfisher beer, bought at shop, 650 ml (65 Rs) 
Street meal (30-50 Rs) 
Large bottle of Tropicana juice (99 Rs)
Endless thali meal (90-130 RS) 
Average rickshaw ride across town (60-80 Rs) 
High-quality boutique shawl (1,500-3,000 Rs) 
Traditional Indian outfit for women, department store (700 Rs); can find cheaper in market 
Meal at high-end western-style restaurant (300-450 Rs) 
Coffee at A/C café (60-70 Rs)
Chai (8 Rs)

ATMs are available throughout Pondicherry and are the most convenient way to withdraw money once you are in India. Some volunteers choose to bring traveler's checks with them, and we can certainly help you find the necessary bank to withdraw your funds upon arrival. There is a Western Union in the center of town as well.

Costs

Volunteer Registration Fee* 
Rs. 20,000/-

Accommodation Fee (per day) 
Rs. 400/- single room (1 person)
Rs. 700/- double room (2 people)

Airport Transportation
(Includes toll gate charges, parking, etc.)
Rs. 3,000/-  arrival only
Rs. 6,000/-  arrival & departure

All amounts are in Indian Rupees. Please use currency conversion tools below.

*Volunteer Registration Fee is mandatory and non-refundable.

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