Q and A
LEAD:  Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency
Question: I am going to Tunisia this fall but have been unable to obtain Tunisian currency. Do you have any suggestions? - T. L. C., Hartsdale, N.Y.
Answer: The Tunisian dinar is a so-called soft currency, one that is not generally bought and sold outside Tunisia. To Deak International, the currency trading group, and similar companies, soft currencies are those for which there is little international demand and are regarded as risky commodities because of their fluctuations in value. A spokesman for Deak said that among many other currencies it does not deal in are Burma's kyat and Botswana's pula.
Tourists visiting Tunisia obtain dinars by cashing traveler's checks at banks, currency exchange centers and hotels. Visitors who want local currency right away may cash a traveler's check on arrival at the Tunis-Carthage Airport, where there is a bank. Major credit cards are honored at some hotels, restaurants and shops in the main cities. At this writing the dinar is worth about $1.30.  India's Trains
Question: Are there travel companies that arrange tours of India? I am especially interested in a railway package. - J. L., Newport Beach, Calif.
Answer: Tour operators that specialize in India are not generally enthusiastic about railroad travel. Some liken first class on India's trains to second class in Europe, and, with one exception, there are no established, scheduled railroad tours. On the other hand, a land package, with train journeys included, can be arranged. The one train tour that is well regarded for comfort and service is called Palace on Wheels, an eight-day journey from New Delhi aboard a train made up of private cars that once belonged to majarajahs. The Palace on Wheels leaves Delhi every Wednesday from October through March. The train runs at night across the desert country of the state of Rajasthan, stopping at Jaipur, Jaisalmer and other cities in which passengers are taken on escorted sightseeing trips during the day aboard an air-conditioned bus. The Taj Mahal in Agra and forts and palaces are among the sites visited.
Tours of Distinction (141 East 44th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017; 800-888-8634) is among wholesalers that sell this trip to travel agents. On its own, the train tour costs $1,150 a person, double occupancy, including daily breakfast and dinner on the train. A 13-day tour combining the Palace on Wheels with a stay and sightseeing in Delhi, and most meals, costs $1,600. (Round-trip air fare between New York and Delhi costs $1,189, except in December when it is $1,386.) The trip is also available through other companies, including Journeyworld (410 East 51st Street, New York, N.Y. 10022; 212-752-8308 or, out of state, 800-635-3900) and Flag Tours (5625 F.M. 1960 West, Houston, Tex. 77069; 713-580-1700 or 800-223-8889).
Independent travelers who want to make land arrangements, including rail journeys, may do so through several Indian companies. One is Travel Corporation India (20 East 53d Street, New York, N.Y. 10022; 212-371-8080), which has 25 offices in India. Another is Trade Wings (25 West 43d Street, New York, N.Y. 10036; 212-354-8328). Both arrange land packages suited to individual requirements. One train trip recommended by a member of Trade Wings is the run between Delhi and Agra on the Taj Express. The round trip can be completed in a day.
The Indrail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on trains, can be purchased from Hari World Travel (30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10112; 212-957-3000). This company, which sells cut-rate air tickets to India and Europe, also makes train reservations in India. The pass is for various durations between 7 and 90 consecutive days and for first or second class. A pass for 7 days in air-conditioned first class costs $190, and for 15 days, $230. A spokesman for Hari, who said the pass could easily save the traveler money, advised against traveling in second class, which is often crowded, hot and dusty. The company can supply an Indian railroad timetable for $3.  Mexican Sites
Question: During a short visit to Cancun, the Mexican resort, will it be possible for me to see any important archeological sites on day trips? -C. D. F., Brooklyn
Answer: The ruined Maya cities of Tulum and Chichen Itza can each be visited in a day from Cancun, although the time left for exploring these remarkable sites would be brief. The walled fortress of Tulum is on the Caribbean coast about 80 miles from Cancun. Notable structures include a pyramid-type building with a two-room temple on the top and the Temple of the Descending God. Chichen Itza, 100 miles from Cancun, is believed to have been founded in the sixth century. It is one of the largest ancient centers in Yucatan, with many pyramids and other ritual buildings, including temples and a well used for human sacrifice.
Tour desks in Cancun's hotels and local tour agencies - like Ceiba Tours (telephone Cancun 4-19-62) -can reserve seats on the frequent bus excursions to both sites. Visitors also go to both by rental car or by renting a car with driver.  Study in France
Question: I am 14 years old and plan to go to France on an exchange program for a learning - and enjoyable - experience for four weeks next summer. I would like names of agencies that handle this kind of program. - G. M., Lincoln, Neb.
Answer: Programs for high-school students in other countries, including France, are available through the American Institute for Foreign Study (102 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, Conn. 06830; 800-727-2437) and the Council on International Educational Exchange (205 East 42d Street, New York, N.Y. 10017; 212-661-1414). Both combine stays of several weeks in private homes with language and other courses at French schools and colleges. Some of the programs also include touring in Europe; some are in summer, others during the academic year. The council publishes a book called 'The Teen-Ager's Guide to Study, Travel and Adventure Abroad' that outlines opportunities available with various organizations. It costs $8.85 and $1 for postage.