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TIPS FROM TRAVELERS
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Less is more. Unless you have a particular fetish for being in a plane, train or automobile every day, try to travel as little as possible. If your plan requires you to be on the road (or in the air) every other day, then you are trying to see too much. |
Get everything you want to pack in a pile. Put half of the stuff back in the cupboard; don't pack trekking boots. Unless you're planning on serious climbing you will not need them; leave the sleeping bag at home (unless you're planning on camping); pack one book and one only. There's loads of bookstores and bookswaps across the region. Read and swap, carry less; the biggest mistake of all: leaving with a full pack! |
| "Consider hiring a car and driver for your entire time in a particular region. It costs less than you'd expect, and it gives you more flexibility, comfort, and convenience. Available through hotels and travel agencies, either locally or arranged in advance from home. Most local taxis can also be hired for a day or more at a negotiated price." |
| "In recent years suicide bombings and other terrorist acts have occurred in some cities, including Mumbai (Bombay), New Delhi, and Jaipur. It was only in the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai that Western tourists were specifically sought out as targets. These events (though obviously tragic when they do happen) are rare enough that it seems pointless to worry about them. The hazards of road accidents are much more cause for everyday concern". |
| "Seriously consider the many mid-priced, smaller hotels; and consider guest houses at the upper end of the low budget range. These places are usually reasonably clean and comfortable, often with a warm, family welcome, but far less expensive than the big luxury chain hotels". |
| "Local tap water may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms, so it's best not to take a chance drinking it. Avoid iced drinks unless you know the ice is from safe water. "Mineral" water in 1 or 2 liter plastic bottles is sold virtually everywhere for around Rs. 12 to 20 (US 25 cents to 40 cents), but make sure the seal is intact and hasn't been re-glued. However, plastic litter has become prevalent in India". |
| "Thoroughly cooked food should generally be safe for travelers, if in restaurants that appear to be reasonably clean and in homes. To avoid consuming tapeworm eggs and other hazards, raw vegetables or fruit should be peeled or thoroughly washed with potassium permanganate (not with tap water). When eating out, the best advice is probably to avoid salads, green coriander (cilantro) garnishes, and (because these dishes are usually only lightly cooked) to avoid shredded cabbage and carrot mixed into chow mein, and vegetable stir-fries. Also, at the small food stands in the streets and by the highways, there may not be any way for the proprietors to do a good job of washing items such as plates, drinking glasses, and eating utensils (simply wiping them with a dirty cloth is common). Tea (chai) and coffee should be safe as they are normally made with boiled water. For snacks or a lunch to carry with you: oranges, bananas, roasted peanuts, and packaged biscuits (cookies) are safe and widely available". |
| "Giving tips: It's less common in India. Westerners hand out more than most middle class Indians would. However, most people providing services to you don't earn enough money and appreciate anything extra. In hotels: The best arrangement is hotels offering a "Tip Box" for use at the end of your stay. The money is divided among all employees, even the hidden ones. At a mid-price hotel, Rs. 100 per day (a little over U.S. $2) is generous. More usually, you'll just tip when specific services are provided. Hotel bag boys or room service: Rs 10 is an average in non-luxury situations (about US 20 cents). Taxi and rickshaw drivers: Tips aren't normally expected, except in places with a lot of tourists, but you can give a little extra. Restaurant waiters: If a service charge is added, tipping is optional. In smaller, less expensive places with no service charge, you can give a few extra rupees. Train and airport porters: Rs 10 is average. Hired car: Rs 75 per day to the driver should be generous." |
| "Wash your clothes in your hotel sink or the bathroom bucket. Take packets of powdered soap or a well sealed small bottle of concentrated liquid soap such as Woolite or Shaklee's Basic H, and a long portable clothesline with hooks on each end to string across the bathroom." |
| "India does have a lot of beggars, especially in the large cities and at major temples and pilgrimage sites. Giving to them is a personal choice. Many beggars are truly needy. Some are "holy men" who have renounced the world. Some are scam artists. We prefer to give generously to certain nonprofit organizations. We do recommend that you smilingly but firmly say no to children hounding you for pens, money, or sweets. Giving just encourages the harassment" |
| "Bargaining or bartering. Except for the government-run emporia, most shopkeepers expect to negotiate a price. They are far more expert at haggling than you are. However, it helps to have some idea of what a final price should be (you can ask around or visit a fixed-price government shop), and how valuable the item is to you. You might start with around half of the asking price. Leave if you're not getting the desired results, but remain courteous and good humored. You may get a final, much lower, offer if the shopkeeper feels he's losing the sale." |
"Travel light. You don't want to drag heavy bags in this climate. India is about cultural immersion, not wardrobe changes. Pack only unlined cotton, linen, rayon, or thin silk clothes for mid- or southern India. Anything synthetic or heavier, and you will drip sweat. Leave jeans home.
Bring a cotton-knit cardigan or light shoulder-wrap for frostily air-conditioned hotels and restaurants."
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| "Bring a zippered backpack or tote bag when you're touring or walking around. You'll be making a lot of impulse purchases and don't want to carry around a bunch of plastic shopping bags." |
| "Be aware that Indian pharmacies are excellent, with supercheap toiletries, supplies, and generic drugs, which don't require a prescription" |
| "If you're traveling on the cheap, bring an airline pillow for your comfort on crowded buses and trains and for overnights in less-than-deluxe digs." |
| "Do get your Indian currency from ATM machines linked to your bank network. You'll avoid credit card companies' foreign transaction charge and in-bank commissions." |
| "Don't pack shoes or anything with heels. Streets and attractions lack surfaces flat enough to handle any kind of heel. Even in nice restaurants, fancy shoes are overkill. Indians wear flip-flops or go barefoot. Jeweled flipflops are as dressy as you need. Sneakers are fine for touring" |
| "Buy from vendors in street stalls and outside temples instead of touristy handicraft markets or shops. The merch is the same, but the shops have tourist-trap prices." |
| "Now huge in India, particularly on all well trodden travellers paths. Connection can be slow but you will rarely fail to find a selection of Internet cafes. Good tip is to duplicate records of Travellers Cheque numbers, passport and plane details, etc. on your email accounts". |
| "An International Driving Licence, which can be obtained through the automobile association. Even if you are not planning to drive, bring your driver's licence with photo for identification." |
| "Consider using an "interior wallet", the kind that is either fastened around your neck, draped from a belt loop or worn, with a velcro fastener, around the calf or ankle. All three kinds are concealed underneath clothing." |
| "Taxis (cabs)/Auto Rickshaw (3 wheeler) are available from all hotels, and you negotiate the rate before commencing your journey. Use only authorised, properly identified taxis and buses. Avoid taxis that pick up additional passengers. Don't accept an offer to share a taxi to your hotel unless you know the individual." |
| "If ever you land in trouble, contact your Embassy and nearest Police Station. In a Indian Police Station always speak with the Senior Inspector in Charge even if you have to wait couple of hours." |
| "In case of complaints against taxi or auto rickshaw for overcharging or cheating, note down the number of the vehicle and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). you can get the Contact Phone Nos in Telephone Directory." |
| "Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the outset of your tour. Avoid eating food from road side stalls. Eat unpeeled fruits and avoid fresh salads, especially in small hotels. If you are forced to eat food at some place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is served hot." |
"The visitor can take back all articles brought in by him. In addition, he can take out the following purchased in India;
Souvenirs (including Indian silk, wool, handicrafts, etc.) without any limit. Gold jewellery and silverware up to Rs.100,000 in value (and in excess of Rs. 100,000 after obtaining an RBI permit). Other jewellery and precious stones of large value should be appraised by Customs Appraiser at the airport. For these items an RBI permit should be obtained in advance and thereafter declared to Customs. There are restrictions on the export of antiquities and art objects more than 100 years old. In case of doubt, consult the Director, Antiquities, Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath (Tel. 23017443). It is advisable to obtain a certificate of proof. Export of most wildlife products is prohibited or strictly regulated; therefore generally avoid buying anything made of ivory, reptile skin, tortoise shells and any part of wild animals. There are DUTY-FREE shops at the airport both in the Arrival and Departure lounges."
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| "Ask for the upper berth in a train (it will say "UB" on your ticket stub) when buying your ticket-it has a far greater degree of privacy and you can stretch out any time, even in the middle of the day. Avoid the lower berth or middle berth; you will not be able to stretch out until everyone decides to go to sleep". |
| "Purchase all tickets as far in advance as possible. It is a good idea to purchase a few legs of your journey all at once while you are at one major station so you are assured a seat on the date that you want." |
| "For female travelers on a train or in a bus: Do not make prolonged eye contact with any males; it can be seen as a sexual invitation". |
| "Sleep and ride with any bags that fit right on your berth-use them as footrest and pillows. All travel documents should be in contact with your body at all times". |
| "Pre-arrange all hotel information at your intended destination before boarding your train, especially if you will be arriving at night or very early morning". |
| "If you find yourself the victim of a crime, report the situation to the conductor and request to speak to a police officer. Gather the names and addresses of any witnesses." |
| "If you are the victim of a sexual assault in India, report it to the authorities immediately and don't give up or be surprised if the men in charge to not take you seriously. Place a call to the nearest embassy of your country of origin as soon as you can, and don't be shy about telling the authorities that you are doing so; it gets them to act". |
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