|
| Faq |
Should I use auto and bicycle rickshaws?
For travelling within a city, the auto rickshaws are a very cheap way to go, and bicycle rickshaws are even cheaper. One major drawback for auto rickshaws, however, is the the pollution - these little two-cycle engines spew enormous amounts of particulate pollution that often ends up right in your face, in addition to the toxic emissions of all the other vehicles on the road.
The air quality can be so awful that I would recommend bringing with you dust mask that are used at construction sites, or a good bandana to wrap around your face.
Should I take busses?
Avoid busses if you can, unless you're on a tight budget.
Should I use the train system?
Absolutely. You should take trains between cities at least a couple of times during your time in India. The Indian rail system is an amazing feat of organization, employing something like two million people, the largest single employer in the world.
Taking the train gives you quality time with the locals like no other venue. You can make some wonderful connections with the folks, gain valuable information that you can't get elsewhere, and
Should I bring sheets or blankets for sleeping?
Some hotels are so sleazy that the sheets are dirty, or there are no sheets at all, especially in cheap hotel and dormitory situations You may want to buy sheets when you're in India, they are very cheap. Unless you're staying in the higher elevations, blankets are not needed. Not worth carrying around unless you need them.
How should I carry my money around?
In a money belt or in a passport pouch that is carried around the neck. This way it is always in
Should I use a guide?
Only in the first few weeks, or if you are doing a very special outing. Once you get a feel for getting around India, you can be your own guide, setting up an itinerary to your schedule and liking. At best, a guide may be helpful getting you into places that as a western tourist you would not normally have access to or even know about. I know one fellow who actually got into the Golden Temple in Varanasi, ordinarily strictly banned to non-Hindus, because of his guide.
Money Exchange and Scams
How should I handle adult beggars?
Give only to the most needy: the cripple (which are ubiquitous to the point of near overwhelm) and to the very old. Even then, in the big cities, some of the most need beggars are heroin addicts
The lack of a social security or welfare system in India leaves many extermely vulnerable.
How should I handle child beggars?
Candy for children in the cities. Children are often sent out to rake in money for their elders and are part of a larger beggar industry. Giving children candy breaks their whole act, they can't resist getting candy, and often forget about their duty to bring back the rupees
What are the expectations regarding tipping?
20 rupees is good for carrying bags, 50 in an upsale place. Lonely Planet a section on tipping. Many restaurant bills contain a service charge, which includes the tip, so check it out. Ordinarily, it's 10% for restaurants.
How do I deal with taxi drivers' fees?
Prenegotiate. Whatever they quote initially is too high. Most won't use a meter, and in many caes the meter is broken.
Just walk away if the price is too high -- it'll come down real fast. "friend, I don't want to buy your taxi, I just want to ride in it" is a good line. Maybe Rs 10 per kilomter... 15 in the city?
Where should I buy souvenirs?
Ask around, avoid taxi driver situations, they're paid commission to bring you to places. Purchase souvenirs, especially heavier ones, in the last few days of your trip and purchase an extra suitcase.
Stay away from the most common areas, the tourists traps. Ask the locals, they always know the best places. Almost always avoid someone who has come up to you on the street. They are getting a commission by some souvenir shop.
One excellent way is to find a taxi driver that can be an informal guide. They can help you with shopping (while keeping the meter running, which is very cheap, relatively speaking).
Should I bargain with vendors?
Always! Be willing to walk away. In fact, try walking away, and notice how quickly the price comes down! Be firm, even though things seem incredibly cheap, you have to get into the mode of the local economy. Paying too much for items simply will make it more difficult for visitors who come after you.
Money Issues
How much money should I bring along?
Depends on your itinerary is - the quality of hotel you are willing to use, the kinds of restuarants you frequent, the modes of transportation, the amount of moving around you do. As time goes on, this becomes less and less of an issue, as you can use the ever increasing number of ATMs in larger cities.
In what form should I carry my money around?
Mostly cash, just a few travelers checks for emergency backup
When should I exchange my money?
Definitely take the time to exchange the money at the airport when you arrive. It will accustom you to how things work in India, standing in long lines, etc., and prepare you for stepping out into the real world of India, cash in hand.
Health and Safety Issues
Should I drink the water?
No! The quality of water is substandard, and though you will ultimately drink the local water, in the form of tea or in your food, it's best to avoid as much as possible unless you've been there for several months. Even then it's dicey, IMO. With India's ever burgeoning population, water will be an ever increasing health issue as time goes on.
Is the bottled water safe?
Yes. Bisleri, and 'Yes', are two of the most comon brands of bottled water on the street. check the bottom of the bottle for holes and broken seals around the cap. They've been known to refill bottles with tap water.
How covered up should I be, so as to not offend the locals?
Bigger issue for women. The best policy to to try to blend in with the locals, which is not hard to do. Baring skin is mostly an issue in the the denser Muslim areas. See Lonely Planet for women.
How should I dress on the street?
Dress like the natives: short sleeves, long pants, and don't look like you are carrying around lots of money, dress as 'poorly' as you can. This is not so much for safety reasons as to limit you being a target for touts, scams and everyone else trying to sell you something. You're going to get that anyway, and it is definitely worth your while to minimize this awful inconvenience of travel through India. |
|
|
