 |
Do not travel alone after 8:00 pm. |
It is advisable to travel
in groups after 8:00 p.m . Though it is quite safe , we suggest
you take precautions.
|
Ignore touts in all places. |
Don't arrange for
accomodation/bookings with individuals who might approach
you with a tempting
offers. Such people may be found in railway stations,airports or
other tourist spots
.
Always contact authorised personnel.
|
Try to confirm bookings in advance. |
Reservations for train
travel can be made two months in advance. Reservation for bus
travel is not of vital importance. You can manage without it
though it is always advisable to have them. Confirm Hotel
reservations in advance. Tickets and hotels can be booked through
travel agents also. But be very careful on how you choose your
travel agent. Contact Indian Fellows and Alums for more info.
|
Plan your travel in advance. |
Plan your schedule in
advance, so we can help you with the bookings. We also suggest
that you
keep your travel options open to enjoy at your leisure.
|
Be cautious while asking for information. |
Don't ask shady looking
people (though you might find us shady looking too!) for
information. Chances are that you may be misled or conned. You
may ask shopkeepers/ traffic cops on the roads for directions.
|
Do not carry too much cash in your wallets/purses. Beware of pickpockets. |
Keep your money safely in
your pouch/bag. We suggest you don't keep them in back pockets
where they might be picked on the busy roads.
|
Keep an eye on your luggage. |
Don't ask strangers to watch your luggage.
|
Try to carry Maps of cities you visit. |
Maps of major cities will
be available in book/stationery shops.
|
Try not to pay beggars on the street. |
We warn you that the sight
of beggars may move you, but try and refrain from going out of
way to help them.
|
Do not pay unreasonable amounts to the taxi drivers? |
Taxi drivers may demand
excess fare at unearthly hours. Under no circumstances , can the
driver demand more than double the fare shown on the meter. Also
make sure the driver sets the meter as soon as you get into a
taxi.
|
Carry a roll of spare toilet paper. |
You may not always find
toilet paper in the public toilets. So we strongly recommend
that you carry a roll of toilet paper.
|
Try to avoid public toilets (if you manage to find them!!!!). |
Public toilets are not
always well maintained. We suggest you avoid their usage. Please
use toilet facilities in hotels/restaurants.
|
It is safe to drink only mineral water. |
Do not drink tap water. We suggest you buy mineral water or soft
drinks.
|
Do not eat food bought in road-side stalls. |
Though it will give
you a real taste of India, it may not be completely
hygeinic. Always buy food over the counter or eat at restaurants.
|
Instruct the waiter to make the food less spicy. |
This is not practical in
small restaurants. But you can ask for less spicy dishes at major
hotels.
|
While travelling long distance try to carry your own food packets. |
The food you may get
during transit from vendors/hawkers may not be hygeinic. So it is
advisable to pack eatables from restaurants/bakeries found all
over the place.
HealthIncase you need to visit a
doctor, try to visit a good hospital. Make sure the doctor uses
disposable syringes.Carry prescriptions of medicines you are used
to taking.
|
Never pay in dollars. |
No foreign currency/traveller's cheques are accepted in local shops/establishments. International Student ID will not fetch you discount........that is what we think.
|
Always bargain in small shops or in shops where the item does not have a decent looking price tag. |
You could even reduce the price to less than half the originally
quoted (yes, it has been done)
|
Accessing the web. |
Internet surfing
facilities are only available in big cities at places called
cybercafes. We suggest that you create a hotmail account or
any other web-based account ( usa.net/ yahoo/ rocketmail/ aol
etc.) as you may not be able to use telnet into your regular
account.
|
Telephone Facilities. |
You cannot use phone
cards. You may use telephone booths available at every nook and
corner. The booths have a running meter which will display the
amount you have to pay.
|
Language |
English is commonly used and understood almost everywhere. You may use the following phrases in hindi which ought to be understood throughout India.
How much (does this cost) ? Kitna ?
Where ( is this place / thing) ? Kahan?
Water Pani
Food Khana
Money Paisa
What time( does the train/bus leave/come) Kitne baje ?
Note: For words like @#$@, $%@# and &^%$, contact the Indian alums and fellows .