The concept of personal space in India is non existent. This goes from people walking in front of a camera shot, vehicles stopping right in front of you to park and queuing is not a consideration as it’s whoever gets in first. Please note that everyday Indians will ask for ‘selfies’ with you. At first this is a bit of a novelty, but after a while or when you’re tired it just gets frustrating. Indians will also openly stare and I mean STARE at white women – whether they are walking, on a scooter or driving.
Getting a SIM
Getting an Indian SIM and data package is cheap (we got 2 months for NZ$8 – inclusive of 1.5Gb of data a day!!) – downside, there is time consuming security check process including sighting original passport, photocopy of passport and photo requirement and you can only recharge online/via App with an Indian Credit Card. Therefore, make sure the plan covers all your time in India.
Scams, Scams and Scams
There are SCAM, SCAMS and more SCAMS everywhere you go – e.g. you must have a guide, gps doesn’t work, this is a private temple, etc. At all attractions there will be locals who will approach to ‘help’, this is just a way to get money from foreigners – just say no and walk on.
Be prepared for constant hassle from almost everyone you meet, and you will be asked the same question 4/5 times (in the end we called ourselves Tom and Jerry for a bit of fun). This does get draining, and you need to be aware, and remind yourself, that every now and again there are a genuine person that just wants to say hello.
You need to be wary at all times and distrust everyone – I know this sounds harsh, but that is the reality of travelling in India (especially northern India).
Cost of Monuments
Almost any attraction, monument, museum and even some temples will cost you if you want to visit – the most expensive being the Taj Mahal at 1,100 Rupees, (NZ$22) plus 200 Rupees (NZ$4) to go into the mausoleum) each. Searches on the web will show a range of prices on what to expect to pay – ranging from nothing through to a higher amount – almost without exception it will be the higher price.
Booking Trains
The Official Indian IR CTC website for self booking of trains is the worst website in the world!! It is almost impossible, even with an Indian SIM, and therefore, almost all train travel will need to be booked through a Travel Broker.
Goods and Services
There are price differences that cover almost all goods and services – be aware there are local/Indian prices and tourist prices. At one location the TukTuk drivers had a disagreement as one driver gave us the local rate which was 90% less than the Tourist rate. There is a significant price differential between costs to Indians versus Foreigners – between 5 and 22 times as much. These costs will impact your budget!! For example as a couple if you visit 20 sights during your stay this will cost you over NZ$500, excluding any guides you may opt to use (cost of a guide can be 600 rupees (NZ$12) plus a tip).
Also, check printed prices on bottles of drink and food (and only pay that price) – and always check any change that you receive. Amazingly we had multiple instances where we had been given 100 Rupees (NZ$ 2) less, once pointed we always got the correct change – we never received too much lol.
Begging
Begging is rife, this is done by women, men and children – sometimes all at the same time. It will occur in the street, when vehicles stop at lights, bus/railway stations and any tourist attraction. The easiest way is to say no once and then walk on or just look away.
Giving money only encourages begging and encourages children not to go to school – DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO BEGGARS.
Driving in India
There are no driving rules, and I do mean NO RULES. The cars, scooters, lorries, TukTuk will use either side of the road, depending which has less traffic. Horns are used constantly to let other motorists and pedestrians know they are there – so bring noise cancelling headphones or paracetamol.