Do Your Research before You Go
Know what areas more tourist friendly and which neighborhoods are safer. Then stay there. Then you’re less likely to run into conmen, though you may run into beggars anywhere. Are you going to rely on apps to connect with service providers? Have the right apps installed before you go. For example, someone in India may use Ola instead of Uber. Learn about things like the “ladies” car on Delhi metro trains. Understand social rules such as not taking selfies in sacred temples.
Be (Medically) Prepared
Carry your own medications like anti-diarrheal medicines and allergy medicines. If you have a prescription, bring more than enough for the whole trip so you don’t have to get a prescription filled while abroad. Depending on where you go in India, you may need to take medicine to prevent malaria. These meds often need to be taken several days before your trip, during the trip and several days after your return.
Fly Direct When in the Country
Nearly everyone arriving in India flies in. Pay for direct flights from Bangalore to Hyderabad and other major cities, too, if you’re traveling between the cities. This has a number of benefits. You save time. You eliminate the need to spend hours on the road in a foreign country. You’ll be safer, too, since there’s no worry about being robbed in the middle of nowhere.
Pay Special Care with Travel Arrangements
Take care with your travel arrangements. We’ve already suggested taking direct flights rather than trying to drive. If you’re going to travel by plane or bus, arrive early and don’t arrive anywhere late at night. If you need to hire a taxi, do not just get in the first car that calls itself a taxi. Use taxi apps.
Dress Appropriately
In India, it is advisable to dress modestly. Don’t worry about accusations of cultural appropriation. Go ahead and wear a salwar kameez.
No one in a short skirt or revealing top is asking to be raped, you don’t want to take the risk of attracting attention of men who read it as such. A side benefit of wearing Indian clothes is that it is more likely a literal fit with the climate than what is hanging in your closet.
Make Sure You Stay Connected
Get a local SIM card for your cell phone, so that it always works. In fact, you could get a mobile cell phone to use on your trip and put a local SIM card in it. Prepaid phones are cheap, and this will save you a fortune on texting, data and local calls. It also gives you a second way to call for help if you’re lost or concerned about your safety. And it may be the only way to log into local wi-fi.
Prepare for the Language Barrier
Learn basic Hindi words and phrases, if you’ll be in northern India. It gives you more control over the situation and can make others more comfortable than trying to rely on a translation app. Carry a translation dictionary, so you don’t drain your battery trying to have a conversation.
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
