Traveling To India?

Traveling to India? Nepal and India are sister countries in a way. So, here are a few things to look out for. They apply to Nepal. But, they probably apply to India as well.

1. They can't afford heating/cooling, so they leave their windows open. In addition, most stores and markets are open air, so expect lots of dirt. Think of your house after a month of no dusting. That is a normal day here. Even if you buy a bag of potato chips, you will have to clean it off. They also don't have screens. So, bug lotion may help with the mosquitoes.

2. They have 220 volts and different plugs. Most US electronics are now rated for both 110 and 220 volts. Mine are. Check yours. Be sure to bring a universal adapter for the electrical plug. If you are just bringing a phone, you can buy a small universal adapter just for USB cords.

3. A huge number of people speak English. You shouldn't have any trouble finding English speaking people. Both Nepal and India use the Devangari script. The hard part is their accent. I sometimes have to ask them to repeat themselves 2 or 3 times to understand their English. You have to train your ear for the accent. You can practice by listening to native Indians and Nepalis talk. It is interesting that all schools teach English here in Nepal and in the cities, all classes are taught in English. In fact, they are punished if they speak any Nepali in school.

4. "Wai" or "Wai" not? The Wai is when you put your hands together and bow. It was standard in Thailand by order of the King (for Thais). I haven't seen it Nepal. But, I here it originated in India. As a westerner, I don't wai. I just smile a lot, am polite, and say thank you a lot.

5. Namaste means hello. The "a"'s are like the a in father. the -ste is pronounced like stay. Na-ma-ste. The accent is on the LAST syllable. Na-ma-STE.

6. Gastrointestinal problems - expect them. Bring lots of imodium, at least 50 tablets or so.

a. Drink only bottled water, pop. or beer. Make sure the cap is sealed on the bottled water. They do refill the bottles with tap water. Make sure the plastic cap and ring are still intact AND the shrink wrap plastic is still on the cap. Return any suspicious bottles.

b. Eat only cooked food that is still hot. I avoid coffee at restaurants, though. However, I have had a few Americanos with no problem.

c. Don't eat food that has set out (example: pastries). Bugs have already deposited their germs.

d. If you get sick, you will lose a day on the toilet and feel crappy for a day. Keep taking Immodium until you can fart. That is such a great feeling. The good thing is is that you will be stopped up for 3-5 days and can now be active again.

e. Package food is usually O.K. It is packaged in India, under license if a western brand, like Nescafe or Lay's. Canned goods and food that is cooked during preparation (chips, noodles, coffee, etc) should be O.K. I do stay away from packaged fruit and juice. Canned fruit juice should be O.K.

f. You can bring a steri pen to make sure your water is safe (and extra batteries). There are also tablets you can buy at the camping store. Thinking of this as a zombie apocalypse is good preparation.

g. Tubes or dispensers of waterless soap can be handy. Since you wash your hands with tap water, post washing with waterless soap can be helpful.

7. Money can be gotten from ATM's and money changers. Get a debit card from your bank and memorize the PIN, which shouldn't be anything obvious. Make sure your debit card has a chip. Money changers are usually available. Be sure to tell them how much money you are handing them. They may drop a bill or two while they count your money where you can't see it behind a counter. In fact, count it out first in front of them. I didn't have any problems in Thailand where everything is done in the open. But, I have in Nepal.

8. Washing machines are rare. You will have to send your clothes out to be cleaned. Allow 4 days. Keep that in mind or you may get caught short of clean clothes. You can wash your socks and underwear in the sink or in the shower with you using regular soap (bring soap and toilet paper.) You can let them dry in your room. They don't have wash cloths or extra towels. If you want a wash cloth, bring one.

9. Be sure to be home or near home by dark. They have no street lights and stores are closed. It can get very dark outside. After dark, travel by taxi.

10. Negotiate BEFORE you accept any product or service. If it has a price tag (rare), that is the price. Otherwise, unless you get to know them, the price is what they say it is. A Nepali may pay $1.50 for a cab ride. A westerner may have to accept a price of $5.00 as the drivers may refuse to agree to less. If you don't agree to a price beforehand, you may be charged $20.00.

11. Carry your passport at all times (and keep it safe.) You will have to show your passport and they have to take a photocopy for money changers, phone sims, and hotels. Make sure they give it back to you. NEVER leave your passport with anyone but a police officer or immigration official (and get their name and ID info.) If you leave your passport, they will think up many "charges" you have to pay before they will give it back. You passport may end up costing you $500 - $2000 dollars to get it back. And, the police may side with them (and get a %).

12. Transportation is a nightmare. Except for taxis, don't expect to go anywhere. Women are routinely groped on buses. Taxis are very small. They will take a group of 5 big adults expecting you to fit in a VW bug. Most public transport doesn't have schedules. They go when they are full. New people have to hang out the door and if you are on a seat, you may not be able to get off. Be careful when walking. If walking in the street, cars, trucks, and motorcycles consider 1/2 inch plenty of room between you and them as they whiz by.

13. They don't believe in lines or taking your turn here. Be prepared to assert yourself.

Remember, you are rich. They make $100/month, so, in their mind, you can afford to give them $20 extra. On the other hand, most of these people are extremely nice and will help you whenever they can.

Namaste From The Top Of The World