My son & girlfriend are leaving to Delhi in just over a week for a friend's wedding that takes place in a palace a couple hours drive north. All accommodations & transportation will be provided by the wedding family. But I have basic questions concerning their safety and possessions... Should they be carrying any cash? Should credit cards/passport/visa be attached to their bodies at all times (body purse?) I know they'll be bringing checked bags... Should they be locked? Is there tipping? Should they venture out on their own or stick to the itinerary provided? Are there dietary concerns that they should be aware of? Any other basic safety measures that should be taken? Thank you in advance for any advice!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7000 posts
To help direct any answers- how old are these 2 people? Have either of them ever travelled before? Have either of them done any of their own research into this trip?
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Good questions: They're 30 & 25, and they have traveled abroad before but with older family members, to Western EU countries.
Posted by
North Carolina, USA
498 posts
Indian here. 30 and 25-year-olds should be able to take care of themselves. As another person replied, I'm certain they have or should do their own research. Plenty of blogs, videos, and such are available on the internet. They should definitely follow the instructions of their host family. Safety? They need to keep their eyes and ears open and practice spatial awareness. Personal space is a luxury, and Traffic is nuts! Lastly, to avoid the famous 'Delhi Belly,' absolutely no street food, especially ones that are not steaming hot, and no water except bottled, from an established brand like Kinley. Even at home.
They need to have an adventurous spirit and leave their preconceived fears and expectations behind. Some of my 'western' friends love India and go back over and over. I know others who will never set foot in the country again. No matter what, it will be an experience of a lifetime!
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1714 posts
I am currently in Goa in S India and here are my observations.
- no one is going to ask for a passport unless checking into a hotel or if you have some business at a bank. Leave it in your hotel safe
- Most Indians pay electronically for most transactions with PayTM. Almost every shop has their own code that you scan and make your payment. Even the taxis accept this and I have found even folks selling fresh coconuts or sugarcane juice by the side of the road will accept electronic payments. That said, I’m assuming they will not be able to use PayTM unless they have a local India # so will need cash. I normally leave the wallet at home and just carry some cash, DL, and a credit card and never in my back pocket since you will be in the midst of crowds
- Tipping is there but at very minimal levels. People tip maybe 5% and rarely going up to 10%
- Locked luggage - I have not encountered any issues when checking bags unlike in parts of Africa
- Safety. I wander all over the place and don’t worry about safety. The only issue is on the roads and the driving is crazy with cars, scooters, cows, and pedestrians all on the roads. Since India is so cheap, my advice is not to attempt to drive and rely on ride shares
- Carry some pepto or similar since they may experience’Delhi belly’
- Lastly, India is an amazing country so I would urge them to get outside on their own and take in sights smells - both the good and the bad.
Posted by
Singapore
1118 posts
I'm of Indian background, but have never lived in India, only visited, so my perspective is that of a tourist. I love Delhi and the north, and would have no concerns with my kids traveling there. They definitely should get out on their own and explore this wonderful country.
Dietary concerns - I am careful with what I eat and drink, and avoid dairy products (which is a shame as I love kulfi).
I've never bothered with a body purse - I just carry my wallet the same way I do at home.
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Thank you to all for the quick replies!!! Love these forums.