Introduction
India is a country that’s jam-packed full of things to do and see. There are so many amazing places to visit, incredible sights to experience, delicious foods to sample and friendly people who speak English with which you can communicate. However, in order for your trip to go smoothly there are some things that need to be considered before embarking on this journey; otherwise you might end up having an unpleasant experience once you get there! So here are my top 15 tips for having a really great time in India:
Make sure you have traveler’s insurance.
Travel insurance is a must. It’s not just for the elderly, but also for people who want to be prepared in case they need medical care while away from home. The good news is that most travelers’ health plans will cover you if you buy travel insurance separately and then file a claim later on.
The following are some benefits of having a basic policy:
- Protection against loss or damage to personal belongings during travel (for example, if your luggage gets lost)
- Covers emergency medical expenses incurred outside of your country of residence
- Provides coverage for trip cancellation due to illness or injury
Download a mobile app that gives information on trains, buses, and cabs.
Download a mobile app that gives information on trains, buses, and cabs.
This is a must-have for India. The train system in India is so complex that it’s hard to navigate without an app like Google Maps or Uber. You can download the app before you travel to India or during your trip if needed (but make sure your phone has enough battery power).
Buy a local SIM card.
One of the best things you can do to save money and stay in touch with friends and family back home is to buy a local SIM card. You can get one at the airport or in any major city, and it’s easy to set up on your phone. You’ll be able to call local people, send text messages, browse websites–even use social media apps like Instagram or Facebook Messenger!
If you don’t already have an unlocked phone that works on Indian networks (GSM), then don’t worry! There are many companies offering affordable options online before leaving for India so that everything is ready when you arrive at your destination city.
Learn some basic Hindi, the national language of India.
While it may not be necessary to speak Hindi, learning some basic words and phrases will help you immeasurably.
- Hello (Namaste) – namaste
- Thank You (Namaskar) – namaskar
- Good Bye – Aapka Swagat hai (it means “your welcome”)
Keep your safety in mind at all times.
You should always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you’re in public places. Avoid dark alleys, don’t go out alone at night and never wander into unknown areas. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times, as there are many pickpockets in India who will snatch them from a backpack or purse if given the chance.
Do not drink the water! Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. You can also buy filtered or boiled water in case you need it for tea or coffee.
- Do not drink the water! Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. You can also buy filtered or boiled water in case you need it for tea or coffee.
- Many of the streets are very crowded, so be careful when crossing them.
- It’s important to remember that India is a developing country and as such there are certain things you should expect from your trip: crowds, noise pollution and poor sanitation conditions among others.
Carry small bills with you because Indian vendors prefer to be paid in cash.
As you travel through India, you’ll quickly discover that the vendors prefer to be paid in cash. You’ll want to carry small bills with you and make sure that they are at least somewhat clean. If a vendor is hesitant about accepting your money, try offering a little extra as an incentive for them to take it from your hand rather than exchange it for goods or services.
Always be alert to scams and pickpockets as they are very common in India. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of theft is not to carry valuables around with you when you’re out exploring the streets and markets of Delhi, Mumbai or any other major city in India. You can use traveler’s checks instead of cash if you’d like but try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash around with you at any time during your trip unless absolutely necessary because there are plenty of people who will try to take advantage of your money if they get their hands on it!
- Always be alert to scams and pickpockets as they are very common in India. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of theft is not to carry valuables around with you when you’re out exploring the streets and markets of Delhi, Mumbai or any other major city in India. You can use traveler’s checks instead of cash if you’d like but try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash around with you at any time during your trip unless absolutely necessary because there are plenty of people who will try to take advantage of your money if they get their hands on it!
- If someone offers to help carry something for free (like an umbrella), then declines payment when asked later on down the road–this could be a sign that someone has been following behind them trying to pickpocket them! Be wary whenever anyone approaches asking for money or offering assistance without being asked first because this could lead into some sort of scam where someone else comes along later pretending like nothing happened which would mean no actual harm was done at all…except maybe losing some money through false pretenses!
Conclusion
India is a beautiful country with so much to see and explore. The best way to experience it is by getting out there and exploring on your own!
