1. Medications: Always consult your doctor regarding immunizations that
should be taken like Hepatitis A and Polio. Additional vaccinations that your
doctor may recommend are Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Rabies and
Hepatitis B. Also carry medications for malaria, diarrhea, anti-allergy, Typhoid
etc. Keep a copy of those prescriptions with you in case the local authorities
like the Customs question you. Things like keeping an extra pair of glasses can
be helpful. Carrying general medications for headache, nausea, sunscreen, few
band-aids and mosquito repellent is also suggested. Although you get everything
in India but its just better to have them beforehand.
2. Tourist Visa: Citizens of most countries including United States
require a tourist visa on their passport. You should consult an Indian Embassy
close to your location. Following Indian embassy sites are helpful:
www.indianembassy.org, www.indiacgny.org, www.cgihouston.org, www.cgisf.org,
chicago.indianconsulate.com .
3. Make copies of all your important travel documents (like ID, passport
and visa) and leave it with a friend or family in case you lose the originals.
Fill in the emergency information page of your passport. If you know the hotel
phone number you will stay, leave that also with them. Country code (phone) of
India is "91"
4. Keep the phone number of all the four U.S. embassies in India i.e.
Delhi (North India), Chennai (South), Mumbai (West) and Kolkata (East), visit
these websites newdelhi.usembassy.gov/, chennai.usconsulate.gov,
mumbai.usconsulate.gov/, kolkata.usconsulate.gov/ .
5. Register yourself in the USA State Departments travel registration
website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ so that they can use to assist
you in case of an emergency. Also read public Announcements or Travel Warnings
on the travel.state.gov website.
6. Do not wear expensive jewellery and money, do not put all your cash in
one location. Get some US Dollars converted to Indian Currency (Rupees) before
you go. Carrying some travelers' cheques is also a good idea. If you need money
in India only exchange it with authorized agents or banks. Inform your credit
card company and Bank that you will be traveling to India on which dates so that
your card is not blocked for suspicious activity.
7. Always drink bottled water and make sure that its sealed. Always eat
well cooked food. In India, do buy fruits cookies and crackers with you, Local
brands like Parle and international brands like Britannia and Nestle are safe to
eat.
8. If traveling in the monsoon, carry a raincoat and umbrella. Carry
flashlight and an extra set of lock and keys. If you need directions prefer
shopkeepers over pedestrians. Its a good idea to re-verify with someone else
also. Winters (December to February) can be chilly, especially in North India.
Carry sweaters and jackets.
9. Be safe: Follow local laws and keep patience, Do not leave your
luggage unattended in public places, beware of pick pockets and do not accept
packages from strangers. Women travelers should be extra safe.
10. Tipping: Tips are not common in India as in USA. If you want to tip
try to tip not more than 10-20 Indian rupees.
11. Beggars: You will find them quite often. Although some are genuine
but at times people are forced into it. You you want to donate, its better to
donate to a nonprofit organizations.
12. You can expect to bargain/negotiate price of the item in most of the
shops (expect for government-run). You can even start with half price. Leave if
you are not satisfied.
13. Try to learn some local words. In north India Hindi is the primary
language, Southern India has a separate language for each State. Lot of people
in India speak English, specially in popular tourist spots.
14. Not a lot of people follow the traffic rules, so prefer not to
drive yourself. India has a lot of budget airlines, consider flying when
traveling long distance. Trains are also a good option. Try to travel in 1st or
2nd class compartment instead of general class.
15. Cell (Mobile) phone coverage is quite good in India, and cheap too.
Do consider getting one if you are staying for more than 1 month. Most plans
have free incoming calls and cheap outgoing calls. If you want to buy a Sim card
and unlocked international phone consider prior to your visit check a good site
telestial.com.
Visit travel.state.gov for additional and additional safety guidelines.
