India Travel Guide: Safety Tips in India. Travel Safety Tips.

Travelers always have a preconceived notion about how dangerous it is when traveling to other countries. For those who intend to travel to India, making sure you know a lot about the country as it is important to keep yourself protected and safe at all times. Although one person’s experience is not applicable for all, travel safety tips are crucial wherever you go. It all depends on the experiences of travelers. While some have had the best time in India, others will tell you nothing but horror stories. We at World Interpreting, Inc. wish that you will experience the best when traveling to another country and in this India travel safety tips section of our India travel guide, we endeavor to give you basic travel safety tips to make you visit to India as safe, as comfortable and as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

For starters you should know that India has a very hot climate. When you pack your clothes, make sure that you bring clothing that is loose, comfortable and breathable. Your health is very important, so that you may fully enjoy your visit to India. Do note that wearing shorts is somewhat not smiled upon in the country. As you will notice from all the shows you’ve seen about the country, all men wear pants or trousers even if it is a very hot day. Although you may find it uncomfortable especially in India’s hot climate, do respect their customs and bring something that you can work with.

Before you leave from your point of origin and you have special medicine that you need to bring with you, make sure that you bring enough that will last during your length of stay in India. Make sure that you have updated prescriptions and have your medicine in their original packaging. Even if you will be able to by medicine over the counter in pharmacies and drug stores in India, it will be safer to fill up your prescriptions at home before you travel. Analgesics and antacids are basic medicine that you should bring for simple headaches and stomach ailments. Most traditional Indian dishes, savory and flavorful can be overwhelming for those that have not been spicy and rich foods and may not agree with travelers with weak stomachs. On that note, eat only from big restaurants where there are plenty of people and where foods are freshly cooked and served piping hot. Be sure to wash your hands before you eat or use moist towels or hand sanitizer.

Another thing to remember is that it will be best to avoid drinking water straight from the tap. India’s tap water is not the same as those in the United Stated or the United Kingdom. Drinking water from the tap in India can upset your stomach and literally make you ill. Buy bottled water and use it as much as you can, even when cleaning your teeth. If you are quite sensitive, you should also avoid buying drinks from street vendors. Beverages such as lemonade and iced tea are most probably made using tap water. Even the ice used is gathered from tap as well.

As for your general safety and well-being, you should take all precautionary measures to guard your belongings. Although you may not want to appear rude and intolerant to the locals, you must remember that you are in a foreign land and losing something can be detrimental to your traveling experience. For example, you should carry your passport with you at all times. It will be a good idea to invest in a waterproof belt bag to keep your personal belongings, like your passport, credit cards and extra cash close to your body. Do not leave it in your hotel room or make it accessible to someone other than you or your companion. If you can, photocopy your all your personal and travel documents and keep at least two sets in different parts of your luggage and hand carried luggage just to be safe. Another thing, your luggage should also be locked at all times. Regardless if it is in the hotel room or in the compartment of a train, it should never be left unlocked. In very crowded places, thieves and pickpockets are ever-so-present. Avoid being a part of large crowds to be safe at all times. This tip not only applies for tourists but for locals as well.

Clothing is also another thing you need to consider when traveling to India. Women, for the most part, should generally take caution. Avoid wearing clothes that are-low cut or revealing in nature, as you may attract very unwanted attention from the men in this country. Wear loose and modest clothing that can hide your assets, so that you may avoid getting cat calls and being groped. The same thing applies when you are in public transportation such as buses and trains. When buying a ticket, make sure that you get one for the women-only compartment and away from the general male population. Getting mixed in with men in a train is the worst mistake you can make. You may be groped, touched inappropriately or molested by various men and you may not even figure out who they are from the sheer number of commuters.

People in India are actually quite nice and accommodating, especially if you need to ask questions on how to get to your destination and other things you may need to figure out. It will help if you can speak a few phrases of Hindi, but a lot of locals will try to speak English with you just so they can help you out. However, words can get lost in translation as Indians have accents that are very thick. Do not get confused when some people nod their heads from left to right when you ask a question. This is part of their culture when they say “yes” or agree to something that you have said. Finally, be considerate about Indian culture when it comes to food. They do not eat beef as they hold cows in high regard in this culture. Muslims, on the other hand, do not eat pork. So, do not offer beef to Indians and pork to Muslims as this is very offensive for them.

Whether you are an inexperienced or a seasoned traveler, it will be to your personal peace of mind to bring your medical insurance card or take out a traveler’s medical insurance with you in case of emergency. Check before hand which medical insurance will be honored in India. In case you need medical attention that will require substantial payment for medical services, it will be easier to pay using your credit card and keep the receipts for reimbursement later. Also keep in mind that government medical insurance issued by your country of origin will not be applicable when you travel outside the country.

Beggars are plentiful in the crowded cities of India where travelers go frequently. If you want to give alms, 2 to 5 rupees is enough to avoid getting mobbed. Be observant and look around because there are also a lot of scammers that pose as beggars, like men trading crutches among themselves to prey on tourists. Beware also of women carrying infants and begging for alms. Carry candies and loose change in small denominations if you want to give some to street children and it will be better to give alms when you have entered a car prior to leaving a place. For the same reason, make sure that you have your money exchanged into the local currency from the bank or other legitimate financial institutions.

If you are going to stay in India for more than a week, it will be a good idea to hire the services of a professional tourist guide, at least for the early part of your trip. Check with your hotel concierge on how to find one. India’s roads are very congested and it will be difficult for a foreigner to drive a car in the country. It you can afford it, hire a car to take you around, at least until you have the confidence to go around on your own.

These are some of the basic India travel safety tips that can help your stay in India pleasant. Take our India pocket travel guide with you so you can have a reference while you explore this exciting country.

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