15 Tips for India First-timers

‘The embodiment of all pure things’

“When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” –Clifton Fadiman

What he said does make sense but trust me it’s not easy to avoid culture shock in such diverse country especially on your first visit. For the sake of this post, I’ll admit that although it’s not mentioned in my last post, I complained a lot on our first day in New Delhi. I am no expert but as a person who’s been there, I want to share some tips (more than just to bring charging adapter converts) based on my experiences that might help those who plan to go.

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If you’re confident of your immunity, try some street food

Be careful of what you eat and drink

Honestly, I don’t belong to the crowd that claims India has the best food but apparently I’m obsessed with chicken tandoori, naan and masala chai. Apart from the tangy taste, the hygiene often stopped me from buying street. I don’t suggest to completely avoid local food, instead try not to waste food by ordering something that you probably dislike or can cause upset stomach. If you’re kinda picky, bring some dishes from home that can last for days. When it comes to water, you’ll realize how much you take it for granted at home because of how expensive and unclear it is there, so better stick to bottled water only.

Carry hand sanitizer and common medicines

When you want to eat with your hands or you just touched something unhygienic, anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer are necessary. If you have a vulnerable immunity, it’s best to bring medications for common ailments. Additionally, bring tissue whenever you go to public toilets because they usually don’t provide it.

Try to bargain before paying

Don’t pay before asking for a discount even when there’s a price tag. Offer a price below what you’re prepared to pay—one third or half of the original price—if they don’t agree, walk away. Most of the time they’ll call you back, but if they don’t it means your price is too low. If you really want the item, you can either renegotiate or find another store. It’s better not to bargain with farmers or those who look like they really in need of the money, though.

Have small changes ready

You’ll need small changes either for payment, donation or tips. You’ll  likely meet someone in charge of the cleanliness of public toilets (although it’s not clean at all), or even in a toilet inside of a restaurant. Tipping is common in India and when you don’t tip enough, some won’t hesitate to complain. I was even asked to pay before taking a picture of a lady wearing colorful sari in Amber Fort. Besides, beggars are also common and tourists are often suggested to ignore them. Sometimes you won’t have the heart to just leave, but instead of money, it’s better to give food or water.

People are everywhere 

Beware of pick pocket

I was never really bothered by hawkers because most of the time they went away after I said no (probably because of my resting b face) but in Taj Mahal, a man wearing mask followed me around the gate. He finally walked away after I asked what he wanted but didn’t really disappear until I joined my group. I think the reason why he ‘hung out’ near the gate was because that’s where we’d be so drawn into the building at our first sight and might let our guard down.

Check before visiting

Not every places is open for public everyday so plan your trip accordingly. For example, Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for tourists but open on afternoon for those who pray at the Taj Mosque, and is also open in full moon.

Buzy street in Rajasthan

Be prepared to see ‘things’

Moving from one city to another usually takes hours but don’t spend too much time sleeping on the bus. You’ll get to see interesting things: animals (cows, goats, camels, peacocks, pigs, squirrels), greenery, people with their colorful clothes, kids waving at your bus and even public toilets with no door along the way.

Learn some useful words

India has many languages that it’s even possible for two people from two different states to not understand each other. Beside English, Hindi is commonly understood so try to memorize some useful words: namaste (hello/goodbye), shukriya/dhanyawad (thank you), nahi (no), haan/haanji (yes), paani (water), chai (Tea), khaana (food), and chalo (let’s go).

Had to pay before taking this picture

Dress modestly

When you go to holy places like mosques or temples, you must follow the dressing rules to show that you respect their culture and customs. Trying their traditional outfits is something you should do too. Don’t you think those saris look gorgeous?

Pack smartly

What to pack will depend on the climate and your plan. What you need to pack for a winter visit in Kashmir will differ from a visit to the Golden Triangle. Make sure to bring things that you really need because shopping in India can be tempting. You don’t want to go back home with over-weight bags because they are strictly weighed at the airport.

The airport rules may be very different

Wherever you go, always keep your boarding pass and ID in hand. Before going to the check-in desk, your baggages must go through security screen or you won’t be able to proceed. For carry-on bags, get tags at check-in desk because later the tags will be stamped on as a proof that you’ve done everything correctly.

The security can be very annoying. I was yelled at for asking a man who talked to my father (who didn’t speak English) and constantly asked questions in Hindi although I said I didn’t speak the language. And do check the expiration date of the food you buy at the airport because we bought a snack that would expire in the following day.

The Himalayas from above

Pay attention to gender-specific spaces

There are many places where only women are allowed and vice versa. For example, before entering the Taj Mahal, you have to queue for a security check where men and women are separated. The same rule applies before boarding the plane at Srinagar International Airport.

Buying local SIM card is complicated

As a foreigner, you’ll need passport and a photocopy, photocopy of visa, passport-sized photographs to buy a local SIM card. I already knew it before but still didn’t prepare because it would take time and couldn’t be used in Kashmir so I prefer to depend on free Wi-Fi from hotel and airport.

Do your research prior to the trip

I don’t know about you but I’m not that kind of person who likes traveling with no preparation at all. I feel like I should know a little about the history, current issues, weather, best places to visit, what not to do, or the hidden gems. Before even knowing the itinerary, I did my research about the best places to visit in India and got super-excited about some places that weren’t included in the itinerary like Ladakh, Jodhpur and Jalsaimer. Kinda disappointed but at least I know where I’ll be going if I ever come back. Researching will also help you to find places where even your guide doesn’t know.

Jaipur, my favorite city in Golden Triangle ❤

Enjoy the trip!

India, just when you think you’ve known so much about it, something new will surprise you. It’s impossible to explore the whole country in two weeks, two months, or possibly even two years, so make the most out of your time. Whenever you feel like going home because it isn’t as comfortable as you thought it would be, read that quote again and enjoy.