Going to India with 2 weeks notice

[Doggiedog]

Apparently, my good friend forgot to let me know that he was getting married in two weeks (one week now) so I am scrambling to figure out what I need to do.

I got my tickets, hotel reservations and 10 year visa (same price as the 5 year and only a little more than the 1 year) but I'd like to know a little about India before I go. I've never been there before.

I am first going to Delhi, then Agra, then Jaipur. What should I expect when I get there? I know I shouldn't drink the water. What kind of clothing should I bring this time of year? Is it safe to bring my DSLR with jumbo lens or should I buy a cheapie P&S. I have a world edition BlackBerry. It's from work so I don't know much about it but someone told me to purchase a SIM card to use in it over there. I think it's an 8830 (silver one from VZW). Can I use this there? What kind of electrical adapters or converters will I need? Is the best place to convert money in the hotels?

Sorry for all the questions but this trip is so sudden I don't know anywhere else to get advice.

Any other advice is extremely welcome.

Thanks!

 

[andylawcc]

define jumbo lenses?

for security and personal comfort reasons, don't bring anything you don't want to lose or carry.

 

[Doggiedog]

My 24-105MM L series lens.

So are you saying it's dangerous over there? I'm going to the Taj Mahal and was hoping to be able to bring my camera.

 

[BALIstik916]

as far as clothing would go it's gonna be really cold...so yea

 

[xanis]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
My 24-105MM L series lens.

So are you saying it's dangerous over there? I'm going to the Taj Mahal and was hoping to be able to bring my camera.

I would venture to say that you wouldn't be the first person to bring a DSLR with a "big" lense to the Taj Mahal. I would think that it's safe and you should probably be ok taking it. Obviously, just make sure you're careful and you keep an eye on your crap.

As for the SIM card, check out Telestial. They should have a SIM card for you.

Where weather is concerned, according to Weather Underground, you'll be looking at temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s, at least in Agra anyway.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
I am first going to Delhi, then Agra, then Jaipur. What should I expect when I get there?

Its going to be smoggy and dusty. You'll come across an array of odors, just ignore them. Beggars will come up and touch you on the arm to get your attention, chanting "sir, sir, sir, sir". IGNORE them, don't even make eye contact. Its cooling down there, but still relatively warm. Wear jeans and a long sleeve cotton shirt, roll up the sleeves. Keep sunglasses on you. Bring a decent pair of sandals.

I know I shouldn't drink the water. What kind of clothing should I bring this time of year? Is it safe to bring my DSLR with jumbo lens or should I buy a cheapie P&S. I have a world edition BlackBerry. It's from work so I don't know much about it but someone told me to purchase a SIM card to use in it over there. I think it's an 8830 (silver one from VZW). Can I use this there? What kind of electrical adapters or converters will I need? Is the best place to convert money in the hotels?

Its safe to bring your camera if you don't let it out of your sight. If you leave it back at the hotel, except it to come up missing. Yea you can buy a SIM but you need some passport sized photos and have to fill out some stuff to do it. If you can wait until you're in India, the adapters are much cheaper. Convert your money at the airport. Be sure to have Visa or MC on you - Discover doesn't exist, and since Amex costs them more to use, most places that "take" it usually have their Amex systems "down".

Sorry for all the questions but this trip is so sudden I don't know anywhere else to get advice.

Any other advice is extremely welcome.

Thanks!

Get your shots/pills. Typhoid, Polio, Malaria, etc. And pick up a bottle of Cipro and Immodium for when you get dysentery. Since its your first time, you definitely need to avoid getting the local water in your mouth, and do NOT eat salads or any fresh veggies/fruits that have been washed and cut before being served. You can eat what you peel yourself. Do not let them put ice in any of your drinks.

Also, don't over tip. 50 rs is actually quite a bit if you're staying in a nice hotel, and most locals don't tip at all. If you plan on buying anything, bargain heavily.

 

[sciwizam]

Originally posted by: SagaLore If you plan on buying anything, bargain heavily.

Can't stress this enough. Start at 1/2 the offered price, even that might be a bit high.

 

[Crono]

I was going to give some tips, but SagaLore covered nearly everything. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and person at all times. The streets aren't overflowing with thieves, but a tourist that is well-off is a target pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and India is no exception.

 

[Baked]

I would only eat canned food made in the USA and imported bottled water.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: andylawcc
define jumbo lenses?

for security and personal comfort reasons, don't bring anything you don't want to lose or carry.

What about his life? I doubt he wants to lose that.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Baked
I would only eat canned food made in the USA and imported bottled water.

Yeah, he'll find tons of that over there.

 

[Doggiedog]

Thanks for the tips guys! Sorry no 50 rs for you though.

Sagalore, where can I get these shots? No one told me about that. I have only 4 business days before I leave!

So I should wait until I get to India before buying an AC converter? I was thinking of picking one up at Radio Shack.

As for my life, I'm in India, the land of reincarnation. Hopefully if something bad happens, I'll come back as a cow or something.

 

[summit]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Baked
I would only eat canned food made in the USA and imported bottled water.

Yeah, he'll find tons of that over there.

u bring it in your suitcase buddy. along with good old american two ply.

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: Summit

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Baked
I would only eat canned food made in the USA and imported bottled water.

Yeah, he'll find tons of that over there.

u bring it in your suitcase buddy. along with good old american two ply.

Someone did recommend I bring as many energy bars as possible. I love Indian food though.

 

[BALIstik916]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog

Originally posted by: Summit

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman

Originally posted by: Baked
I would only eat canned food made in the USA and imported bottled water.

Yeah, he'll find tons of that over there.

u bring it in your suitcase buddy. along with good old american two ply.

Someone did recommend I bring as many energy bars as possible. I love Indian food though.

yes the food there is great but at one point you will get sick atleast once if you were not born in india and start eating the food...after you get sick once tho you're good for the rest of the time there

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Thanks for the tips guys! Sorry no 50 rs for you though.

Sagalore, where can I get these shots? No one told me about that. I have only 4 business days before I leave!

So I should wait until I get to India before buying an AC converter? I was thinking of picking one up at Radio Shack.

As for my life, I'm in India, the land of reincarnation. Hopefully if something bad happens, I'll come back as a cow or something.

Hopefully over there, and not here, because I just ate like 1/8 of a cow today alone in burgers

It's easier to find a converter here. I hate RadioShack, but they are useful when it comes to things like that.

 

[Descartes]

I did the Delhi, Agra, Jaipur trip earlier this year for my own wedding. A few things, some already covered but I'm going to just spill my thoughts anyway:

1) Agra is seriously dirty. Arguably one of the dirtiest places I've seen. Dust everywhere. The Taj has a nice bit of "fog" in the mornings as a result. There are a lot of people that know how to work tourists given the market for the Taj, so be a little careful. Usually a stern "NO" will suffice if you don't want what they're pitching.

2) I wouldn't be concerned about personal safety or anything beyond normal reason. No one there has the time, the space or the intent to really harm you. Just use your best judgment as you would anywhere else.

3) If you eat the street food (delicious), be careful with anything that has water in it. Sometimes the food itself doesn't have water, but the utensils, cups, etc. are rinsed in local water (often reused to the point of looking pretty nasty). Even Indians have trouble with it after they return home for a few weeks.

4) You're not going to drive, are you? I'm assuming not. That's a death wish, and it's probably not the best place to endeavor such things. Traffic to Agra from Delhi is ridiculous, and you're as likely to run over a cow as you are some guy with a monkey.

5) You can buy adapters for the electrical outlets all over the place. I'd just tell your driver (assuming you have one; see above) and let them take care of it. There are shops all over the place.

6) You can use your phone, but you need to unlock it and get the SIM. There are Vodaphone and similar places literally all over the place. Just find one and tell them what you want to do. You'll buy minutes in bulk and recharge your phone as needed. Make sure that your receipt reflects the minutes you purchased.

7) Yes, it's safe to take your DSLR. I had a $1000 HD camcorder, my DSLR, lenses, filters, etc. with me at almost all times. The only thing I got was a bunch of curious kids that would want to put their face in my camera.

8) Be careful with tour guides if you decide to use any (recommended). Many times they get kickbacks from certain venues, restaurants, etc. You're better off asking some locals or maybe your driver. It depends on the tour guide though. If your guide sends you someplace where you see nothing but white people, you've been had. You'll see the snake charmers, dancers, etc. all trying to give you an "authentic" experience.

India is a great place. I'm heading back early next year and will be on an annual basis. The food is great, the people are great and there's so much to do it's impossible to get bored. You will probably be forced to lighten up, lose your senses and overwhelm your imagination for at least several days before you start to feel like you can function halfway normally. At least that's what it did for me.

Have fun, and be sure to get some good pictures!

 

[rezinn]

Inviting someone to your wedding in 2 weeks in India is equivalent to saying, "I'm getting married. I don't want you to come, but please send me a gift."

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Thanks for the tips guys! Sorry no 50 rs for you though.

Sagalore, where can I get these shots? No one told me about that. I have only 4 business days before I leave!

You're probably screwed then. Many of these shots need time before they're effective anyway. I'd just call your doctor ASAP tomorrow and see what he can do. Not all doctors even stock everything.

There's a website that shows doctors that are essentially certified in travel medicine, but I can't find it right now. I found a doctor that came to my house and told me everything about the diseases I might encounter, gave me all my shots, all my pills, etc. Highly recommended, but it costs ~$500 and you need more time.

So I should wait until I get to India before buying an AC converter? I was thinking of picking one up at Radio Shack.

I wouldn't bother. Just wait.

As for my life, I'm in India, the land of reincarnation. Hopefully if something bad happens, I'll come back as a cow or something.

You might change your mind when you see the cows there

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack SagaLore's question.

 

[CTrain]

I wouldn't worry about the shots.
Its really a waste of money since you're only there for 2 weeks.
Don't eat at suspected restaurants, drink bottle water, only fruits with skins and no unprotective sex and you'll be OK.

Your Verizon phone won't work there unless its a GSM phone and Verizon do not use GSM technology. ATT and Tmobil does.
Find an unlock GSM phone(craigslist ~$50) with a 900mhz band and you can use it in India if you must need a phone there. Sim cards there are cheap.

And I don't know where that guy get his info that Amex is more expensive.
I went to VN 3 months ago and Amex told me they charge 2% where MC and Visa charge 3%. Discover is free but pretty much noone outside the US take Discover.

 

[Farang]

You're ok to have your camera just keep it on you as much as possible. As for money, there are a large variety of banks in Delhi and finding an ATM shouldn't be a problem. The worst problem I ran into was my friend was only able to take money out of one particular bank's ATM, but he was the exception rather than the rule. India is chaotic and intimidating if you haven't been there before but really it is nothing to stress much over. The most you're likely to get ripped off is a dollar or two on overprice rickshaw rides. As for bargaining hard, don't worry too much about it and pay what you think something is worth. Obviously the folks are going to try to rip you off but give them a break and don't stress so much about a few rupees here or there and you'll have a great trip.

Also malaria pills are probably not necessary for where you're going but you can buy them when you're there for very cheap, so if you get a prescription that is expensive to fill remember that. Typhoid and Hep A are essential, though.

edit: just read a reply saying don't worry about Typhoid. As someone who has had typhoid: worry about typhoid. All it takes is a single shot to prevent, and you're going to be eating a lot of unsanitary food so it definitely worth it. I am not a paranoid traveler but really it is foolish to go without the typhoid shot.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Descartes
8) Be careful with tour guides if you decide to use any (recommended). Many times they get kickbacks from certain venues, restaurants, etc. You're better off asking some locals or maybe your driver. It depends on the tour guide though. If your guide sends you someplace where you see nothing but white people, you've been had. You'll see the snake charmers, dancers, etc. all trying to give you an "authentic" experience.

Yea... you'll most undoubtedly end up at some "gem" shop where they craft "authentic" jewelry. They'll offer you free cokes and convince you to buy expensive marble things.

If you do plan on buying anything from these shops, know what the current exchange rate is, and do your own conversions. Bargain in Rupees, not in dollars. They'll try and scam you on the exchange rate. If you have enough cash on you, you can get a better deal.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: CTrain
And I don't know where that guy get his info that Amex is more expensive.
I went to VN 3 months ago and Amex told me they charge 2% where MC and Visa charge 3%. Discover is free but pretty much noone outside the US take Discover.

Not more expensive for the customer, more expensive for the merchant.

FYI, Capital One eats the conversion fee, so if you have that then use it.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
Sagalore, where can I get these shots? No one told me about that. I have only 4 business days before I leave!

There are places that specialize in it. I went to Passport Health.

Yea you're kind of short on time... I took most of mine in one go, and I ran a fever for a day. The typhoid pills take a week, and you need to end them 1 week before you go.

Well, do this - forget the pills, its kind of too late for them to do much good - instead drink lots of Tonic water while you're there. The quinine helps wards off Malaria. Don't touch any animals while you're there (which you shouldn't do anyway). Don't be hooking up with any prostitutes. But you must absolutely bring Cipro and Immodium. You can get the Cipro from a passport health place or from your doctor. At first sign of dysentery, take 1 pill of each and continue for about 3 days. Then you'll be fine the rest of the trip.

 

[cliftonite]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: Descartes
8) Be careful with tour guides if you decide to use any (recommended). Many times they get kickbacks from certain venues, restaurants, etc. You're better off asking some locals or maybe your driver. It depends on the tour guide though. If your guide sends you someplace where you see nothing but white people, you've been had. You'll see the snake charmers, dancers, etc. all trying to give you an "authentic" experience.

Yea... you'll most undoubtedly end up at some "gem" shop where they craft "authentic" jewelry. They'll offer you free cokes and convince you to buy expensive marble things.

If you do plan on buying anything from these shops, know what the current exchange rate is, and do your own conversions. Bargain in Rupees, not in dollars. They'll try and scam you on the exchange rate. If you have enough cash on you, you can get a better deal.

I got a fairly large Taj Mahal replica from Agra/Jaipur about 8 years ago for ~$200. I wanted the really gigantic one but my parents wouldnt let me (was 17 at the time)