India, The Final Frontier...what should I bring?

[Cashmoney995]

Hey guys, Im 17 and the last time i went to india was like seven or eight years ago, so obviousely Im not exactly warm to the idea of going there for two months on a whim my parents had, but from what ive heard its changed a lot so who knows maybe itll be something I enjoy. One thing however I know is going to be completely unmodernised is the music...lol...had a couple cousins over and it was fairly obvious. Sooooo Im making a survival kit of what I'm going to bring, since I know a lot of Indians hang out at Anandtech I figured some of yall must have been there recently.

Right now I'm bringing a Laptop that just has a cd-drive and a panasonic mp3 player. Ive got a couple questions.

India runs on the 220 volt system, the laptop will be fine but since we will be doing some travelign I was wondering if the cars there have 12v cig lighters in the cars, and if the polarity of that is the right way so you could run your laptop off the car?

Since Ive got a bunch of music and a space 30 gig HD, I was wondering if buying an external 5.25 inch drive case would be a good idea? And also if I bought one could I also stick in a cd burner into it and burn cd's?

Ive got a bunch of DVD's but obviousely I wont have a dvd player (or will I?) so if I SVCd like 10-15 movies will customs have a problem with that? I hope they dont go thinking that my hd or cd-burner is a bomb....Another option is just buy a bigger HD like a 160 and then just rippin the movies on to there.

Any other suggestions on places to go or things to bring in Mumbai?

Thanks a lot...this ABCD doesnt want to get lost in India.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

ABCD... hehe

Don't worry about music, people in India have a strong influence from the US, you'll be surprised. I went there back when I used to listen to rap until I saw the light from the sun saying light rock, well, when I went I noticed all my cousins listened to rap. Couple months ago we were talking and he was into the hard rock I used to listen to, so it won't be all that bad.

Get some converter for charging the laptop. Oh yeah, remember that the power there goes out almost everyday depending on where you live. Umm... make sure oyu have enough to do on the flight there, the laptop won't keep you busy the whole time especially because of battery time.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Why would your parents want to visit India for 2 months? I could understand a week or two, but isn't there a reason they left India in the first place?

 

[maziwanka]

dude. the thing you gotta worry about is your stomach. just make sure you drink water that has been boiled - nothing else. you DO NOT want to get food poisoning in india. it'll end up ruining your trip.

 

[Dissipate]

Keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Whatever you do, do NOT lose your passport or let it get stolen. Also you need to go to the doctor's and get a bunch of shots before you go over there. There are a lot of diseases you can get.

 

[MystikMango]

Don't forget to bring a cow.

 

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would your parents want to visit India for 2 months? I could understand a week or two, but isn't there a reason they left India in the first place?

Usually to visit family and stuff. If the airline ticket costs a couple thousand or so, might as well spend a lot of time there! Most Indians I know spend months at a time there.

 

[PunDogg]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would your parents want to visit India for 2 months? I could understand a week or two, but isn't there a reason they left India in the first place?

they might have there whole family back there, thats the way my parents are. we go back every 3 years and stay an entire summer. its not like they see their parents and grandparents all the time.

Dogg

 

[Zombie]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would your parents want to visit India for 2 months? I could understand a week or two, but isn't there a reason they left India in the first place?

Do you even know where India is on the world map ?

 

[zzzz]

get a lot of condoms

 

[Imdmn04]

toilet paper

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: Zombie

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why would your parents want to visit India for 2 months? I could understand a week or two, but isn't there a reason they left India in the first place?

Do you even know where India is on the world map ?

I'm 3/4 Indian so I would hope I know where it is.

 

[Rage187]

What you should bring?


Our freaking jobs back to America.

 

[Cashmoney995]

Awww Rage that was low, it's just that technical support and a bunch of other rudimentary stuff has become more blue collarish in its nature.

Actually its crazy, I honestly had severe pangs of anger that I had to go to India for two months, I have graduated from High School early and had 8 MONTHS OFF! Before I started college...but noooo I couldnt get a job in January because nobody will let you work for just a month, and I obviousely cant get a job for the two months Im there so Im down to like maybe 4 months of work time...which is a big difference from the 8 or so...Im litterally out of 10,000 dollars in possible cash that I could have made which annoys the hell out of me. Being Indian my parents understand nothing about politics and generally how to get not just medium rich, but unbelievably rich in America. Sure as Indians they can secure a certain area of income...but there are probably about 2 indians in politics and maybe a couple more on the rich list. Doesnt make sense. I was going to be able to start payments on a car, open a savings account, hell I could have put the twenty two in an account and I would have had a retirement fund started. I have no idea what we're going to be doing in India, although I am assured by my dad that, "There will be choo choo trains and a forest there". Oh goody. Not to mention I WONT HAVE MY BEAUTIFUL COMPUTER. Grr...Oh yea Man I was gonna build me an Athlon 64 with that money...now no dice. Grrrr...

 

[Savarak]

Originally posted by: Rage187
What you should bring?


Our freaking jobs back to America.

ding!

 

[RbSX]

Originally posted by: Cashmoney995
Awww Rage that was low, it's just that technical support and a bunch of other rudimentary stuff has become more blue collarish in its nature.

Actually its crazy, I honestly had severe pangs of anger that I had to go to India for two months, I have graduated from High School early and had 8 MONTHS OFF! Before I started college...but noooo I couldnt get a job in January because nobody will let you work for just a month, and I obviousely cant get a job for the two months Im there so Im down to like maybe 4 months of work time...which is a big difference from the 8 or so...Im litterally out of 10,000 dollars in possible cash that I could have made which annoys the hell out of me. Being Indian my parents understand nothing about politics and generally how to get not just medium rich, but unbelievably rich in America. Sure as Indians they can secure a certain area of income...but there are probably about 2 indians in politics and maybe a couple more on the rich list. Doesnt make sense. I was going to be able to start payments on a car, open a savings account, hell I could have put the twenty two in an account and I would have had a retirement fund started. I have no idea what we're going to be doing in India, although I am assured by my dad that, "There will be choo choo trains and a forest there". Oh goody. Not to mention I WONT HAVE MY BEAUTIFUL COMPUTER. Grr...Oh yea Man I was gonna build me an Athlon 64 with that money...now no dice. Grrrr...

What was the point of that post buddy, I'm lost.

 

[dr150]

I just came back from India.

Some qucik advice:

1.) Only drink bottled water or soda. Brush your teeth with bottled water. People get tapeworm and other parasites from untreated water. Be forewarned.

2.) Do your business before you leav the hotel. Finding a sh!tter in ANY city is next to impossible!! Unless you liuckily run into one of the sparce Reliance or Barista cafes.

3.) Avoid rickshaws (the little cheap taxis). They are deathtraps. People DIE in them! Not worth the insignificant cost savings. To an Ambassador taxi instead.

4.) Always ask the Hotel doorman the cost of a taxi from point A to B. You will have to negotiate EVERYTIME with the driver. They will EASILY rip you off if you're ignorant. Bargain HARD. Don't give your money away. Make sure they don't take you to a shop. They get commissions from shop owners, so make sure you have the driver take you DIRECTLY to point B.

5.) Bring Excedrin. The EXTREME smog and road smell will churn your stomach and give you headaches.

6.) Get your shots from your doctor. Take you Malaria tabs religiously.

7.) Get a Lets Go guide. Their restaurant recommendations are good. Don't experiment with cheap food-stand food. You can get really sick.

8.) Be prepared to get accosted by "professional" beggars. When you visit monuments, scheister "tour guides" will start walking with you. Tell them to ah heck off, b/c they will INSIST in payment when you leave the monument. Don't take any crap..............At they airport, baggage men will take your luggage...insist that you take your own luggage, otherwise they'll aks for payment once you check in.

9.) Being American or white, you're going to be CONSTANTLY accosted. CONSTANTLY! Be prepared! Insist when people approach you that you have NO MONEY. Tell them to ah heck off. Don't feel bad as these guys are pros at going after people they think have money. IGNORE THEM if they start walking with you. They'll eventually get the message and leave you alone.

10.) Take bug spray/cream with DEET. Mosquitos will nail you.

11.) Don't eat dairy, ice cream, or ice in drinks. You can get really sick from this. Unless you're eating at a 5 star restaurant, avoid it entirely. Why take a chance? Disentary ain't worth it!

12.) Don't travel between cities at night. Bandits DO ROB cars travelling at night. Plus the winter-time fog in the North (if you're in that area, that is) causes fatal accidents. No joke!

13.) Remember that you're in IST (Indian Standard Time). That means EVERYTHING runs at a leisurely slow pace. This will drive you nuts if you're an impatient American who's used to fast results. Keep it in perspective.

14.) At this time of season the North is rather chilly and the SOuth is very humid and hot. Be prepared to carry appropriate clothing. Don't wear shorts unless if you're at the beach. Wear long sleeves for the mosquitos.

15.) Don't think you be able to power buy. Most quality goods made in India are for export. Even at a Bazaar ("mall"), prices aren't that great. Buy from govt sanctioned shops which control prices and have less scams. People have gotten ripped off buying $80 Pashmina shawls when it's just a $5 clone material.

16.) Carry a Mastercard from MBNA. They don't charge the 3% Foreign Exchange fees other bank cards carry.

17.) Always have small rupee change handy with bigger bills hidden away. Many places don't like to give you change for a 500 rupee bill (~$11). You can have bills broken at the hotel............Remember that Indians round off bills so you won't get exact change-- you'll more often than not feel ripped off....it's just the way it is.

18.) Get rupees from the local ATM. They have the best FX rates.

19.) Get a foreign adapter for the power supplies.

20.) Be prepared for power outages. It's VERY regular in every city.

21.) Buy mini locks for your backpack or other packs. People on scooters can rip your pack away before you know it so stay frosty at 360 degrees!

Good luck with your trip. It'll be .....uhh...interesting!

 

[CanOWorms]

Last time I went to India we had a personal car driver take us around. At the Gandhi memorial place, I opened the car door like 6 inches and then WHAM!!!! Apparently a bicycle rikshaw person was driving by that close and I hit his wheel and caused his entire carriage to collapse. His passenger was screaming like a little baby (nobody was hurt) and this huge crowd gathered around me screaming and cursing us rich foreigners, etc. We gave the bicycle driver a few months salary and he went on his way and left the passenger sitting there throwing a hissy fit. So, it's pretty crowded (bet you didn't know that!) so watch out

 

[opticalmace]

Bring tons of pepto-bismol. Bleh!

 

[sash1]

I've been to India four times. Just thought I'd say that. Last time I went I got to take malaria pills. That was cool...

G'night!

`K

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms
Last time I went to India we had a personal car driver take us around. At the Gandhi memorial place, I opened the car door like 6 inches and then WHAM!!!! Apparently a bicycle rikshaw person was driving by that close and I hit his wheel and caused his entire carriage to collapse. His passenger was screaming like a little baby (nobody was hurt) and this huge crowd gathered around me screaming and cursing us rich foreigners, etc. We gave the bicycle driver a few months salary and he went on his way and left the passenger sitting there throwing a hissy fit. So, it's pretty crowded (bet you didn't know that!) so watch out

Well maybe you could have looked to see if anyone was coming? In the end it was an accident but a dodgy one at that. Could have hurt the guy more...and the attitude of giving him a few months salary and him going away doesn't do the rich us foreigner any good either....

Originally posted by: Rage187
What you should bring?


Our freaking jobs back to America.

muahahaha. Not PC but it is true. Same in England with out sourcing to India for cheaper and savings and more money to the companies. Bad luck if your job gets out sourced but good if your a company head.....

Koing

 

[CanOWorms]

Originally posted by: Koing

Originally posted by: CanOWorms
Last time I went to India we had a personal car driver take us around. At the Gandhi memorial place, I opened the car door like 6 inches and then WHAM!!!! Apparently a bicycle rikshaw person was driving by that close and I hit his wheel and caused his entire carriage to collapse. His passenger was screaming like a little baby (nobody was hurt) and this huge crowd gathered around me screaming and cursing us rich foreigners, etc. We gave the bicycle driver a few months salary and he went on his way and left the passenger sitting there throwing a hissy fit. So, it's pretty crowded (bet you didn't know that!) so watch out

Well maybe you could have looked to see if anyone was coming? In the end it was an accident but a dodgy one at that. Could have hurt the guy more...and the attitude of giving him a few months salary and him going away doesn't do the rich us foreigner any good either....

Originally posted by: Rage187
What you should bring?


Our freaking jobs back to America.

muahahaha. Not PC but it is true. Same in England with out sourcing to India for cheaper and savings and more money to the companies. Bad luck if your job gets out sourced but good if your a company head.....

Koing

Well, he was insanely close to us & our driver said it was illegal (?). Anyways, they'd rather not call the police since supposedly they side with the foreigners. It's kind of strange... when the crowd found out the passenger wasn't from New Delhi, they started heckling him.

 

[athithi]

You ABCD wusses might as well stay at home, turn down the lights, eat your mild salad dinners at 6 PM and go to bed by 9 PM

Dude, you are going to a different place. What's the point if everything looked and felt like suburban USA? Try not to stick out like a sore thumb and don't act as if everything around you is going to eat you.

One thing however I know is going to be completely unmodernised is the music

Yeah, there's some bad music back there. But you've got Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera here, so stop throwing stones. If you hate change so much, grow a spine and tell your parents you don't want to go. I think the 1 billion odd there will manage just fine without your benevolence.............and your attitude.

 

[SherEPunjab]

Originally posted by: Rage187
What you should bring?


Our freaking jobs back to America.

That was retarded. Posters like you make it abundantly clear why they may be going there in the first place.

 

[SherEPunjab]

cashmoney:

i'm a socalled 'abcd'. i'm not confused though i was born n raised here.

drink Aquafina or Kinley water ONLY, and that too buy it from a reputable source. your local relatives will point you in the right direction. Boiled water is good but tastes nastay. avoid any milk that is not from mother dairy or direct from a cow. avoid eating meat there. take a backpack, digital camera, and your laptop/mp3 player. pack 2-3 water bottles whenever you go out, as it can get hella hot and you gotta keep hydrated.

try not to ACT like an abcd. especially when you go shopping. shut your trap unless you have a thick indian accent, which i doubt since you were born here. they'll jack up the prices if they think you're a foreigner.

music is.. pretty much the same. they listen to a lot of british boy bands too, i think boyzone(?) is popular there. They get all the latest music because of MTV India, and V Music channel. pretty good. They have at least 70 true cable channels, so t.v. is pretty cool there, and a good amount are western, like AXN, HBO (yeah they even have Sex and the City there.. haha), Star world, star movies, star this star that....bbc, cnn, discovery, animal planet the list goes on...

eat the chinese food. it is better than chinese food in america. go to Jazz By the Bay in bombay for pizza. check out the clubs, if you can get in. the club scene is pretty big, with a lot of good dj's. bombay is pretty tight, i've been there once. you can go to goa from there it ain't far, but you may be too young for that shiet.. haha. what else.... hmm... can't say too much more cuz i'm not from there (punjab-delhi is my forte).