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From the airport to the city: If possible take the bus into the city.
They have a "nonbargain" price. Don't just step into a taxi. Most people
are warned about it, and most people do it anyway. Simply because they are
tired and affected by the heat. If you do it, you'll be overcharged and
taken to a expensive hotel, with a heavy commission on top of the price.
Think of leaving the big city for the first 3-4 days and go to a smaller city close to the big city. This way
you'll be able to adopt to the climate and take in India a bit slower.
Train reservations,travelagents: Making a train reservation is not so difficult as the
travelagenst wants you to believe Often the station will only be a few
hundred meters away and the only thing you pay for is that they buy instead
of you. Charging 1500rs for a ticket you could have bought yourself for 200
rs isn't uncommon. Serious travelagents also excist.
When you are shown to the bus or something alike, people aspect a small
fee for their help.
Always bargain about the price and bargain hard, particular in the North.
On many articles you will see a max retail price. This is not the price the actual price locals pay. If it says Rs.12
the price is approx.Rs.8 or so. Although in tourist places max retailprice is
more than actually price.
Notes; Don't accept torn notes,
and when you get back a 50 or 100 Rs note always check if it's torn.Nobody
on the street will accept it. You can change it in a bank, but if you think
you canchange 50 torn notes... think again !
See to have small coins on you.
Breaking down a big notes isn't always possible. It also looks a little
strange bargaining about a 1/2 Rs and paying with a 500 Rs note.
People "coming on to you" at the street. On the street approaching people
will try to sell you anything and
they don't give up easy. Try to completely ignore them, then they'll give
up(maybe!)As a Alien this can be difficult to do when you're new to India.
Learn to say NO !
When you arrive in a new city,
try to have a little feeling of the distances and different parts of the
city. It'll give you a much better bargain situation.
Remember to drink, a lot !
Try to accept how things are done in India. Fighting against the system
will only lead to endless headaches.
But above all, enjoy India !
