Open Wide – Before You Go #4

Scams, Taxis, Practical Tips
There are so many to list that I don’t have the energy to relate what I’ve read. Check out the Lonely Planet Thorntree for more. They store a complied list at the end of the postings around page 24.

1) At the airport, only use the Delhi Taxi Police taxis. The rest will rip you off. A ride into Pahar Ganj (main hotel area for backpackers) will cost you 200 or 300 rs.

2) Rickshaw drivers will try to convince you your hotel is no longer there, broken down, full, or infested with vermin. Do not believe them. They are on commission from other hotels to take you to their own places. Stick to your guns about where you want to go.

3) When you get a taxi, make sure you go by the fare chart – all drivers should have one. Arrange the price before you get in.

4) Drivers may want to take you on a detour from where you want to go in order to show you a store (where they would get a commission for bringing you there). Don’t go!

5) Make sure you don’t go to see a store early in the morning as it’s bad luck for the owner of the store not to make the first customer of the day a buying customer.

Finally, send yourself a password protected email with all your important numbers stuff: passport, licence, visa, etc. If possible, scan your documents into an email, the embassies have Internet.

Money
When exchanging money, make sure you don’t get any ripped bills. They are not accepted in India at all, and therefore worthless. Exchanging money will yield a whole lot of rupees, and the exchange person can slip some torn bills in the middle to get rid of them, so check your money when changing it. Also check the denominations.

More Preparations

Getting a visa and Consulate contact info

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