Off to india for 2 weeks - help!!!!!!

Mr_Lahey

POLO_BINT wrote: »

thanks guys

especially Mr Lahey

I went to the library weeks ago - picked up "the said" guide and a few others whilst I was there......

I suppose I should read them now lol, was saving them for the flight (not much time to read... can't even scratch my backside in peace in this house)

Can anyone be so kind as to give me an estimate on how much spending money we will need???? I've put aside £700 but the few people who I have spoke to briefly said I wouldn't even spend half of it!

What is the best way to deal with the money side of things? Traveler's cheques or get sterling changed when we get there? How much of what should I change up etc etc etc ...

the list goes on lol
x

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/practical-information/money-costs

POLO_BINT

Pollycat wrote: »

I've been to Goa many times and the phrase I hear most from people who are there for the first time is:
"It was such a culture shock".

I don't know about Delhi or Jaipur but as a couple of other posters have said Mumbai WILL be a shock, especially if you've not visited many (if any) other countries.
There WILL be beggars, there WILL be rubbish in the streets, you may even see families sleeping rough on the streets of Mumbai (we did), the traffic is manic, the driving (taxis especially) unbelievable, the noise can be deafening.

But as Mr Lahey also says 'Go with the right attitude'.

It sounds a fabulous trip.

I'm pretty much aware of all this, I think I will be just fine but we shall see when I get there lol.

I like to help EVERYONE but i've promised the other half not to trust or give to beggers (will be hard but I also have a stubborn stern side lol)

I am really looking forward to going! (although not one for Indian food):rotfl: I am going to try EVERYTHING, enjoy EVERYTHING and let my hair down

I am not too sure about prescription medications either? I have to take tramadol 4 times a day, x2 paracetamol 4 times a day plus diclofenic 3 times a day and another so my tummy doesnt rot lol..... do I pack these mainly in my suitcase or do I need to take everything boxed and labelled in hand luggage as obviously I will need some during the course of the flight.

I also have a pelvis 80% full of plates, screws, and god knows what else.... should I get a doctors note detailing this or should I be ok going through the airport security etc.

Mr_Lahey

POLO_BINT wrote: »

I'm pretty much aware of all this, I think I will be just fine but we shall see when I get there lol.

I like to help EVERYONE but i've promised the other half not to trust or give to beggers (will be hard but I also have a stubborn stern side lol)

I am really looking forward to going! (although not one for Indian food):rotfl: I am going to try EVERYTHING, enjoy EVERYTHING and let my hair down

I am not too sure about prescription medications either? I have to take tramadol 4 times a day, x2 paracetamol 4 times a day plus diclofenic 3 times a day and another so my tummy doesnt rot lol..... do I pack these mainly in my suitcase or do I need to take everything boxed and labelled in hand luggage as obviously I will need some during the course of the flight.

I also have a pelvis 80% full of plates, screws, and god knows what else.... should I get a doctors note detailing this or should I be ok going through the airport security etc.

Taking a Doctors note is a good idea, also copies of prescriptions will be quick to sort out any matters. I can personally reccommend Malarone, i took this for a total of 7 weeks and it was fine. It is much safer and has almost no side effects when compared to other anti malarials and it only has to be taken a day or two prior to entering the country then one tablet per day and then for a week after leaving. It is more expensive than other anti malarials but well worth it. It would be worth mentioning to your doctor to make sure there is no problem with it and the medication you currently take.

In terms of beggars/kids the rule of thumb is not to help them. They become reliant and quite often are pawns as part of a much bigger business.
If you really feel sorry for these people (and invariably you will) then try donating to a local charity, that way you can be sure they are all getting helped and the money will benefit them directly. Or just do what i did in Vietnam, i took a bag of lollies and my kids handed them out to the little kids.

Actually handing over cash is not the way to help unfortunately.

preciousb

Hey, hope that i can give you some good advice too as i have family in India and travel regularly there lol.

Yes there is a culture shock, with a huge divide between the rich and the poor. If you are noticed to be a tourist, a lot of beggers will ask for money or even food. I personally wouldnt give it. I know some people may disagree with what i am saying but everytime i go, one begger would come to me and if i gave them a sum of money, then others that see it would also approach me. Some of these kids are employed by a ring leader to beg for money. So its just best to not give anything or maybe donate to a charity there if thats what your happy with.

Also dress wise, i think you are fine. Some parts of Dehli and Mumbai are also modernised so you will find people in skirts, sleveless tops etc. Dont be to worried about this. If you do feel uncomfortable then do cover your arms and legs.

There is no need to wear any head gear unless you are told to. You dont need to take anything with you in that sense.

Eat everything you can! One thing you dont want to miss out on.

Also spending wise, since your going on the tour i cannot estimate what you would exactly need. Prices vary depending on where you buy things. If you buy food from a street stall, it will only be a few rupees. But then that depends on where you eat.

If theres anything else then let me know.

main thing to be prepared for is the cultural shock. There is a big division.

Oh yes one more thing - get travel insurance.

POLO_BINT

cheers for this preciousb

I think I may pack a bit of everything

Most of the places we are staying have pools etc, I have purchased x2 one-piece cozzies and a few light beach tops also (covering up won't be a problem as I am verging on the lardy side a tad since xmas and have a major complex pmsl!)

What are the smoking "rules" out there? Should I pack my tampon-like nicorette inhalator or can I smoke openly? (I read somewhere that women who smoke openly are thought to be "looser" then those who dont)!!!!! may be the case lol, but nevertheless, I don't fancy my chances!!! hehehehe

soooooo many questions! - you guys are fantastic!!!!

Mr Lahey - those links are cracking! Will keep me up most of the night now reading them

POLO_BINT

also.... what are the must haves which I should pack?

I need a travel adaptor? i think lol..... those hair straightners and hairdryer need daily useage!!!!!

can someone suggest a brief inventory?

preciousb

Yes thats true. If you are going to smoke, then try and hide it from as many people lol. Its kind of frowned upon if a female smokes in India.

Just incase - take 1 toilet roll with you. The systems are not very good there.

preciousb

I would take:

Travel Adapter
Medical Tablets etc (Malaria etc) (mosquito repellent, the creams do the trick)
Toilet Roll lol - You will need this for sure! I bet my house on it lol.
Money BumBag thing - Keep a careful eye on your money.
Sandals for walking around

I will add to this if i have missed anything out

X_YuMmY_X

I went to India 2 years ago on a school trip, it was amazing!
Make sure you wear clothes that cover you up, especially when going to temples, otherwise they will give you stuff to wear over the top of the clothes you are wearing.
I changed my money when I got there at the hotels we were staying at.
Don't carry alot of cash around with you, because there are alot of beggars and people trying to sell you stuff.
Things you should definitely do is visit the Taj Mahal, elephant riding and camel riding.
oh and I bought so many silk scarves while I was there, it's so cheap!
The things that I can remember the most is the noise, the driving, the rubbish and smell, people sleeping in the street, it was a trip that I will never forget! Have a brilliant time!

HGLTsuperstar

Right got back 2 weeks ago from a similar tour doing the Golden Triangle, plus Ranthambore National Park etc so could go on forever but here's a few pointers.
1. you will need more than 1 loo roll - pad your bag out with them and then transfer to your day bag as required.
2. Yes do the camel ride and the elephant ride.
3. In Jaipur go for a night at Chokidani (ask at the hotel) it's 350 rupees including your dinner (a true Thali, you sit on the floor and it just keeps coming) and then there's a "theme park" including elephatnt rides for 30 rupees - its a great fun night. Get a radio taxi for 600 rupees (that's the round trip as the driver will wait for you while you're there- up to 3 hours worth= plenty of time)
4. Moneywise. The rupee is a "closed" currency so if you are found taking any into India it will get taken off you. Best bet is to stick your debit card (Nationwide flex if you've got one) in the ATM at Delhi airport when you arrive. £700 will be more than enough but, and this is the point, its really tough to find somewhere back home to change your rupees back to sterling (technically you can't take rupees out of the country). At Delhi airport the currency exchange is limited to Indian passport holders and for only 5000 rupees (i.e. about £80) so you'd need to find an Indian willing to change your money for you (which many will) but if they've got up to the limit ti change themselves...you get my drift.
And don't think you can spend up your left-over rupees at the duty free, as its all priced in US dollars and they take every currency except their own.
Basically it renders your left over cash worthless so more money to them.
5. I wouldn't call Karol Bagh as "Central Delhi" - I'd call it a lot of things probably not allowed for reasons of politeness.
As I said I could say more but no time now - but any more questions - keep them coming!