Navigating India: The Essential Dos and Don'ts for a Smooth Travel Experience -With July 2024 Updates!

DO - Get your VISA from the official India Gov site. You will need to obtain a VISA prior to your visit to India, make sure to head straight to the official Government site found here >  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/, to avoid any unnecessary headaches. Unfortunately, many people have fallen victim to online scams from sites claiming to be the "official Visa site." Trust me; it's better to be safe than sorry. Even though the process might seem a bit complicated with its over-emphasized wording, at least you can rest assured that you've done everything correctly by getting your VISA through India's government site. Don't risk overpaying or missing out on your VISA – stick with the official source for a smooth and secure experience. I always suggest the E-Visa, as it only takes around 3 days to obtain. Everything is done online and the fee's won't break the bank. For a 30 day it's around $35 CAD and for a one year it's around $45. CAD. Once you are granted the visa via email, you can re-sign the India visa site, plug in your informational to check your status, and there should be a downloadable copy that you print off and take with you to give to India immigration on arrival. To make your life easier, you can just opt for the one year and have price of mind that you won't miss your window of access and it's good for multiple entries.

Taken from the official India Visa site:

Q3. Is there any other website apart from the government website to apply for the e-Visa application?

Answer- No, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ is only the official website to apply for the e-Visa Services.   

Note - Services of e-Visa are completely online and no facilitation is required by any intermediary / travel agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim speedy/express grant of e-Visa and charge money for it. Do not share your personal information with any unauthorized website as it may lead to leakage of your personal data.

DO - bring a travel adapter with surge protection, you WILL need this for your phone chargers, laptops etc, and the surge protect keeps your devices from being fried. You will also need a hair appliance adapter which is a bit different from the surge protect adapter. It will automatically convert the voltage for you and stop your appliances (esp. blow dryer) from tripping and also getting fried. One of my good friends didn't have an appliance converter when she went for a visit to her hometown and blew the electricity in the whole village, it was DRAMA!  You can find these at Walmart and Amazon. I have the Conair hair appliance converter which comes as a set of 6 different world travel adapters. It does come with one basic one but not nearly enough for all my devices etc, so I bought more of the regular ones separately as well.

July 2024 Update: When we were in Udaipur, we had a power surge that blew the electricity in the entire building. One of our adapters had the husbands phone charging in it and it blew and started smoking!!! He removed the phone and then the plug and no damage was done on the phone, but the adapter was dead. Get the surge protector!

DO - get an Indian sim card at the airport on arrival! This is a big one for me. Whether I'm staying for a week or 6, I will ALWAYS go for the India sim! I have seen a lot of people say their home provider service is great and they just use that, but at $10 per day, it's not really a good deal, and I hate wasting money. There is also the new and popular E-Sim. I have checked out their plans and it's still it's not for me. It may be cheaper than your home provider but it's still too costly. It's also not tried and true for India and I have heard it not working in some places. Also, if you run out of data or service, you will have to reload, depending where you are, you may not have the wifi to do so and that could prove to be very inconvenient and unreliable. The India sim is SO EASY and really worth the extra 15 min it will take to get it. You get a local Indian phone number and basically unlimited data which works everywhere! I will always always always recommend this option. With that local Indian phone number you will have more access to things such as, contacting your hotel, contacting a guide, contacting a driver. Yes most are on WhatsApp but not all I have discovered. Also if you ever wanted to maybe use the Zomato app, you will need this. You will also need this for ordering any Amazon India items. WHICH I LOVE to do! They have so many good things on there and the prices are amazing (I have touched on this in my shopping blog) There are some things I wanted that I couldn't find in the markets (such as my wooden spice box),  I didn't have the time or just didn't want to deal with the haggling. Makes me feel a bit safer with a working phone and data. Overall, I am a BIG FAN of the India sim.

July 2024 Update: What you will need for the Indian Prepaid Sim -  It cost me 500 rupees, And that's it! It's connected immediately so no more codes or waiting for service. They will take their own picture of you, and photocopy your passport. So you just need the money and you're all set. Grab some at the ATM right by the Airtel booth.

The service valid for 30 days. They tell me it's pretty much impossible to run out of data with this plan! You can download the app and reload more if you are in India longer and need more before or even after your end date. Make sure to get this done before exiting the airport or you will not be allowed back in! There is an ATM close to the booth where you can get your funds needed for the sim, some extra for your taxi, Uber etc and anything else you need for your arrival. I would advise NOT to try and get a sim outside the airports. People at small shops are not equipped or do not know what is required for a foreign prepaid sim card and may just refuse you or give you a used SIM card that no longer works after a day or 2. Nothing like wasting a whole day trying to find somewhere to get this done just to find out you have to do it again.

DO - Download the Zomato app! I used Zomato more than a handful of times while in India last time and it was a life saver! Especially as a solo woman traveler. Sometimes I was too tired or just didn't want to go out at night but was hungry, craving some Mcdonald's (yes that happened but don't count on a beef burger! Only chicken is available), had missed dinner at my homestay or there were no meal options in the evening. Most places that you stay will allow it, but it is always best to check first. Also a lot of the places I stayed in said it was okay to order as long as it stayed vegetarian only. This was more in homestays and Haveli's that were run by vegetarian families. Please be respectful of your hosts and ask first. I always make sure that there are coffee/tea and kettle options in my room. I once stayed in a homestay in Agra that didn't allow me to bring coffee in my room. That was a big thing for me, as I like to enjoy my morning coffee in my room alone!

July 2024 Update: Again lived on Zomato!! Just love it! Especially after the heat all day it was nice to come back, have a cool shower and order some food! Ahhh Blisss. There were quite a few Gluten free restaurants on Zomato! I'll list my fav's in my City blogs.

DO - Bring digestive enzymes and probiotics! Especially if you have digestive issues already (like me). I also tried out some Gluten ease capsules to help with any potential cross contamination with gluten and It must have worked because no matter what I ate, I was fine. I use a pro/pre-biotic powder daily at home and brought it with me, as well as my digestive enzymes that I also take daily. The husband said that everytime he goes to India, he ends up with delhi belly in the first few days. He was on the pro/pre-biotics and did NOT get sick the entire 10 weeks stay in india! You can find which products I use on my Personal travel essentials blog.

July 2024 Update: UPI/PAYTM Is NO LONGER FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS! This is for tap to pay. Widely popular in India, available in markets, monuments and even street food/Chai stands. You can now easily use the CHEQ APP. Use your foreign credit/debit card right into the app and it stores your funds into a virtual bank account. So you can tap away freedom! I would use this for my convenience with smaller payments such as markets or food stalls, and if I want to make a dent with shopping. If this option is a bit too scary, too digitally forward for your liking or your device doesn't fit the requirements I would opt for grabbing cash in smaller amounts at the ATM's.They are EVERYWHERE and in abundance! And speaking of the money topic...

DON'T - Worry about having Indian cash when you land! I see sooo many people worried about this! I was also worried on my first trip too so I totally get it! But do not fret! You will not need any Indian funds until you arrive in India. At that point you can hit that first ATM inside the airport. DO NOT USE THE MONEY EXCHANGE AT THE AIRPORTS, as they will give a terrible exchange rate. In Canada and other countries, you are not able to obtain Indian currency because Indian currency is not allowed IN or OUT of India for foreign tourists. It is ILLEGAL to do this and you can get in a lot of unwanted trouble if you are caught. I strongly advise against doing this. Importing and Exporting Indian rupees is strictly prohibited for non-Indian residents. 

DON'T - Walk outside the airport and go with the drivers that are making you offers. 100% of the time they are seriously ripping you off. They will seem as sweet as pie and so lovely it's hard to say no, but just know they have more than one reason to get your Business. They prey on unknowing tourists that have no idea what they should be paying and will most likely tell you a story about where you are staying, such as "the hotel has burned down" or that "it's a completely terrible place to stay, and not safe" and take you to a "better place" that they will in turn get a commission from the "better place"and most likely will be a pretty shady one. AVOID these guys!

July 2024 Update: WE just used UBER for everything! There is a pre-paid taxi service at the airport but we didn't bother with them. Uber is the cheapest, most convenient and safest way to go! There is an Uber booth right outside the Delhi airport, but it's a bit of an awkward spot. Ask someone before you go outside, NOT THE GUYS OUTSIDE! Ask some officials and they will tell you what number it is, then follow the signs. You will have to walk straight out across the lanes, then to the right of the airport and it's in the parkade. You can ask someone (help desk or maybe the Airtel guys) where it's located.

I've heard good things and bad from inner city Uber, such as booking your fare and the driver telling you that you need to pay extra (not really how Uber is supposed to work) . Some will just pay up and some will fight! I personally try my best to avoid confrontation so I won't bother with it all together. You CAN however tell the driver you will contact Uber and report them and sometimes this works, but don't let them cancel the fare!!! you must do it first and fill in the reason, or it won't be considered as driver fault.

July 2024 Update: We did get ripped off in Amritsar. The husband figured since he's an Indian citizen they would treat him as such, but he's now an NRI and also throw a foreigner in the mix and now you are both foreigners! Before I knew it he was agreeing to pay 800 rupees for one way to the Wagah Border ceremony!!! The excuse the driver gave? He will only have one way fair and its' far. If I would have known that this was happening I would have said cancel the fare! NOT YOUR PROBLEM! Would you do this in your home town? NOPE!

Don't do this here either. It was a huge pain to find someone to get us back and waited outside in the unbearable heat trying to do so. Of course we still had to pay 550 rupees to get home in an electric tuktuk.

DO - Always negotiate a price before leaving with any Drivers, Tuk Tuk's, Rickshaws or Coolies. I once used a train Coolie (someone that helps carry your bags) and we agreed on 150 rupees, once we were on the platform he asked for 200. Stick firm to what you agreed on unless you want to tip extra. To me this was more a matter of principle and if he would have said 200 to start with, I would have given 200 no problem. 150 was already steep for one bag!

DON'T - Wait to book your accommodations! Book well in advance! India is not a "I'll just wing it" type of place! I am a planner by nature (not to mention SO EXCITED ) that I book everything I can, months in advance! India can seem chaotic, especially if it's your first time. You may be overwhelmed and be under some serious culture shock! The last thing you need is to be stressed and scrambling for a good place to decompress and lay your jetlagged head. I always use Booking.com. I like that they have reviews and "stay scores" according to their history. I always choose places 8.0 and up! They seem to be the safest and most pleasant. Always watch for shared toilets, if you're okay with that, cool! For me I need my own toilet privacy and access. It's a thing in some places and not very common but it's just something to be aware of. When you book on Booking.com you will have immediate access to the hotel/homestay/hostel that you booked with and can ask them questions such as, Can you arrange a driver for airport pick up? Do you have access to guides? Do you have electric kettles in the rooms? Can I check in at 2am? Most but not all, places you book will have a free cancellation policy up to a certain date, usually about a week prior to the check in date. Hotels, haveli's, homestays and hostels are available on booking.com.  I must mention that as of lately, booking.com seems to have some strange messages being sent to guests who have booked online. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY OR DEPOSITS for bookings. This is a scam! No deposits or transfers are necessary to confirm your booking. Hopefully booking.com will have this sorted out soon!

July 2024 Update: We did have to switch hotels at midnight on one occasion for our own safety and comfort. The hotel that we ended up in was not bad but it ended up being a party hotel and was incredibly loud, but at that point we were just happy to be in a new place. I'll write more about that in my upcoming blog - Udaipur.

DO NOT STAY IN PAHARGANJ!!!!!! IT IS NOT A SAFE PLACE TO BE, especially when night falls. It's a hub for touts, pickpockets, and scammers, attracting some unsavory characters. Regarded as the "bad part" of town, it's home to substance addicts and brothels, making it a risky place for visitors. While the hotels there may be tempting due to their low prices, the compromise on safety is not worth it. If you must visit during daylight hours for shopping, stay vigilant and keep a tight grip on your valuables. Countless incidents of female travelers facing danger, solo or not, serve as cautionary tales of the dangers lurking in that vicinity. Remember, your safety is paramount, so it's best to avoid this precarious area altogether.

DO - Stay in South Delhi, Saket, Hauz Kauz areas of Delhi which are safe and beautiful and offer better shopping experiences like Khan market, Janpath and Sarojini Nagar.

I have my favorites! and will update this list as I go. For now my absolute favorite place to land when I fly into Delhi is CP Villa in Connaught place. On my first trip to India I used a booking agency but when I took my first step in making this trip happen, I researched a LOT and on Booking.com I found CP Villa. I booked them for the first 3 days of my trip. The agency asked if I wanted to have them book something instead but the reviews were so fabulous and I had such a good feeling about it (always trust your gut) that I wanted to take that chance and kept my initial booking, and wow was I in GOOD HANDS! I was so impressed with how Amit and his wife took care of me. Staying there when I land has been made a tradition now. When I leave India, I always make sure to spend at least a day or 3 at The Tree of Life in Saket. I will link more information and reviews about the Agency that I used and these homestays on my recommendations page.

DO - Ask your host or hotel for assistance. For the most part, I simply asked for what I wanted while in India and I got it! India takes great pride in their hospitality and they always aim to please and make their guests happy. I asked for laundry, guides, drivers ,recommendations, a kettle for my room, an iron, silly things like a plate of cucumbers sprinkled with Chaat masala to go with my dinner, and one family that even went shopping with me! Nothing is out of reach! While things such as booking a lion safari will require months advance notice, most requests are easily fulfilled with a day's notice or even sometimes on the spot. So even if you can't plan in advance, don't worry, they'll still go out of their way to make things happen for you. They will also be more than happy to help you with the dreaded Delhi belly if it happens, So don't be shy and just ask!

DO - Buy your monument tickets online! I have started to see that people were unable to purchase a physical ticket at some of the monuments, and I can't imagine the disappointment! I'm assuming this is a result of the covid pandemic and India has decided that it's just easier and safer to do it this way. If you can purchase it online, I would advise you to do so! You can use your laptop or your phone and I believe it will email you an electronic ticket that you will scan at the gates. If you run into trouble just ask your host where you're staying and I'm sure they will be more than happy to help you. This is the official Indian monument ticketing service of India through the Ministry of Culture found here > https://asi.payumoney.com/

2024 July Update: You can pay at most monuments but they prefer you to do it online. Some will get a bit salty with you if you don't. Also it's cheaper to do it online. Almost everything is digital now.

DON'T - Wait to book your trains! You can, and should, book well in advance if you want to guarantee your preferred seats. I have seen people scoff at this idea but they were the ones sitting on a waiting list and missing the train because they waited and couldn't get a seat after all. I am a planner like I said and want to make sure my ducks are in a row. YOU CAN as a foreigner buy your own train tickets!! There has recently been a change with the IRCTC - Indian railways to accommodate foreign tourists. You will have to visit the site, and make an account under the Foreign Tourist Quota. I have signed up and made my account successfully from Canada using my Canadian phone number to receive my OTP ( one time password) via text. There is also a site called 12AsiaGo.com where you can purchase online without the hassle of making an online account. But they are far more expensive ($78 Cad for two one way tickets VS $12 for the same on IRCTC). I have recently found Easemytrip.com which I have not yet used (already booked our trains) but it is a partner with IRCTC and allows you to use a foreign a credit card. As far as booking goes, I like to book chair seats over anything! For me they are the most comfortable. I would not recommend a sleeper for a short trip. Trying to sit upright in the L-shaped benches is very uncomfortable for long periods. I did this from Delhi to Jaipur for 4.5 hours and it was not a good time. If you are sleeping, of course it would be amazing or maybe if you're just tired and need a good long nap. I have seen plenty of people doing the overnight sleeper routes and they were VERY comfortable! I would definitely recommend this when travelling far distances. You can save money on a hotel for the night and also have an extra a day for site-seeing instead of travelling . You can, by all means, book 1st class or executive class! I usually just go with AC2 which is air conditioned 2nd class. Please check out Railofy for a complete guide to classes available. There are a few ways you can track your train online, I prefer the Trainman app. It shows you if your train is delayed, early, where in the world it is and you can watch for your stop. Knowing which stop is yours is very important (for obvious reasons) but also because it gives you the heads up to get yourself together and ready to leave the train ASAP! This happened to me once and I had to fight my way through the crowds of people pooling in! I would recommend having yourself and your everything as close to the exit door as possible and hustle yourself off quickly. You will thank me later! You can find their website here > https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

2024 July Update: Unfortunately because the husband is an Indian Citizen we couldn't buy our tickets together on the IRCTC from Canada, (this works fine inside India). I doubt this will be much of an issue for most people. We could purchase them from here using our Canadian cards but that would mean we couldn't book together. We were forced to use 12AsiaGo. I hadn't yet found the Easemytrip website when booking so that was our only option. Would I go this route again? absolutely not. It's such a rip off! Just unnecessarily overpriced. We had cancelled 2 of our trains while there and the husband booked 1st class cabins instead( in India you can book foreign and Indian together). The difference was $50 cad for one 1st class cabin on 12AsiaGo versus $20 within India and that was pretty last minute. You can definitely have some luck booking the 1st class cabins with only a week notice while in India as they're too expensive for most locals. ***Bare in mind we were there in the off season for tourists.***

DON'T - Go out alone at night! It's always great to explore new places, but when it comes to venturing out at night alone, it's best to play it safe. This advice definitely applies anywhere these days, but especially in countries like India, and even more so for female travelers. Since you may not be familiar with the area and its safety, going out alone at night can be risky. If you really need to be out in the evening, consider going with a guide or a group. India can be stunning at night, with places like the Golden Temple in Amritsar, breathtaking sunsets everywhere, and the vibrant 32nd Ave in Gurgaon to discover. Opting for a guided walking tour can be a fantastic way to explore a city safely, as you not only get to delve into each location but also ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. You can ask your host or hotel for a guide or visit Tripadvisor and check reviews for reputable walking tour guides wherever you may be in India.

DO/DONT - Take the selfies! For myself I don't mind taking a selfie with a family, women or children but I will not take a selfie with boys or men. Reason being is that these photo's you are taking can be altered and your face or head can be morphed onto another body that is not portrayed is a nice manner, if you get my drift. They can then tell all their friends what a great night they had with you. You will also need to know your limit. I've never had a crowd gather but it does happen and you will spend your next few hours accommodating selfie requests if you don't say "no more" and walk away.

DO - Download Google Translate. It can be an extremely helpful tool, especially when communication becomes a bit tricky. In India, while most people speak English, there might still be instances where Hindi or prevail. Google Translate not only offers accurate translations for Hindi but also provides a handy speech feature for those who can't read or write. Although the Punjabi translations may not be as precise as the Hindi ones, having this app can clear up any misunderstandings in conversations. I've personally found it incredibly useful, whether I need a quick translation or just to ensure smooth communication during a chat. Plus, pairing it with language-learning apps like Duolingo can easily enhance your language skills and make your travels a breeze. While there are Hundreds of languages spoken India wide, I have only had the experience of Hindi and Punjabi during my stay.

DON'T - Come to India unprepared! India is a diverse and vibrant country, but it's essential to approach it with the right mindset and preparation. This is not a "wing it" destination; thorough research on the places you plan to visit is crucial for a successful trip. It's disheartening to see individuals express disdain for the noise, crowds, and dirt when they could have informed themselves better beforehand. Just like you wouldn't go to a mall and complain about the abundance of clothes, taking accountability for your choice to visit India is key. Ensuring safe accommodations in advance is a responsible decision that can help you avoid risky or dangerous situations. Coming ill-prepared to India is like inviting trouble; while unfortunate incidents can occur, blaming the entire country for a lack of readiness is unfair. Let's make wise choices and enjoy all that India has to offer with the right preparation.

DON'T - Bring toilet paper! Let's chat about the infamous toilet paper debate. Seriously, for the love of God, can we stop with the advice on packing rolls of TP? Fact check: Toilet paper exists in India! You'll find it in most homestays, hotels, and for purchase in stores so relax. The only place you might not spot it is in public toilets. But fear not, my friends, a handy pack of tissues will come to your rescue in these situations. Also, let's not clog up the plumbing systems by flushing tissue paper down the toilet while in public restrooms, it's a big no-no. Instead, each stall is equipped with a tap, a small bucket for water, and an empty bucket for neatly disposing of your used tissues. So, let's ditch the idea of lugging around rolls of toilet paper in our suitcases or awkwardly wrapping wads of it in our purses. Trust me, it's not as essential as some may suggest! Enjoy your travels and keep it light when it comes to bathroom essentials!

And speaking of toilets: You will find two types of toilets in India, The western style and the infamous "squatty potty". In most public washrooms you will be given a choice as a lot of the public washrooms have bathroom attendants that will guide you. If you've ever encountered squat toilets, you might have initially felt a bit unsure about them. But fear not! Squatty potties are actually quite fantastic. Not only do they provide a more natural and ergonomic way to do your business, but they can also be surprisingly comfortable once you get used to them. So, if you come across a squat toilet, remember that it's not as daunting as it may seem. You can do this, I have faith in you!

2024 July Update: I forgot how much easier it was to use the bathroom in the squatties while on the train. It's a bumpy ride in the bathrooms and It's much harder to hover over the metal toilets in the western style ones. I usually wait till the train had stopped but sometimes you can't count on that. Holding the bar while squatting was sooo much more stable!

DO - Bring zip ties! don't forget to bring your trusty zip ties! I always make sure to have them on hand because they come in handy for so many things. I use them for securing my suitcase zippers to the handle for extra security, in addition to using my luggage locks. I also bring some for my fanny packs. Zip ties add that extra layer of protection to the back, preventing any sneak attempts to unclip and grab it(this has never happened to me, but if you're nervous..). Make sure to pack some luggage locks and cables for those train or bus journeys as well. These are perfect for securing your belongings to top racks or under sleeper benches, keeping everything safe and sound throughout your trip! And yes, you will need them during the day as well as night.

DONT: Pack your jumpsuits! I've heard many women rave about jumpsuits as a go-to option in India. I understand that jumpsuits are convenient and comfortable to wear, but one thing to consider is the practicality aspect. Just think about the challenge when you need to use a restroom while wearing a jumpsuit, especially in high-traffic public places like the Taj Mahal that easily gets up to 40 thousand visitors a day. Can you imagine how crowded and possibly messy the restroom floors might be? If you've ever worn a jumpsuit you know the bathroom struggle and do you really want your cute jumpsuit touching that? I, for one, have steered clear of jumpsuits for this reason and will continue to do so because practicality is key for me.

DON'T - Forget to turn the geyser on! I have read recently that someone visiting India didn't have a hot shower even once during their month-long stay! I've had the pleasure of traveling to India 3 times, and I've always enjoyed a nice hot shower. It seems like she might not have turned on the geyser, which is the hot water heater in each bathroom. In India, each bathroom is equipped with its own small hot water tank that usually takes about 20 minutes to heat up. If you're unsure where the geyser switch is, don't hesitate to ask your host for guidance. Most of the time, it's conveniently labeled 'geyser.' Simply remember to turn it on before your shower and remember to switch it off after you've finished. Luckily some places like hotels or Haveli's have running hot water and the geyser is not needed. Unless you're staying in a $5 a night hotel, which I do NOT recommend, there should be a geyser for hot water available.

Shower Tip: Here's what I do - Since the tanks are quite small, I divide my shower into small intervals to make the most out of my hot water. Starting with the water on, I get my shampoo, soap, and everything else ready. Then, I turn off the water to lather up. Once I'm all lathered, I turn the water back on to rinse off. This method helps me conserve my hot water. With the temperatures generally being on the warmer side in India, you definitely won't freeze while the water is turned off. However, be cautious if you're there between November to February, as the weather can get surprisingly chilly during those months!

July 2024 Update: Sometimes the hot water is shut off during summers. I was told it was because no one wants hot water during the summer months. I like cool showers, but not an ice cold one! They did turn the hot water back on but it took 3 hours and buckets of muddy water flowing through the taps before it was ready to use. Just something to be aware of.

DON'T - Do the PDA thing. When it comes to showing affection in India, it's essential to keep in mind the cultural norms to stay safe and respectful. One major rule to remember is there is no such thing as public displays of affection (PDA) in India. The country values conservatism, so kissing or cuddling in public is frowned upon and can even lead to legal consequences like fines or imprisonment. It's important to be cautious and adhere to these guidelines to avoid any unwanted attention. Interestingly, don't be surprised if you see men holding hands—it's a common act of friendship rather than romantic affection in Indian culture. Just be mindful of the boundaries and enjoy your time in India while respecting the local customs!

DO - Steer clear of certain topics to ensure smooth interactions. Avoid diving into conversations about money, politics, religion, the caste system, and your marital status. Trust me, it can save you from a four-hour-long drive to Agra I once experienced, which left me mentally drained and a tad scared TBH. If you're single or divorced, it's especially crucial to be mindful of this. Single women should consider mentioning they are married, while divorced women can do the same. Don't fret about wearing a wedding ring, you can say you left it at home where it's safe from getting lost. In India, it's not a common practice among Indian women, unless they are quite affluent. Instead, toe rings are more commonly known as a symbol of marriage for women in India. Avoiding these topics and having this knowledge can definitely help you navigate social interactions more smoothly.

DON'T - Try to shake hands when meeting someone new. Greetings are often done by folding your hands together. In Indian culture, shaking hands is not as common, so it's advised to greet others with folded hands to avoid any confusion. Women especially should be aware of this to prevent any misunderstanding. Men, it's crucial to note that trying to shake a woman's hand may not be well-received, as physical contact between opposite genders is often avoided in most situations. By being mindful of these customs, you can navigate social interactions smoothly and show respect for local traditions.

DON'T - Use your left hand? Yep, it's known as the dedicated "wiping hand" when doing your business in the restroom. It's no wonder some people feel a bit squeamish about using it for other tasks like eating or passing items around. In places like India, they might recognize you're new to the custom and cut you some slack, so it's no biggie. Plus, there are Lefty's like my son who face an extra challenge having to constantly switch things up just because of this age-old rule. Remember, in some cases, it's totally cool to use both hands, so no need to sweat it too much. Just give it your best shot!

DO - Like the locals and use elbow grease (not literally). In certain situations like being in a crowded line at places such as Wagah Border in Amritsar for example, you might find yourself needing to employ some elbow grease to navigate through the masses. It's not about being mean or aggressive, but sometimes people push their way through, so you may need to match their energy. At crowded spots like these, where lines are more of a fluid concept, remember not to take it personally. Just keep moving forward with a bit of determination and understanding that this hustle and bustle is just part of the experience. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace a bit of elbow grease to make your way through!

DON’T - Be surprised by the power cuts! Especially in the hotter months. This is to conserve energy so the whole system doesn’t overload. You can google “scheduled power cuts for” and whatever city you’re in, it’s available online.

July 2024 Update: I did expect more power cuts in June/July but there weren't many at all. I believe there were only 3 total (maybe 2) in the month that we were there, and they only lasted 15 min.

DO - Embrace the segregation! Personally I prefer this. When moving through airport security and visiting monuments, there will be a line for women and separate line for men. Women are checked and searched by women and visa versa for men.

DO - Steer clear of tap water like it's the plague! Seriously, don't even use it for brushing your pearly whites. Stick to sealed bottled water for all your hydration needs, including brushing. Be cautious with salads, cut fruit, and fresh fruit juice – they may have taken a dip in that unfiltered tap water! Ice in your drinks? Nope, not worth the risk. And remember, always opt for fully cooked meals served HOT to avoid any unexpected tummy troubles. Trust me, I once sipped on lukewarm tea and ended up with a case of Delhi belly soon after – lesson learned! Always check that any purchased water bottles are indeed sealed and not used refilled bottles with tap water.

July 2024 Update: I brushed my teeth with the tap water, didn't want to say I had done this before because last time, I did get sick. I just wanted to test and make damn sure it was from that suspicious lukewarm chai and not my naughty brushing habits. It was definitely the chai. Now bare in mind I do have have digestive issues so I'll take any help I can get! But I did not get sick doing this. I'm not saying you should do this, I'm just saying, it worked for me, and I was okay!

DO - be very adamant with what you want and stick to the plan! Don't let randoms on the street or tuktuk drivers convince you to go somewhere other than what you had planned. THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF! One of the last days we were in Delhi, we wanted to check out Janpath Market. We walked out of H&M and we were trying to figure out if we can walk or need a tuktuk. A man standing outside was trying to direct us to a different "market" I said no lets just get a tuktuk. We got in and off we went, the driver kept saying we should go to Dilli Haat instead and that it's a better market and that Janpath is only used clothing (LIES). We eventually agreed and said we can go to Janpath after. Well, well, well. He brought us straight to a typical tourist trap shop! "Delhi Haat". Tricky tricky, I was livid to say the least. Obviously he tricked us because Dilli Haat is a legit market but that's not where he took us. We got dropped off somewhere close to Janpath and (he also drove like a maniac) Then yet another random was "giving us walking directions" and led us to an alley with 2 shops and said this is the market. Don't trust people when it comes to shopping. use GPS and make your way to your first choice.

I hope you found all the information you were looking for and that the tips and insights shared here will assist you in planning your next adventure to the enchanting land of India. Remember to pack your humor, curiosity, and a sprinkle of flexibility – they're your best companions in the land of spices and spirituality. Happy planning! And may your travels be filled with wonder, awe, and endless moments of magic!

If you have any questions and need a quick answer, please join my Facebook forum! 😊 India Travel Tips and Recommendations 2024