Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scams
Scams, both classic and newfangled, are known to exist in India. Of course, most can be avoided with a little bit of com-
mon sense and caution. Chat with fellow travellers to keep abreast of the latest cons. Look at the India branch of Lonely
Planet's Thorn Tree Travel Forum (
www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree
), where travellers often post timely warnings about
problems they've encountered on the road.
Contaminated Food & Drink
»
While in transit, try to carry packed food if possible. If you must eat at bus or train stations, follow the crowd and buy
food only from fast-moving places. Never eat food that either looks stale or is exposed to the elements.
»
Most bottled water is legit, but ensure the seal is intact and the bottom of the bottle hasn't been tampered with. Crush
plastic bottles after use to prevent them being misused. Better still, use your own water bottle and water-purification tab-
lets to avoid adding to India's plastic waste mountain.
Credit Card Con
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Be careful when paying for souvenirs with a credit card. While government shops are usually legitimate, private
souvenir shops have been known to surreptitiously run off copies of credit-card imprint slips and use them for phoney
transactions later. Ask the trader to process the transaction in front of you. Memorising the CVV/CVC2 number and
scratching it off the card is also a good idea, to avoid misuse.
KEEPING SAFE
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A good travel-insurance policy is essential.
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Email copies of your passport identity page, visa and airline tickets to yourself, and keep copies on you.
»
Keep your money and passport in a concealed money belt or secure place under your shirt.
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Store at least US$100 separately from your main stash.
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Don't publicly display large wads of cash when paying for services or checking into hotels.
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Consider using your own padlock at cheaper hotels.
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If you can't lock your hotel room securely from the inside, stay somewhere else.
Druggings
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Occasionally, tourists (especially solo ones) are drugged and robbed on train or bus trips. A spiked drink is the most
commonly used method for sending them to sleep - chocolates, chai from a co-conspiring vendor and 'homemade' food
are also used. Use your instincts, and if you're unsure, politely decline drinks or food offered by strangers.
