I always check out the US State Department website before traveling abroad and review a few travel guides. My short list of "things to watch" in India includes:
- India is certainly the most outwardly religious and conservative country that I have yet to visit. We could see evidence of friction between Hindus and Muslims there. So, it will be wise to be more attentive to dress code, our own public behavior and the nature of public gatherings. The only comparable experience I know might be pub life in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where even today, singing the wrong song or wearing the tri-color instead of the Union-Jack can engender more than a stern look.
- Violent crime is quite low in the area. Still, while unheard of until recently, rape is the fastest growing crime in India. I'll be taking the usual precautions. No being out after dark alone or even in pairs. Apparently,"eve-teasing" is the term used to describe verbal or physical harassment by groups of men. You can get this kind of unwanted attention in Rome and Paris as well, but there we just called it rude! Concerning petty crime, I'll be on constant look out for pick pockets and "knock-off" goods.
- I absolutely love the cabbies in London and Edinburgh - always on the up and up, and very helpful, but it seems as if public transportation in India, especially autorickshaw and taxi services, is risky business - just small matters of how much and where you get taken. I'll always be having the hotel arrange transportation from reputable companies.
- Negotiation is the language of the shop owner. Apparently, sales pressure in the pearl shops can be pretty brutal. If you've ever wandered into one of the electronics shops in New York City, then you've been there - done that.
