Thread: Heading to New Delhi, India next month.

Looks like I'll be heading to India next month for a few days. Anyone been there before? Would like to get some advice or feedback on what to expect.

I would expect indian food.

India is a different world. From the moment you arrive, your senses are going to be overwhelmed. Some people love it and some hate it. Really depends on the person. NEVER drink tap water. Out stomachs can't adjust to the stuff that the locals drink. They have natural tolerance. People will generally treat you very nicely. I looked at your bio and you're from tokyo so it won't be that shocking compared to us Americans. Good luck!

Ive been to Delhi and Tokyo, in comparison, it is just as busy, but people will "invade" your personal space more. There are lots of homeless children that will surely bring out the emotional side, but be warned, if u give to one, you will find yourself surrounded by many many more... Agreed with the tap water comment above (and ice as well).

Expect to pay about 10 to 20x more for everything (foreigner tax of sorts). everything can be bargained for, but they've been bargaining their whole lives, so you probably aren't gonna get solid deals. Delhi has grown massively, there's a lot of affluence in certain parts now, where some things are even cheaper here in America than there.

Do NOT drink tap water as was stated before. Also if you order bottled water make sure you see them break the seal on the bottle (or open it yourself).

As others have stated you may be in for a shock. Some people find it to be very dirty, and overcrowded. You will most likely be bombarded by the poor people on the streets. You will see people begging on the streets with limbs missing and very poor children. It is very emotional and heartbreaking, but if you give 1 person money you will be surrounded by 10-15 more.

As for food, try not to eat anything uncooked.

Are you going for business or pleasure? Are you just going to New Delhi or planning any other excursions?

-Kunal

Originally Posted by kunal

Do NOT drink tap water as was stated before. Also if you order bottled water make sure you see them break the seal on the bottle (or open it yourself).

As others have stated you may be in for a shock. Some people find it to be very dirty, and overcrowded. You will most likely be bombarded by the poor people on the streets. You will see people begging on the streets with limbs missing and very poor children. It is very emotional and heartbreaking, but if you give 1 person money you will be surrounded by 10-15 more.

As for food, try not to eat anything uncooked.

Are you going for business or pleasure? Are you just going to New Delhi or planning any other excursions?

-Kunal

Pretty much same tips as me, and located in seattle like me? nice!

Originally Posted by Ustad

Pretty much same tips as me, and located in seattle like me? nice!

Yeah I'm in Seattle as well. Similar tips for sure, just a lot of people miss the simple thing of watching people break the seal on the bottle.

Yeah, my friend owns the largest beverage company in India. I bought some of their water (bottled) - looked at the bottle and there were parasites swimming inside. It wasn't sealed properly, and the parasites were like .... gross...

Don't eat the food on the streets unless you have a goat stomach. Otherwise you'll have a good time.

Crossing the street is like playing "frogger" There arent really any traffic laws except the bigger vehicle has the right of way. Actually the street food is fresh you know what it is and how its prepared just dont eat anything that has water as part of the food i.e, pani puri, sometimes its the restaurants that you need to worry about. Clean up front but nasty as hell behind the scenes.

Originally Posted by rossii

Crossing the street is like playing "frogger"

I thought the exact same thing when I was in Bangalore last Dec. I was like "WTF, I feel like frogger trying to cross the street"
No one stops for anyone...