• Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common, particularly on trains or buses. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge.
• Theft of U.S. passports is common, particularly in major tourist areas, on overnight trains, and at airports and train stations. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. 
• Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase.
• Be cautious about displaying expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs.
• U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. If you are a woman traveling in India, you are advised to respect local dress and customs.
• While India is generally safe for foreign visitors, according to the latest figures by Indian authorities, rape is the fastest growing crime in India.
•  Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.
• Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with “come-on” offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels.
• Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and during the distraction to rob them of their valuables.

Safety in India
What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?

People’s Opinions

Health

Malaria

• Areas affected: All areas throughout country except none in areas above 2,000 m (6,561 ft) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Sikkim. Present in cities of Delhi and Bombay (Mumbai).
• Estimated risk: Moderate
• *Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drugs in India and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region
• Recommended chemoprofylaxis: Atovaquone/ proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
• Symptoms
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweats
  • Headache
  • Body Aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue

*The medicines used to prevent malaria can be very effective when used properly, but none of them are 100% effective.

Dengue Fever

• Areas Affected: All of India
• Symptoms
  • Principal
    • High fever and at least two of the following
    • Severe headache
    • Severe eye pain (behind eyes)
    • Join pain
    • Muscle and/or bone pain
    • Rash
    • Mild bleeding manifestation (e.g., nose or gum bleed, or easy bruising)
    • Low white cell count
  • Severe warning signs (IMMEDIATELY go to an emergency room if the following appear)
  • Severe abdominal pain or persistant vomiting
  • Red spots or patches on the skin
  • Bleeding from nose or gums
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Drowsiness or irritability
  • Pale, cold, or clammy skin
  • Difficulty breathing

CDC Travelers Health | India

Health in India
Any special health concerns?

People’s Opinions

Visa Info

U.S. State Dept Visa Info | India

Visa Info in India
Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:

People’s Opinions

Currency Info

Currency Info in India
Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?

People’s Opinions

Communication

Communication in India
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People’s Opinions

Transportation

Transportation in India
What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.

People’s Opinions

Culture

• Social Taboos: Travelers should avoid discussing sensitive topics such as religion and politics. Travelers should especially avoid discussing India’s relationship with Pakistan, caste issues and the pervasiveness of poverty in the country.
• Beggars: Beggars are pervasive throughout India and it is not uncommon to see young children approach stopped cars. Whether or not to give money to beggars is a personal decision. Some Indians believe this only encourages beggars and instead recommend that foreigners make donations to charitable organizations. If giving money to beggars, visitors should be discrete so as not to attract the attention of other beggars in the area.
• Bartering: Bartering is common, especially at markets and bazaars. Foreigners, who are perceived as relatively wealthy, are often overcharged. Most emporiums, department stores and establishments in shopping malls have fixed prices.
• Tipping: Travelers should generally tip workers in the hospitality and transportation industries. Tips of Rs. 30 are common and 10 to 15 percent in restaurants.
• Street Performers: Snake charmers — who perform with cobras on the sides of streets — often expect to be paid, especially if pictures are taken. Charmers can become confrontational if tourists refuse to pay.
• Punctuality: Punctuality is not always a priority, though travelers should be on time if invited to someone’s home. Shoes should be removed before entering a home.
• Bathrooms: Western-style restroom facilities are available in upscale hotels and restaurants in large cities, but may be more difficult to find in rural areas. Squat toilets are the norm in India.
• Greetings: Namaste (nah-mas-tay) is a common Hindi greeting in India. Handshakes are common greetings in urban areas. Men should only shake hands with women when they initiate. Indian women are more likely to initiate handshakes in business settings. Physical contact between opposite genders should be avoided. Kissing is public is highly taboo.
• Eating Norms of Local Religions: Travelers should be aware that different religious groups have varying dietary restrictions. Hindus do not eat beef or products with gelatin. Many Hindus are vegetarians, and consequently many restaurants have a wide selection of vegetarian options. Many Hindus do not drink alcohol. Muslims typically do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
•  Eating: Indians usually use their hands to eat, though forks, knives and spoons are available at many restaurants. When hands are used, only the right hand is used, the left hand is considered unclean. It is considered impolite for guests to decline offers of additional food. Visitors should be polite when declining food.

Culture in India
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People’s Opinions

Shipping / Mailing

DHL | India

Shipping / Mailing in India
Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?

People’s Opinions

Tips

People’s Opinions

Additional Info

Additional Info in India
Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?