Safety in Kolkata, 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
If you are a female, Shaking a males hand could mean or be perceived as accepting a proposition for sex. If you are approached by a man randomly trying to talk to you and shake your hand , DONT. If you are meeting a contact or someone you think to be safe , you can shake their hands , it’s up to you / use your discretion but just be aware that is how some men proposition woman.
Girls should not be by themselves, the culture can seem as if girls are being looked at in demeaning ways and at times it can be, but it is not rude to stare and people so be prepared for that. But it would be good for girls to not be alone.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Kolkata, India Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Lodging
Lodging in Kolkata, India Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
Royal Guest House G 25/A, Bapuji Nagar, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700092, Great place to stay, Wifi, AC, breakfast included. It is 1,000 Rp per room and you can fit about 4 in each room. The couple who owns it are great and very nice, you can get a great dinner there as well.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Kolkata, India What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
The Calcutta Family Bistro is supaaaaa good but a little pricey. If you take a left on the main road coming from the Royal guest house in Jadavpur it’s a little ways down on the left behind the Indian oil gas station.
Get chicken rolls, they are the best and all over the street food stands. Only one of us got sick in two weeks from the street food. If you go to a sit down restaurant be prepared to pay a lot more because of taxes street food is much cheaper and just as good.
Transportation
Transportation in Kolkata, 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
Buses are the cheapest form of transportation.. It’s 7-8 rupees per person ( buses with a/c are 20) and will take you pretty far. If you know the areas name you are going to or a major landmark there ( like a mall or bus station , major street etc ) you can ask them men who collect money / yell stuff out from the buses if the bus is going there and they will tell you yes or no. BE QUICK though! Once the bus starts moving you and your group may have to run and jump to get on.
Getting around with Taxis is difficult because they like to rip off westerner. Make sure during the day you get them to use the meter, if they do not just walk away and find another one. After 6 you will have to pay more because there is a night fee and a lot more traffic.
Medical
Medical in Kolkata, India Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Comment
Communication
Communication in Kolkata, India Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Financial
Financial in Kolkata, India Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
Translators in Kolkata, India List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Comment
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Kolkata, India What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Eden Garden is a huge cricket field and the people in Kalkotta love sports so you could go to a cricket or football match. There is also the mother house where Mother Theresa was and you can see her tomb and a little museum about her life.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Kolkata, India Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Comment
Tips
People’s Opinions
Comment
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kolkata, India Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?