Staying Safe in India
Local Laws
When you visit India, make sure your passport is valid and you have the necessary visa. You'll want to be mindful of where you take photos; it's generally not allowed in sensitive locations like airports, military bases, government buildings, and some religious places. If you're thinking of photographing people, it's always best to ask them first.
Be aware that drug possession is taken very seriously in India and can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Public displays of affection are generally not encouraged and might be seen as impolite. When it comes to dressing, especially when visiting religious sites, it's a good idea to cover your knees and shoulders. Also, remember to remove your shoes and any hats before entering temples or private homes.
It's customary to use your right hand for eating and touching people or food, as the left hand is considered unclean. Similarly, avoid touching anything with your feet, and never point the soles of your feet towards religious altars or people. Alcohol regulations differ from state to state; some areas have total prohibition, while others require special permits for drinking.
When discussing India, it's best to steer clear of making overtly political statements. If you plan to travel between India and Nepal by land, ensure you have the correct documentation, as immigration rules are strictly enforced. Finally, always keep your identification handy and follow the guidance of local officials.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
India has made significant legal strides for LGBTQ+ rights, notably decriminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity in 2018. However, while same-sex cohabitation and "live-in relationships" have some legal recognition and rights, same-sex marriage is not legally recognized.
Social attitudes remain largely conservative, particularly outside of major cities, and public displays of affection for LGBTQ+ individuals are generally discouraged. Travelers may find a more welcoming environment in urban centers, but discretion is still advised across the country due to prevailing societal norms and potential for discrimination.
Scams
When traveling in India, it's good to be aware of a few common scams. You might encounter situations where prices for goods and services are inflated.
Taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers sometimes refuse to use their meters or take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare. A particular trick to watch out for is the "hotel switch" scam, where a driver might tell you your booked hotel is closed, steering you towards one that pays them a commission.
Be cautious of unofficial tourist offices or guides who might sell you overpriced or fake tickets and services.
You may also come across deals on gemstones that seem too good to be true; often, these turn out to be worthless. At religious sites, be wary of aggressive requests for donations.
Another tactic involves people trying to forcefully place Indian flag tokens on you and then demanding payment. It's also wise to avoid offers for SIM cards that aren't accompanied by proper paperwork.
Be skeptical of services promising fast-track admission to attractions, as these are frequently fraudulent. Additionally, some rickshaw drivers might try a "picking up a friend" scam, where their accomplice has the intention of scamming you.
Crime
When you're in busy places, like crowded markets, on public transport such as trains and buses, at airports, or in popular tourist spots, you might encounter petty theft like pickpocketing or bag snatching. These thieves often rely on distracting you.
While serious crimes against visitors haven't been a major issue historically, there's been a slight uptick recently. Rape is unfortunately noted as one of the most rapidly increasing crimes in India, and unfortunately, violent incidents, including sexual assault, can happen even at tourist attractions.
It’s especially important for women traveling solo to be careful, steer clear of quiet, out-of-the-way spots, and consider dressing modestly. We've also heard about instances of drinks being tampered with and robberies occurring on overnight buses and trains. There are also concerning reports of tourists being tricked, held against their will, and then forced to pay money.
To help protect yourself from becoming a target, it’s wise not to flash large sums of cash or expensive belongings, always pay attention to what's going on around you, and spread your money out in different places. Try to avoid walking alone after dark, particularly down poorly lit streets.
When you take a taxi, make sure to settle on the fare before you start your journey or opt for services that are known to be reliable. For train travel, secure your sleeping compartment and keep your valuables close. Using well-regarded tour operators can also be a good way to reduce potential risks.
