Still Under Construction
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Average min 52-82 max farenheit
India has three seasons. The best season to visit Chandigarh is autumn (August to November). In India, November through March is generally pleasant, with warm, sunny days and lightly chilly nights. There is little rain or humidity during this time. You should bring light woolens for the end of November, as the winter starts to make its presence felt.
WHAT TO PACK
Domestic Flights in India on Economy class flights: Allow 20kg (44lbs) check in luggage and 7 kilo (15.4lbs) carry on, in order to avoid paying extra baggage fees- try to keep luggage per person within these allowances. See link below for more details. It's 200 rupees/excess Kg so approx extra $4.00 for every 2.2lbs of weight over the 20kg (44lb) allowance on checked luggage.
http://www.jetairways.com/EN/US/Baggage/FreeBaggageAllowances.aspx
Bring:
comfortable walking shoes
close toed shoes
a sweater
long sleeved shirts
long pants
a cap or hat to wear outside
clothes you can layer
an all-weather jacket
Most religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts,
or sleeveless tops).
Bathing suit for a pool party!
Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays
To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring, a DEET containing mosquito repellent such as OFF or one from REI or you can try a non-DEET repellant if you prefer less chemicals:
http://www.amazon.com/Repel-94109-Eucalyptus-Natural-Repellent/product-reviews/B004N59OFU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Electricity: Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts, You will need to purchase a converter and transformer at Target or Rite Aid for your 120V appliances (such as flatirons/hairdryers) because the voltage in India is 220 volts. See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit if you want to be overprepared :)
Pepto-Bismol
Immodium AD
Decongenstant/antihistamine
Ciprofloxacin antibiotic in case of a gastroenteritis
Band-aids
ALTRUISM
You're definitely going to need room in your luggage for all the beautiful new things that you'll probably buy in India. .. so if you'd like to bring any gently used clothes/shoes for adults/kids/babies or any costume jewelry/outdated electronics etc. . that have been sitting around in your closets and drawers---feel free to bring them. There is sure to be someone very appreciative of the donation when we get to India! :)
TRIP PREPARATION
The Indian Rupee is the currency of India (INR), the current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD= 50-55 INR
You can exchange some money at the airport on arrival into India.
The Indian rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paise (p), but paise coins are increasingly rare. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paise, and Rs 1, 2 and 5; notes come in Rs 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 (this last bill can be hard to change outside banks). Be sure to carry lots of the smaller denomination notes (10, 20, 50s and coins for tips etc)
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. ATMS can be found in all the cities we will be visiting. However, keep in mind that unless you have a no/low fee bank (like Charles Schwab, USAA, US Bank) you may be charged up to $10-15 per transaction each time you use an ATM.
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you: Make sure your personal documents (passports, airline tickets, visas) are in order. Make sure you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip (if you take meds regularly). Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you bring your phone or other portable alarm clock for the later part of the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals.
TELEPHONES AND MAKING CALLS
If you want to make calls to the U.S. via cellphone. Check with your phone carrier on their international plans. If that is too expensive, consider. .another cheap and convenient solution: rent a cell phone and SIM card (or just a SIM card if your cell phone does work in India i.e. has GSM). GSM carriers include (T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T). or if you prefer:
You can also make long distance phone calls from any STD booth in India: use these booths over the hotels because the hotels have a large surcharge on long distance calls.
Rebelfone, is another option. They're offering cell phones for rent for only $1 per day, and SIM cards (from the Idea network) for an upfront fee of $4.99 and no monthly fees for the first three months. Outgoing local calls are 10 cents per minute, and outgoing calls to the US are 50 cents per minute. Incoming calls are free while you're in Delhi. Otherwise, they're 8 cents per minute.
http://www.rebelfone.com/World-Prepaid-Cards.aspx
AIRLINE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Domestic Flights in India: Allow 20kg (44lbs) check in luggage and 7 kilo (15.4lbs) carry on, in order to avoid paying extra baggage fees- try to keep luggage per person within these allowances.
Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Most airlines apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.
STAYING HEALTHY
Unless, you are at one of the hotels that we have recommended where they will ensure that the food has all been washed with filtered water, standard precautions should be followed, such as: avoiding tap water, and any food that may have been washed in it, at all times. Only sealed, unopened bottled drinks (including sodas, juices and water) or boiled and absolutely no ice (including top restaurants), no salads or uncooked vegetables and no fruit if you haven’t just peeled yourself. Don’t be tempted by glistening pre-sliced melon and other fruit, which may keep its luscious veneer with the regular dousing of (often dubious) water.
Many Indians are vegetarians, if you do eat meat make sure it’s well cooked. If in doubt, eat at a place that’s packed with locals – any place popular with families will probably be your safest bet. Fresh squeezed juices are some of the best in India, be sure to have the juice squeezed in front of you and into your glass, steer clear of anything stored in a jug (unless you’re absolutely convinced of the washing standards). Consider eating a lot of Indian Yogurt (curd) in the first few days to let your system adapt to the local flora.
Toilets are improving but still can be notoriously bad in India. They don’t have to be health hazards. Carrying toilet paper, soap and hand sanitizers are musts in India.
FYI a "geyser" is a hot water heater, the hotels we are recommending all have individual ones per room.
THE CULTURE
Dining Etiquette
. Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances.
. Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time.
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.
Dietary restrictions
. Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians
. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol
. Sikhs do not generally eat beef
. Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups
GETTING AROUND
Use common sense, don't tell people it's your first time in India (except our friends and relatives of course), if you are in Delhi, tell people you have been to Bombay before, but not to the North of India. In India, every transaction is negotiated: Merchandise, cab fare, etc. The list is endless. This doesn't apply to fixed price grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, or if you have a pre-paid taxi. Since the currency is different, always pay attention to how much/which bill you are giving and the change that you get back.
At the airport, when negotiating a driver, you can say you are from Australia, they have less $$$ than Americans :) You should know that it takes nearly half of a middle-class annual salary (an exaggeration but you get the point) just to get a round trip ticket to India, so drivers/tour guides try to charge what they think you can pay.
You will be bombarded every day (if you're on your own) as a tourist in a city by people wanting to be your personal guide, which can be annoying. Learn quickly to say no! strongly and definitively. Many a so-called guide are touts working for a souvenir shop. No money should flow out of your pockets for these opportunists unless you make a specific arrangement with them. ***Pre-negotiation of a price is of utmost importance, and learn whatever price is their starting point, it is a rip-off in the scale of the Indian economy. Some approximate prices are listed below.
Approximate average prices you can expect to pay outside of the hotels for a:
Conversion: 1 USD= 50-55 Indian Rupees (INR or rs)
Short three-wheeler/tuk tuk ride <15 min: 50- 80 rs
Bottle of water small/large: 15-30rs
Bag of chips/snacks: 20-30 rs
Regular lunch prices in Sector 17: around 250 rs per person, depends on what you order
Chinese food meal: approx 150 rs per person
Large glass of fresh squeezed juice: 40 rs
Snacks i.e. pani puris or aloo tikki: around 25 rs
Indian salwar kameez, simple: around 1500 rs
Decorated pillow covers: around 250 rs (depending on style)
Shoes (non-brand name): 500-1000 rs
Salon: Eyebrow threading: 35-45 rs
Salon Massage: 300-450 rs
Haircut: 350-450 rs
Tipping: Don't tip over 100 rupees, or you will be marked as a "high-tipper" for the rest of your stay, get smaller denominations
20 rupees per bag for porters
Restaurants: check if there is already a surcharge on the bill, if so, you can leave the small loose change ie 30-40 rs is fine
Restroom attendant: 10 rupees
Beggars: 5-10 rupees, reserve for the elderly or crippled, or anyone doing a service. DO NOT give money to able-bodied individuals, it's often a scam.
Exceptions:
Tour guide: 100-200 rupees
Drivers for 1/2 day or full day: 100 rupees
THE GAME OF BARGAINING
First, when you see something you like, don't jump on it saying "I love this! How much is it? I'll take it!" Remember to pay no interest to the item you want if you want to get a decent price on it.
Rule #1 – The true price of any item is what you pay — There are no suggested retail prices in India. Nothing is labeled, so it pays to talk with several vendors and maybe even take a small notebook to write down price offers before making a significant purchase.
Rule # 2 – Try for 70% off — Don’t accept less than 30% off (unless it's a fixed price store of course)
Rule # 3 – Make them show lots of merchandise — If it is a rug merchant, you want the demo guys sweating profusely before you make your first offer. Get the vendor to “invest” in the transaction — emotion, time and energy.
Rule # 4 – Offer on one item at a time – If you plan to buy a couple things DON’T let on at the outset. Act like you intend to buy only one item, if that much. Get the seller to give you prices on each item; play one item off another to show you are looking for the lower price point.
Rule # 5 – Wait for the pad of paper — Every Indian sales person has a pad of paper and a pencil that they pull out when the bargaining gets a bit more serious. Though they write down the price for an item, this is only the starting point – remember rule #2
Rule # 6 – Say “TOO HIGH”, a lot – Don’t even start negotiating until the salesman has scratched through the initial price and lowered it at least twice. I found that simply staring in silence at the pad of paper for a long time would result in the vendor cutting the price.
Rule # 7 – Imply a bundled purchase — OK, now that the price has been cut 25-30%, ask the salesman what deal he would give you if you buy two items. Expect 5% off. Ask for three items; get another 5%. Then add a very expensive 4th item — one which you do not intend to buy. This will excite the vendor and he will do a bunch of calculations which you will be unable to follow. The price will come down for the expensive item as well as for the other items you intend to buy. Lock those prices and drop the expensive item.
At this point, you should have been able to shave close to 50% off the initial price. Most Americans generally are satisfied at this point and close the deal. Remember, you don't want to be too aggressive, everyone needs to make a living. It may be better to get the 50% discount by agreeing to buy two of an item for the original asking price rather than getting half off of one item.
One final point – no matter what price you pay — if the sales guy is smiling when you leave — guess who won…but that's okay because you both are happy! Keep in mind that bargaining is supposed to be fun!
SAFETY
We will be with you most of the time but it is important to think about these things:
First rule, act like you are visiting us in New York City, regardless of where you are in India, a small town or large city, it's all New York. This will save you a lot of headaches, i.e. would you put your bag down "for just a minute" in the New York city subway? No right? Don't do it in India either. Things can get stolen, India is still a developing country. Be sure to have a combination lock for each of your luggage pieces and backpacks. Lock up your bags and valuables when you leave your hotel room. Don't wear expensive looking jewelry or a fancy camera around your neck.
Don't tell people it's your first time in India (except our friends and relatives of course), if you are in Delhi, tell people you have been to Bombay before, but not to the North of India. Watch out for anyone being too friendly, many people will befriend you to sell you something, don't feel obligated to give them money unless they have really helped you.
THE LANGUAGE
Most Indians in Punjab speak English, however, "Yes", "no", "thanks", "please", "excuse me" and "how much?" are all good to know, and don't forget "Challo" (in North) for "go away" (good for obnoxious panhandlers). You won't need much, as everyone wants to practice English with you anyway.
Just in case you want to learn a few words of Punjabi:
Hello and goodbye greeting used by Sikhs: Sat sri akalDon
How are you = Key hall hey?
I'm fine= Meraa haal theek hai
No= Nahi/Ney
Yes= Han ji
Please= Merhebani kerke
I do not understand= Mehnu samajh nehi ahndi
Eat/to eat= Khana
Drink= Pinna
Water= pani
It's my pleasure: saadi khushi he
What is the price? Eh kinney de heggey?
What is your name? = Tera na ki he?
My name is=Mera naa he....Insert name
Numbers
One: Ik
Two: Do
Three: Theen
Four: Chaar
Five: Panj
Six: Chey
Seven: Sat
Eight: Aath
Nine: No
Ten: Das
One hundred: Sau/So
Two hundred: Do Sau/So
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Average min 52-82 max farenheit
India has three seasons. The best season to visit Chandigarh is autumn (August to November). In India, November through March is generally pleasant, with warm, sunny days and lightly chilly nights. There is little rain or humidity during this time. You should bring light woolens for the end of November, as the winter starts to make its presence felt.
WHAT TO PACK
Domestic Flights in India on Economy class flights: Allow 20kg (44lbs) check in luggage and 7 kilo (15.4lbs) carry on, in order to avoid paying extra baggage fees- try to keep luggage per person within these allowances. See link below for more details. It's 200 rupees/excess Kg so approx extra $4.00 for every 2.2lbs of weight over the 20kg (44lb) allowance on checked luggage.
http://www.jetairways.com/EN/US/Baggage/FreeBaggageAllowances.aspx
Bring:
comfortable walking shoes
close toed shoes
a sweater
long sleeved shirts
long pants
a cap or hat to wear outside
clothes you can layer
an all-weather jacket
Most religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts,
or sleeveless tops).
Bathing suit for a pool party!
Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays
To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring, a DEET containing mosquito repellent such as OFF or one from REI or you can try a non-DEET repellant if you prefer less chemicals:
http://www.amazon.com/Repel-94109-Eucalyptus-Natural-Repellent/product-reviews/B004N59OFU/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
Electricity: Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts, You will need to purchase a converter and transformer at Target or Rite Aid for your 120V appliances (such as flatirons/hairdryers) because the voltage in India is 220 volts. See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit if you want to be overprepared :)
Pepto-Bismol
Immodium AD
Decongenstant/antihistamine
Ciprofloxacin antibiotic in case of a gastroenteritis
Band-aids
ALTRUISM
You're definitely going to need room in your luggage for all the beautiful new things that you'll probably buy in India. .. so if you'd like to bring any gently used clothes/shoes for adults/kids/babies or any costume jewelry/outdated electronics etc. . that have been sitting around in your closets and drawers---feel free to bring them. There is sure to be someone very appreciative of the donation when we get to India! :)
TRIP PREPARATION
The Indian Rupee is the currency of India (INR), the current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD= 50-55 INR
You can exchange some money at the airport on arrival into India.
The Indian rupee (Rs) is divided into 100 paise (p), but paise coins are increasingly rare. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paise, and Rs 1, 2 and 5; notes come in Rs 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 (this last bill can be hard to change outside banks). Be sure to carry lots of the smaller denomination notes (10, 20, 50s and coins for tips etc)
While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons. ATMS can be found in all the cities we will be visiting. However, keep in mind that unless you have a no/low fee bank (like Charles Schwab, USAA, US Bank) you may be charged up to $10-15 per transaction each time you use an ATM.
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you: Make sure your personal documents (passports, airline tickets, visas) are in order. Make sure you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip (if you take meds regularly). Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you bring your phone or other portable alarm clock for the later part of the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals.
TELEPHONES AND MAKING CALLS
If you want to make calls to the U.S. via cellphone. Check with your phone carrier on their international plans. If that is too expensive, consider. .another cheap and convenient solution: rent a cell phone and SIM card (or just a SIM card if your cell phone does work in India i.e. has GSM). GSM carriers include (T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T). or if you prefer:
You can also make long distance phone calls from any STD booth in India: use these booths over the hotels because the hotels have a large surcharge on long distance calls.
Rebelfone, is another option. They're offering cell phones for rent for only $1 per day, and SIM cards (from the Idea network) for an upfront fee of $4.99 and no monthly fees for the first three months. Outgoing local calls are 10 cents per minute, and outgoing calls to the US are 50 cents per minute. Incoming calls are free while you're in Delhi. Otherwise, they're 8 cents per minute.
http://www.rebelfone.com/World-Prepaid-Cards.aspx
AIRLINE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Domestic Flights in India: Allow 20kg (44lbs) check in luggage and 7 kilo (15.4lbs) carry on, in order to avoid paying extra baggage fees- try to keep luggage per person within these allowances.
Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Most airlines apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies.
STAYING HEALTHY
Unless, you are at one of the hotels that we have recommended where they will ensure that the food has all been washed with filtered water, standard precautions should be followed, such as: avoiding tap water, and any food that may have been washed in it, at all times. Only sealed, unopened bottled drinks (including sodas, juices and water) or boiled and absolutely no ice (including top restaurants), no salads or uncooked vegetables and no fruit if you haven’t just peeled yourself. Don’t be tempted by glistening pre-sliced melon and other fruit, which may keep its luscious veneer with the regular dousing of (often dubious) water.
Many Indians are vegetarians, if you do eat meat make sure it’s well cooked. If in doubt, eat at a place that’s packed with locals – any place popular with families will probably be your safest bet. Fresh squeezed juices are some of the best in India, be sure to have the juice squeezed in front of you and into your glass, steer clear of anything stored in a jug (unless you’re absolutely convinced of the washing standards). Consider eating a lot of Indian Yogurt (curd) in the first few days to let your system adapt to the local flora.
Toilets are improving but still can be notoriously bad in India. They don’t have to be health hazards. Carrying toilet paper, soap and hand sanitizers are musts in India.
FYI a "geyser" is a hot water heater, the hotels we are recommending all have individual ones per room.
THE CULTURE
Dining Etiquette
. Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the occasion and circumstances.
. Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time.
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.
Dietary restrictions
. Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians
. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol
. Sikhs do not generally eat beef
. Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups
GETTING AROUND
Use common sense, don't tell people it's your first time in India (except our friends and relatives of course), if you are in Delhi, tell people you have been to Bombay before, but not to the North of India. In India, every transaction is negotiated: Merchandise, cab fare, etc. The list is endless. This doesn't apply to fixed price grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, or if you have a pre-paid taxi. Since the currency is different, always pay attention to how much/which bill you are giving and the change that you get back.
At the airport, when negotiating a driver, you can say you are from Australia, they have less $$$ than Americans :) You should know that it takes nearly half of a middle-class annual salary (an exaggeration but you get the point) just to get a round trip ticket to India, so drivers/tour guides try to charge what they think you can pay.
You will be bombarded every day (if you're on your own) as a tourist in a city by people wanting to be your personal guide, which can be annoying. Learn quickly to say no! strongly and definitively. Many a so-called guide are touts working for a souvenir shop. No money should flow out of your pockets for these opportunists unless you make a specific arrangement with them. ***Pre-negotiation of a price is of utmost importance, and learn whatever price is their starting point, it is a rip-off in the scale of the Indian economy. Some approximate prices are listed below.
Approximate average prices you can expect to pay outside of the hotels for a:
Conversion: 1 USD= 50-55 Indian Rupees (INR or rs)
Short three-wheeler/tuk tuk ride <15 min: 50- 80 rs
Bottle of water small/large: 15-30rs
Bag of chips/snacks: 20-30 rs
Regular lunch prices in Sector 17: around 250 rs per person, depends on what you order
Chinese food meal: approx 150 rs per person
Large glass of fresh squeezed juice: 40 rs
Snacks i.e. pani puris or aloo tikki: around 25 rs
Indian salwar kameez, simple: around 1500 rs
Decorated pillow covers: around 250 rs (depending on style)
Shoes (non-brand name): 500-1000 rs
Salon: Eyebrow threading: 35-45 rs
Salon Massage: 300-450 rs
Haircut: 350-450 rs
Tipping: Don't tip over 100 rupees, or you will be marked as a "high-tipper" for the rest of your stay, get smaller denominations
20 rupees per bag for porters
Restaurants: check if there is already a surcharge on the bill, if so, you can leave the small loose change ie 30-40 rs is fine
Restroom attendant: 10 rupees
Beggars: 5-10 rupees, reserve for the elderly or crippled, or anyone doing a service. DO NOT give money to able-bodied individuals, it's often a scam.
Exceptions:
Tour guide: 100-200 rupees
Drivers for 1/2 day or full day: 100 rupees
THE GAME OF BARGAINING
First, when you see something you like, don't jump on it saying "I love this! How much is it? I'll take it!" Remember to pay no interest to the item you want if you want to get a decent price on it.
Rule #1 – The true price of any item is what you pay — There are no suggested retail prices in India. Nothing is labeled, so it pays to talk with several vendors and maybe even take a small notebook to write down price offers before making a significant purchase.
Rule # 2 – Try for 70% off — Don’t accept less than 30% off (unless it's a fixed price store of course)
Rule # 3 – Make them show lots of merchandise — If it is a rug merchant, you want the demo guys sweating profusely before you make your first offer. Get the vendor to “invest” in the transaction — emotion, time and energy.
Rule # 4 – Offer on one item at a time – If you plan to buy a couple things DON’T let on at the outset. Act like you intend to buy only one item, if that much. Get the seller to give you prices on each item; play one item off another to show you are looking for the lower price point.
Rule # 5 – Wait for the pad of paper — Every Indian sales person has a pad of paper and a pencil that they pull out when the bargaining gets a bit more serious. Though they write down the price for an item, this is only the starting point – remember rule #2
Rule # 6 – Say “TOO HIGH”, a lot – Don’t even start negotiating until the salesman has scratched through the initial price and lowered it at least twice. I found that simply staring in silence at the pad of paper for a long time would result in the vendor cutting the price.
Rule # 7 – Imply a bundled purchase — OK, now that the price has been cut 25-30%, ask the salesman what deal he would give you if you buy two items. Expect 5% off. Ask for three items; get another 5%. Then add a very expensive 4th item — one which you do not intend to buy. This will excite the vendor and he will do a bunch of calculations which you will be unable to follow. The price will come down for the expensive item as well as for the other items you intend to buy. Lock those prices and drop the expensive item.
At this point, you should have been able to shave close to 50% off the initial price. Most Americans generally are satisfied at this point and close the deal. Remember, you don't want to be too aggressive, everyone needs to make a living. It may be better to get the 50% discount by agreeing to buy two of an item for the original asking price rather than getting half off of one item.
One final point – no matter what price you pay — if the sales guy is smiling when you leave — guess who won…but that's okay because you both are happy! Keep in mind that bargaining is supposed to be fun!
SAFETY
We will be with you most of the time but it is important to think about these things:
First rule, act like you are visiting us in New York City, regardless of where you are in India, a small town or large city, it's all New York. This will save you a lot of headaches, i.e. would you put your bag down "for just a minute" in the New York city subway? No right? Don't do it in India either. Things can get stolen, India is still a developing country. Be sure to have a combination lock for each of your luggage pieces and backpacks. Lock up your bags and valuables when you leave your hotel room. Don't wear expensive looking jewelry or a fancy camera around your neck.
Don't tell people it's your first time in India (except our friends and relatives of course), if you are in Delhi, tell people you have been to Bombay before, but not to the North of India. Watch out for anyone being too friendly, many people will befriend you to sell you something, don't feel obligated to give them money unless they have really helped you.
THE LANGUAGE
Most Indians in Punjab speak English, however, "Yes", "no", "thanks", "please", "excuse me" and "how much?" are all good to know, and don't forget "Challo" (in North) for "go away" (good for obnoxious panhandlers). You won't need much, as everyone wants to practice English with you anyway.
Just in case you want to learn a few words of Punjabi:
Hello and goodbye greeting used by Sikhs: Sat sri akalDon
How are you = Key hall hey?
I'm fine= Meraa haal theek hai
No= Nahi/Ney
Yes= Han ji
Please= Merhebani kerke
I do not understand= Mehnu samajh nehi ahndi
Eat/to eat= Khana
Drink= Pinna
Water= pani
It's my pleasure: saadi khushi he
What is the price? Eh kinney de heggey?
What is your name? = Tera na ki he?
My name is=Mera naa he....Insert name
Numbers
One: Ik
Two: Do
Three: Theen
Four: Chaar
Five: Panj
Six: Chey
Seven: Sat
Eight: Aath
Nine: No
Ten: Das
One hundred: Sau/So
Two hundred: Do Sau/So