While traveling in any place, we are always told to
watch out and beware of over friendly strangers. Though most Indians are
very warm and friendly and mean no harm, there are some crooks and over
friendly people in India who may try to take advantage of your
unsuspecting nature. Read on further for tips on how to deal with over
friendly strangers while traveling in India.
Watch out for those over friendly people (men and women) who
offer you something to eat or drink while using public transport.
Politely decline the offer. Sometimes, even Indians are drugged like
this and have reported their entire luggage missing when they came
back to their senses.
Watch out for over friendly people who offer to assist you with
your luggage. They not only assist you, but disappear with it as
well.
Beware of the over friendly stranger who approaches you and
strikes a conversation. After the usual warm greetings, he begins
the story of how poor he is or is in need of some dire financial
assistance. The motive is to lighten up your pocket by a few
dollars!
Like all other countries, we too have scams (no, not the
political ones!) and petty thefts while walking on the road or using
public transport. Be alert of those wary hands reaching for your
backpack, back pocket to rid you off your possessions. Though most
scams are minor, some very rare may be really serious. Do not
hesitate to raise an alarm.
On a railway station, you may find a neatly dressed man is crisp
blue (or any other color!) shirt with a blazer that looks like an
official dress. He claims to be the ticket checker and will help you
find your train, your seat, warns you of touts and thieves and goes
away. The next thing you know, your camera is missing, along with
your watch and wallet.
You take a pre paid taxi from the airport to your hotel where you
have already booked a room. On the way, the taxi driver says, the
hotel you booked is no good and he knows of a "better"
hotel. Sure it is better, because he gets paid a commission if he
brings tourists to that hotel. Do not change your plan. Stick to
your original arrangement.
Be watchful, as you would be in your own country.
Come with an open mind and truly enjoy this diverse country that has so
much to offer!
Taj Mahal Tour
