Transportation - There is a lot to think about when you first arrive in India. Trying to find transportation is a challenging experience, not because transportation is scarce but because of the number of options. If you are traveling by car you have a lot to consider. Traffic laws are dramatically different in India than in the United States. In fact, the laws themselves are more like guidelines than actual rules, meaning that people can and will drive the wrong way down the street in order to get where they are going. And seatbelts are not common, so take care if you intend on hitting the roadway.
The metro is a good form of public transportation, though extremely crowded, people are usually friendly and allow space. But because of these crowded conditions it is important to be safe and protect yourself against pickpockets. Keep your hands on your bags, and zippers, and try to be aware of your surroundings. Also for women, it is important to find the ladies section if there is one near you, it is not always safe for female travelers, especially foreign ones.
Cabs are a quick, but not always safe way to get around India. Since most of these rules apply to the city of Kolkata, you should always be aware that most cities like it are confusing and hard to navigate. Cab drivers will take advantage of this by taking the slowest rout possible. If you do take a cab be sure that you have pre-planned your rout and know exactly where you are going.
Avoid Nighttime Travel - India can be very unsafe at night, it is a general rule that nobody go out past 9pm especially if you are alone. Not to mention that the metro shuts down very early, making nighttime travel even more dangerous.
Beggars and Vendors - Because foreigners are easy to spot and common in India, expect to be hassled by people trying to sell you things. Street vendors are common and will try to bargain with you. Most of the time these vendors attempt to sell items for a price much higher than what it should be. So make sure that if you DO buy something, know what it should cost first. Beggars are also abundant, and they will come up to you, or follow you, and it's usually best to just ignore them. If you do give, expect to be swamped by other beggars.
What to Wear - The dress code in India is far different than the United States, when it comes to modesty, especially for women. Shorts, sleeveless shirts and short dresses are not accepted here. Because of this, it is a good idea to buy clothing while you are there. Observe what the locals wear and adjust accordingly.
Don't Drink the Water - Although there is no way to avoid getting sick in India, you should always avoid drinking local water. Instead go for bottled. As for food, try to eat only freshly cooked, hot food that has not been sitting out.
Sources:
http://www.lostgirlsworld.com/
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