Thursday, October 9, 2008

Cultural Considerations



1. Bartering is important. Negotiating prices on things from taxi's to fruit is a must. It is the buyer's responsibility to pay a fair price...

2. At airport go to government registered taxis. Hold onto receipt till you get to destination. Once they have the receipt they have their pay and can then find a way to work more money out of you.

3. Internet Cafe's are everywhere...

4. Can get a cheap cell phone, and a calling card to call home...

5. If you are a woman, getting traditional garb will make you're visit more comfortable, otherwise you're just an American floozy. It's called a Punjabi Suit...Costs about $3 there, it takes about 3 days to get made. You could have one made here, costs a bunch more..

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Traveling to India: Flights, Visas

Good search engines for flights.....
US - India

http://www.kayak.com
http://www.vayama.com/

East coast travelers- JFK/NY- Delhi is cheapest that I found.
West Coasters- LA-Mumbai seems to be a good bet.

Once in India:
Fly to
BAGDOGRA AIRPORT.
The Sikkim tourism department will take care of you from there with a shuttle to Gantok.

I'm looking into the incountry flights right now. And waiting to see if there is a chance for discounts for international travelers.

VISA:

https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/