In India safe?

[Anonymous]

DH going for work for first time. He'll be visiting a bunch of different cities. I am quite nervous about his trip. Neither of us has ever been to India and we really don't know much about the country. Is it generally safe (e.g., no less safe than NYC)? Anyone have any tips? Thanks so much in advance.

[Anonymous]

Sorry -- subject line should read "IS India safe."

[Anonymous]

Safer for men than for women.

[Anonymous]

Watch out for food poisoning and pickthe pockets, otherwise he should generally be alright. He shouldn't travel alone at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watch out for food poisoning and pickthe pockets, otherwise he should generally be alright. He shouldn't travel alone at night.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

My 70 year old dad has gone with friends for a month for the past two years. He's in good shape so he is more like 60.

He said just to follow along with doing what everyone else is doing (his friends were Indian, so he knew exactly what to do and how to do it) and not to eat fresh fruit or veggies from street vendors or drink un-bottled water. He also avoided meat. And yes, watch out for pick pockets. Both times he's returned happy and without incident, but he did say he went to a very crowded mosque once and someone followed him around and sternly told him to "watch out, be very careful" and he was very uncomfortable. Doubt your DH will do that! He should be fine.

[Anonymous]

What cities? In general, south India is safer than north. Is DH white or black? Or other? He will be gawked at and perhaps touched (on his arm or something ) if he goes to a really remote area. DO NOT give anything to beggars as giving to one and 100 will show up. It will break his heart seeing these poor, dirty children on the streets but such is life. Never in the world have I seen more disparity of wealth than in India. The poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich. But India is also the most culturally rich place I've ever been. Lots of cultural taboos and such - best to read up or talk to someone before he goes.

[Anonymous]

Dengue fever is a problem, so be careful.

[Anonymous]

Nowhere is safe. Muahahaha!

[Anonymous]

Guys are safe, women are not. For health follow common sense that you would in a third world country. Don't have unprotected sex !

[Anonymous]

I have been to India many times over the past 20+ yrs (I'm a 42 yo woman) & the worst thing that happened was I got felt up on a crowded night bus. I've backpacked around pretty much the whole country taking trains & buses & now stay in 5 star hotels (mostly in Delhi) for work. I love India. That said, of course you have to be smart & careful but my guess is your husband will be FINE esp since he's going for work. Street food can get you sick. Stick to bottled water but the hotel & other restaurants he'll probably be eating in will be fine.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, traveling there alone as a women I felt perfectly safe. I used common sense and didn't put myself in dangerous situations. I met so many wonderful and lovely people that were kind and inviting. It's a beautiful country.

Don't make assumptions about what they should or should not do. Go with an open mind and really try to just experience it. It's a lot to take in, your sights, smells, hearing, everything will probably be bombarded all at once initially.

Don't eat the street food, drink bottled water, take a guide book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nowhere is safe. Muahahaha!

+1

Mua ha! Ha ha!

[Anonymous]

Safer for men than women. Don't eat street food. Get bottled water from the better shops (less savoury places put tap water in bottles and re-seal them). Oh and watch out for trained monkey pickpockets.

[Anonymous]

Watch out for scams and pick pockets, make safe decisions about travel, where you stay, etc. It will be fine.

My husband and I traveled in India for three weeks last year. No problems whatsoever, but we went into it with knowledge about scams and a fair amount of street smarts.