What For?
Well, I've been combing the web for anything and everything related to traveling to Punjab. How to get there? Shortest Route? Best Route? where to stay? what to eat? what's safe? what's not? I've read so many horror stories....everything from charging $300 for a wheelchair to getting charged to use the bathroom at those airports...to having things just confiscated...for no reason...
I want this to be a reality blog not an ideal blog. I don't care about what SHOULD happen, I want to know HOW it CAN happen. I'll give you an example about a decade ago I went to india, I didn't have to stand in line, didn't have to do any customs...walked right out of the airport...WHY? cuz a policeman with a mini machine gun came over to me and pulled me out of the line and said "aap, udhar jao!" and there was a guy with a turban waiting for me...had no idea who he was and...turned to the police guy and handed over Rs. 100. WOW!!! is that all it takes??? i would've paid that guy Rs. 1000 and everyone else would too only if we knew how the system works. What badge? What uniform? should we bribe or tip as they say? I can't remember i was too little...all i know is that he was some sort of police.
UNTIL india realizes that there's a problem and does what Pakistan did: as soon you clear immigration...walk out! you never have to declare anything anymore!
so here's how it's going to work. any comments you make...you can call them "topic" and i'll make them as "posts" and other people can comment on your "topic". comprende? :)
posted by ricky @ 3:05 PM
3 Comments:
Ok some very very important tips that you must consider:
1) The maximum weight allowed for the suit cases is reduced by (i think) 7 kgs each...check again! They are very strict about it. My parents had to buy another bag and pay other charges to take their stuff.
2) Make sure you look the same as your picture on your passport...lol. I know this sounds funny, but my sister who looks pretty much the same now as on her passport, was harassed big time by the people at Delhi airport. And recently someone i know had to stay back in India for 6 months, cuz they thought hez forging (well, cuz he became Khalsa recently and the picture showed a clean shaven guy)
3) Keep your laptop turned on (if you are taking it)...cuz airport authorities are going to get you to start it like hundred times..yeah!
...well there was more, but i will keep you posted if i remember them all :D
When exactly are you leaving?
isingh,
One of the things I did was to negotiate on price before getting into a taxi, rickshaw or a three wheeler. I usually negotiated down the price, but at the end if I got the good service, I paid them the original price, even though I didn't have to. But I didn't really do that in during shopping and just paid the pre-negotiated price.
2) About water, it just depends upon where you go and how your body handles it. When I went, I started with bottled water, but after a few days I just drank regular water and I didn't get sick or anything. I was worried about my American born 12 yr old daughter since her immune system probably not used to the Indian, and took extra precaution. But she felt fine the whole trip, even drinking the nalka water a few times. Bottled water is available all over stores. In restaurants, make sure they don't bring a water bottle that is already open. Most people are nice and people are people everywhere, you will find all kind in Punjab as well. Just go with your gut feeling if you feel something is not right. Also, if you are really worried, drink tea and not water since it is boiled already.
3) It has really happened to me but beware of pickpocketers, especially in crowded places.
4) Take a jar of peanut butter, alcohol wipes, healthy snacks for little one in case she does like food in India.
more later if i think of it....
sorry! item 3 should read as It has NOT really happened to me but beware of pickpocketers, especially in crowded places.
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