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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 14:18:56 GMT
I'm not sure if there is already a similar thread to this or not. But I have some questions about safety while traveling abroad or to unfamiliar countries or places. Soon I'll be starting the trip and I keep hearing contradicting information, so wondered what your opinions might be on the subject? I won't be traveling alone, (which I am very grateful for). I'll have my very own body-guards this time around anyway, (my sons) But whether traveling alone or with others should a person carry some kind of protection? If so, what? And does it all depend on where a person goes and to which country. ?
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Post by anshjain97 on Jan 14, 2013 14:45:57 GMT
Mumbai is very liberal (by Indian standards) and walking in many places, even in the evening, is not really a problem. Petty crime is a problem there, but as long as you keep your eyes on all your stuff, again, there's no problem as such.
Delhi is different- you would have heard of the recent, highly publicised rape case. Parts of the city may be fine to walk around, but again, areas can empty out quick, AFAIK. Trust your instincts.
Bangalore is mixed- MG Rd is a high commerce zone and people walk around at evening- it's busy- but the other sidewalk is known for prostitution. Still it's safe enough and people have no qualms in parking their cars there.
You should think about scams too.
Is someone going to pick you up at Delhi airport when you arrive?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2013 15:38:40 GMT
ansh, yes, that's the impression I get about Mumbai, after reading about it. It's a vibrant, 'happening' kind of place, very liberal and open-minded.
Delhi - Oh crikey, that city will be the biggest challenge for me. But at least I will be able to understand what everyone is saying as it's nearer 'home' and the dialects are the same or very similar.
My mother will be picking me up, via car, probably a family vehicle I think. (She's on holiday in India right now). I'm happy about this, as dealing with Delhi full on without having time to acclimatize is not something I'd want to do.
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Post by anshjain97 on Jan 15, 2013 12:18:13 GMT
Good you have someone to pick you up!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2013 12:24:16 GMT
No kidding, ansh. My mother offered and I was like 'Yes, please!'.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2013 12:46:14 GMT
I am not a good source for travel safety -- having been robbed at knifepoint in South Africa, almost taken hostage in Jordan and pickpocketed in Vietnam. And I am not even counting unsafe vehicles in which I should have never ridden if I valued my life.
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Post by anshjain97 on Jan 15, 2013 13:53:49 GMT
Wow, Kerouac. That's seriously something, to say the least.
Deyana, you should also be careful of crossing the roads! Don't assume you will always do so from a crossing with a traffic light- if there's even a light for pedestrians. These are short and drivers aren't courteous for pedestrians- expect traffic to not bother stopping for around 3 or 4 seconds after red.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2013 23:07:13 GMT
Thanks for the advice, ansh. My brain is just overloaded with India information right now. I think it will be a case of taking it all slowly and one thing/day at a time to begin with. I know it's going to take some getting used to. Not looking forward to the traffic and crazy drivers! Or maybe I am I've been reading that it's best to hold on tight when in a rick-shaw. No doors. yikes. Kerouac, not nice having to go through all of that. I bet it makes you think twice now each time you exit an airport or are in unfamiliar territory...
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Post by anshjain97 on Jan 16, 2013 1:10:01 GMT
Chances of falling out of a rickshaw are negligible though.
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