Traveling to Mumbai, India

[Acevalefor]

I leave for Mumbai in a couple of weeks for a business trip. I have never traveled internationally before and live on the US west coast. I am in for 23 hours of flying with a short stop in Amsterdam. From there, it is a straight flight to Mumbai.

I have no idea what to expect when I get off the plane. Anyone have any experience traveling in India? Advice? Do they speak English? I would assume so with the history of British colonization there. Anything to avoid? Anything I need to see or do while I am there?

[Salodin]

Question, since I don't have a globe in front of me. Wouldn't it be faster to travel west, from the US west coast to get to asia? Or is the Pacific really so big that it's easier to go the other way.

[Acevalefor]

Question, since I don't have a globe in front of me. Wouldn't it be faster to travel west, from the US west coast to get to asia? Or is the Pacific really so big that it's easier to go the other way.

It would seem it is just about the same distance each way. Since there are less options for connecting flights across the pacific and a horrific head wind when traveling west, the best choice is to fly through Europe. I asked that question when my company booked the flights and I saw the horrible 23 hours of flying....

[Xajii]

Drink only bottled water. For real.

[Blubbartron]

Watch the movie Outsourced.

[Acevalefor]

Drink only bottled water. For real.

I already planned on that.

What about food? What is not safe to eat? I want to try the local cuisine since I love the Americanized Indian food here in the states.

Also, Religion. Hindu is the dominant religion right? Are there any taboos like taking pictures of certain statues/buildings or harmless hand gestures that are offensive?

Funny story about the hand gestures. I once had a guy flip out on me because I tried to get him to come to me from across the warehouse by waving my hand toward me. He said that was very offensive in Samoa. It almost came to a fist fight before I got him to calm down....

[The Stig]

Roads are EXTREMELY busy/suicidal to try and cross, watch out.

Bottled water only, yup.

English is an extremely common language. Since they know that most of their work would be outsourced to them from English speaking firms, it's more or less a requirement. So in the city, it should be fine. If you're travelling into more rural areas though, then perhaps no.

You'll probably be escorted around full time, but in the event you're alone, watch out for being "mugged" (getting overcharged)

If you've not sorted your VISA out already, do it. It's a bitch to get it done here.

I think in 2 weeks from now it's the start of Diwali (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali) in India, so you'll probably catch lots of parties. It's basically the biggest festival in India. It starts on the 13th November for 5 days.

If you like Top Gear, go watch the "Top Gear India Special" (only a year old) to get a general feel of India (there's a 10-15min segment of Mumbai). Even if you don't like Top Gear, it's actually good to watch these "specials" because it's not really about cars, but how 3 British Men can be complete adult childrens when doing X task

(I'd recommend Indian travel type programmes, but I'm not trying to bore you, so you might as well have a laugh)

[Salodin]

Check if Anthony bourdain did one on Mumbai, if so that'd be a great place to look for culture and food things to do there.

[Nirokun!]

I leave for THAILAND in a FEW MONTHS for SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERY. I have never traveled internationally before and live on the US EAST coast. I am in for 22 hours of flying with a short stop in KOREA. From there, it is a straight flight to THAILAND

I didn't want to make my own thread, so I'm hijacking this one (with a few edits!)

My stay is completely guided, so I'm more curious about what to avoid. My dad told me about the "come here" motion being offensive (at least in Korea) when your palm is up (he said it was like calling a dog) as opposed to "come here" with your palm down.

(Indian food sounds so good right now!)

[Scizor]

If it looks like a woman, sounds like a woman and walks like a woman its a bloke.

Never been to Thailand but my colleague has been quite a few times for holidays, his best advice was "make sure you've had a full set of injections (maleria etc)"

[Acevalefor]

Roads are EXTREMELY busy/suicidal to try and cross, watch out.

Bottled water only, yup.

English is an extremely common language. Since they know that most of their work would be outsourced to them from English speaking firms, it's more or less a requirement. So in the city, it should be fine. If you're travelling into more rural areas though, then perhaps no.

You'll probably be escorted around full time, but in the event you're alone, watch out for being "mugged" (getting overcharged)

If you've not sorted your VISA out already, do it. It's a bitch to get it done here.

I think in 2 weeks from now it's the start of Diwali (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali) in India, so you'll probably catch lots of parties. It's basically the biggest festival in India. It starts on the 13th November for 5 days.

If you like Top Gear, go watch the "Top Gear India Special" (only a year old) to get a general feel of India (there's a 10-15min segment of Mumbai). Even if you don't like Top Gear, it's actually good to watch these "specials" because it's not really about cars, but how 3 British Men can be complete adult childrens when doing X task

(I'd recommend Indian travel type programmes, but I'm not trying to bore you, so you might as well have a laugh)

Thanks man. I'll check out Top Gear on Netflix. What about cell phones and charging electronics. Is the electric system different? 240V or anything that I need an adapter for?

I just took care of the Visa earlier this week. It's worse than getting your passport. They ask all the same questions but require much more detailed answers. I do not know my mother's place of birth and the website would not let me continue until I had that. So I just put USA...

Our contact in India was really worried about us getting there before the start of the Diwali. I land in Mumbai at midnight on the 12th. Nothing like cutting it close. We are staying 2.5 hours away from the airport. I have no idea what direction. Hopefully that is still inside the city.

[Seraph]

Most of the important things have already been addressed, but to reiterate:

- Once you land in India, drink only bottled water. No exceptions. Make sure you hear the cap make the snapping noise when you unseal it. It's popular to drink bottled water there, so finding it will be easy no matter where you are. In addition, when showering, do not get water in your mouth. When getting drinks, no ice.

- When you get into your hotel room, place a towel over the bathroom sink faucet. You will not be using it, ever. Brush your teeth with bottled water (so don't put flavoring in all of your bottled water immediately).

- Bring some food with you, like protein or breakfast bars. They are for if you get hungry and you are not at your hotel/work/sanctioned food location.

- When eating the local food, be careful. Do not eat anything that has been washed in water (fruits without 'natural coverings', salads, etc). Stay away from dairy, it's not worth the risk. If whatever you are eating is cooked well, it should be safe. The safer meats are chicken and lamb. When you do eat meat, there is a very likely chance that it will be prepared, cooked, and served with the bones in it. Watch out. If you are eating at a 'fancy restaurant' or somewhere where that has been vetted by other foreigners, you should be safe. Eat nothing from street vendors.

- You will not be driving yourself, you will have a driver. If you try to drive yourself, or walk any significant distance, you will almost certainly get hurt. The traffic there is insane. There are few traffic lights, and honking there is like saying hello. Just let the madness happen, and try not to get sick from all of the vehicle fumes. Also, assume it will take you way longer to go anywhere than the distance would lead you to believe. We usually had to drive over an hour to go anywhere that wasn't the hotel for dinner, but that will depend on exactly where you are.

- If you decide to go shopping, take someone who is familiar with the area or a local with you. From my experience, everything people sell (with some exceptions) is deliberately overpriced for foreigners and it is expected that you will barter. My group was getting most things for 25% - 75% of the listed price, even on nicer things. I was somewhat shocked by that, since I am used to just paying sticker price for everything.

- Sleep as much as you can on the flight(s) both to and from there. The time difference is so extreme that I had a very hard time dealing with the jet lag. It took me about 5 days to start feeling human again. Also stay hydrated (on bottled water). Bring some sort of flavor packets if you need to get over drinking way too many bottles of plastic-y tasting water.

- If you have to ask someone something, make sure they understand. Drivers, hotel staff, etc. are all too eager to say "Yes, Sir!" but not actually understand what you really want. Keep this in mind and try to speak clearly and understandably, but don't be an asshole about it. Almost everyone (90%+ from my experience) will understand English, but they may just not understand you. Keep the slang to a minimum.

- If you can get your company to pony up to upgrade you to a business class seat on the longer flights, by all means do it. The difference from business class to first class isn't too big, but from coach to business class is huge. The food is better. Each seat has it's own TV screen with preloaded moves/TV/etc. The seats will actually slide down and let you almost get some sleep, and there are special lounges for business class passengers that have nice chairs, free food and drinks, clean bathrooms (and showers), etc.

- Talk to a doctor before you go. There are several immunizations you will want to get at least several weeks before you leave. This helps with the whole 'eating local food' thing too, so that the chances you get sick are significantly reduced.

- You also want to make sure you apply for your Visa at least several weeks before you leave. I think it took me like 2-3 weeks for mine to come in, and I think it was expedited too. Not sure on that.

- You will stick out like a sore thumb while you are there, don't worry about it. Try to enjoy the trip as much as you can, go see some things while you are there (don't just sit in your hotel room every evening, especially if it's your first time), and enjoy it once you get back home.

[Kerberoz]

Get every vaccine. Even the ones that aren't required.

Don't drink anything that isn't at least 10% alcohol or 50% sugar.

Bring your own toilet paper.

Don't bareback or rim the ladyboys.

Have yourself checked for parasites when you return.

[The Stig]

I can't speak for chargers. I've not personally been myself, only heard stories/stuff from colleagues.

- If you have to ask someone something, make sure they understand. Drivers, hotel staff, etc. are all too eager to say "Yes, Sir!" but not actually understand what you really want. Keep this in mind and try to speak clearly and understandably, but don't be an asshole about it.

This is very important and a mistake a lot of people make here at work. A lot of people don't seem to realise it and as a result sound condescending. Where as myself, they all love talking to me, because I don't ask any complex things, and if I do, I give a very good simple detail on things using more simpler words that makes communicating with me 99% effective at what we need to get done. A lot of people at work get annoyed and then transform into an asshole about it.

And yeh you will get your own driver for sure. If you had to drive yourself you'd need to have lived there for a long period of time to adjust to the traffic. And according to some colleagues here travelling from X to Y office which is only 5km can take 1 hour depending on traffic/time/etc. Regarding the "insane traffic" the Top Gear episode will demonstrate that nicely

But as you're catching Diwali, I don't think you're going to get much work done (if you're there for that). Really it'll be party party party. Our Indian team is extremely skeleton staffed at this time and our support is limited outside to 1 or 2 individuals that stay in the office (short straw I suppose, or bribed). It's so important to each of them they'll not want to work. It's serious business.

Nirokun! : Can't help, never been there or have any colleagues there. But from my general understanding I'd say it's more civilised/safer there. Otherwise, I laughed at first thinking it was Acevalefor trying to disguise a trip (I read the quote first, then your post, then your username).

[Acevalefor]

Most of the important things have already been addressed, but to reiterate:

- Once you land in India, drink only bottled water. No exceptions. Make sure you hear the cap make the snapping noise when you unseal it. It's popular to drink bottled water there, so finding it will be easy no matter where you are. In addition, when showering, do not get water in your mouth. When getting drinks, no ice.

- When you get into your hotel room, place a towel over the bathroom sink faucet. You will not be using it, ever. Brush your teeth with bottled water (so don't put flavoring in all of your bottled water immediately).

- Bring some food with you, like protein or breakfast bars. They are for if you get hungry and you are not at your hotel/work/sanctioned food location.

- When eating the local food, be careful. Do not eat anything that has been washed in water (fruits without 'natural coverings', salads, etc). Stay away from dairy, it's not worth the risk. If whatever you are eating is cooked well, it should be safe. The safer meats are chicken and lamb. When you do eat meat, there is a very likely chance that it will be prepared, cooked, and served with the bones in it. Watch out. If you are eating at a 'fancy restaurant' or somewhere where that has been vetted by other foreigners, you should be safe. Eat nothing from street vendors.

- You will not be driving yourself, you will have a driver. If you try to drive yourself, or walk any significant distance, you will almost certainly get hurt. The traffic there is insane. There are few traffic lights, and honking there is like saying hello. Just let the madness happen, and try not to get sick from all of the vehicle fumes. Also, assume it will take you way longer to go anywhere than the distance would lead you to believe. We usually had to drive over an hour to go anywhere that wasn't the hotel for dinner, but that will depend on exactly where you are.

- If you decide to go shopping, take someone who is familiar with the area or a local with you. From my experience, everything people sell (with some exceptions) is deliberately overpriced for foreigners and it is expected that you will barter. My group was getting most things for 25% - 75% of the listed price, even on nicer things. I was somewhat shocked by that, since I am used to just paying sticker price for everything.

- Sleep as much as you can on the flight(s) both to and from there. The time difference is so extreme that I had a very hard time dealing with the jet lag. It took me about 5 days to start feeling human again. Also stay hydrated (on bottled water). Bring some sort of flavor packets if you need to get over drinking way too many bottles of plastic-y tasting water.

- If you have to ask someone something, make sure they understand. Drivers, hotel staff, etc. are all too eager to say "Yes, Sir!" but not actually understand what you really want. Keep this in mind and try to speak clearly and understandably, but don't be an asshole about it. Almost everyone (90%+ from my experience) will understand English, but they may just not understand you. Keep the slang to a minimum.

- If you can get your company to pony up to upgrade you to a business class seat on the longer flights, by all means do it. The difference from business class to first class isn't too big, but from coach to business class is huge. The food is better. Each seat has it's own TV screen with preloaded moves/TV/etc. The seats will actually slide down and let you almost get some sleep, and there are special lounges for business class passengers that have nice chairs, free food and drinks, clean bathrooms (and showers), etc.

- Talk to a doctor before you go. There are several immunizations you will want to get at least several weeks before you leave. This helps with the whole 'eating local food' thing too, so that the chances you get sick are significantly reduced.

- You also want to make sure you apply for your Visa at least several weeks before you leave. I think it took me like 2-3 weeks for mine to come in, and I think it was expedited too. Not sure on that.

- You will stick out like a sore thumb while you are there, don't worry about it. Try to enjoy the trip as much as you can, go see some things while you are there (don't just sit in your hotel room every evening, especially if it's your first time), and enjoy it once you get back home.

I would love to fly more comfortably. My company thinks it's ok to send me on 10 hour flights to Puerto Rico in the last row right next to the bathroom in an aisle seat with no reclining seat back. They also think it's fun to send me there with no money at all. There is no way they are upgrading me to business class. But, I have demanded $50/day for food and another $35/day for my own spending on this trip. Not going to a foreign country and relying on my boss to pay for everything with his credit card.

The immunizations are already in the works. I go tomorrow to get the last 2 that I need.

Nirokun! : Can't help, never been there or have any colleagues there. But from my general understanding I'd say it's more civilised/safer there. Otherwise, I laughed at first thinking it was Acevalefor trying to disguise a trip (I read the quote first, then your post, then your username).

Haha...I assure you, I am quite happy with my current sex. There will be no trips for me to Thailand. This is a business trip to Mumbai. The original plan was to arrive there just after Thanksgiving but the machinery that we shipped over there is scheduled to arrive almost 3 weeks earlier than originally scheduled. So we have to be there to unload and install the equipment.

[Seraph]

I would love to fly more comfortably. My company thinks it's ok to send me on 10 hour flights to Puerto Rico in the last row right next to the bathroom in an aisle seat with no reclining seat back. They also think it's fun to send me there with no money at all. There is no way they are upgrading me to business class. But, I have demanded $50/day for food and another $35/day for my own spending on this trip. Not going to a foreign country and relying on my boss to pay for everything with his credit card.

My company sent me with an AMEX card, and I had no issues since most places take credit cards. The current approximate currency exchange rate is about 50:1 for India:US, so your money goes a decent way there, and it keeps the math in your head relatively simple. Just remember that $20 is 1000 rupees, and you will be fine. $85 a day should be more than enough, assuming you aren't going anywhere fancy. Assuming you are paying in cash, make sure you get it exchanged at the airport, or a bank, or the hotel ahead of when you want to go out. Most places would not take USD, but they happily take rupees (INR).

[Salodin]

What's with the water thing? How can you live in India for a week and not come into contact with local water in any way? I mean, if a restaurant washes dishes, you're already screwed; and you're screwed if they don't.

[Ksandra]

What's with the water thing? How can you live in India for a week and not come into contact with local water in any way? I mean, if a restaurant washes dishes, you're already screwed; and you're screwed if they don't.

Most countries don't purify the water the way the US/Canada/Europe does. It's full of parasites and is pretty much guaranteed to make you sick since your body is not used to it at all.

[Seraph]

The problem is (and I am not joking) fecal matter and other horrible parasites in the water. Plates, clothes, etc. are usually washed using soap or chemicals which kills much of the nasty stuff. However, you would not be drinking soapy chemical water out of the tap, and who do you know that adds anything to the water before they use it to wash off food? Bathing in it isn't an issue, assuming you don't drink any of it.

It's almost like a fun game assuming that any water not in a sealed plastic bottle is a terrible poison laxative cocktail! Just imagine the worst shits you have ever had in your life, multiple by two, and then take 18+ hours of flights home. It keeps you paranoid enough not to risk it, especially since I know a coworkers wife got horribly sick the night before they were scheduled to return home. Feels bad man.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the pilot has turned on the fasten seat belt sign..."

[Nesssie]

Bringing your own toilet paper (or wet wipes) is very important. Maybe bring an extra pair of shoes in case you lose one.