India is a rather friendly country for expats. However, its got its share of people who like making a quick buck by trying to fool anyone whos caucasian so please be on guard and buy branded stuff. Its a warm country but dont wear shorts in public.

Enjoy!

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In addition to the comment about shorts,

if you are a woman, please don't wear strappy tops. It's offensive and might get you in trouble, groped...

Yes, it's true, people will try to rip you off,but you will learn to navigate.

Be tough. Be firm, don't yell at people who are just trying to get an extra rupee. And when people shake their heads from shoulder to shoulder it means something like "okay" or "okay whatever". It is, I believe from my limited experience an affirmative gesture.

Stare back at people. Enjoy people watching. You speak English and so do Indian people. It's just sometimes you really have to listen and be patient with yourself and the people that you are talking to.

I haven't had to bribe anyone except to get married...long story. If you are hanging out in a small area, talk to locals about local prices. Then you know what the locals pay. When dealing with the local shop owners, tell em you know that everyone else pays such and such amount and you will too. Don't be afraid to walk out...wait for them to come after you..if they don't, go somewhere else.

If you are going to Delhi, and want to really bone up on dickering, undertake a day at Palaka(the underground) market.

Understand that you will go through culture shock. That includes(maybe) going through a stage of being angry at your host country and people. For me, India was a difficult place to be because I was so used to my American Life. I was pregnant in India and with a husband who was NOT Indian but a refugee to India. He couldn't speak as much english as I needed him to. He spoke enough Hindi to understand but was shy to use it. Between feeling hot and culture shock and marriage shock, I was very GRUMPY at India and the Indians around me, but now I understand that it made me stronger. I hated the swarming rickshaw drivers, the people who staaaared at me long and hard. I realized AFTER I GOT HOME what an ass I was. But I also understand that I didn't really understand that I could adjust my attitude and culture shock is a very real process. I grew up because of living there and intend to go back.

I still have not gotten over the staring thing, but one guy from Delhi told me this which has really helped, Indians enjoy the drama of day to day life and this is why we stare..makes sense. Street goings ons are really cool.

Ask lots of questions. Try to learn a little Hindi or whatever language is used where you are. People will respect you for trying. Don't try to curse...it backfires(heh heh!) and don't feed the monkies. Check with your heart about giving to beggars. It's to me, the most difficult experience of all.

Happy Journies!

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