No money? Go to India

[phpesenti]

I have always wanted to go there but I have been told that you see a lot ofpeople starving, is that true?

[StephanG]

Strangely, I always go on holiday with the same money, per day. That way if I go to a cheaper place it means I get the very best the country has to offer.

[UttoranSen]

Interesting thread, being from India perhaps i can add a few things here that answers to some of the questions raised so far.

Firstly, India is cheap - Yes, but just like any other country, there are choices. The prices are based on the choices you make. You go to a local restaurant, your costs will be like Rs 150 to Rs 300 for a plate of chicken ($ 3 to $6), most veg dishes will cost lower than that. The bread choices are mostly - Roti/Tanduri Roti/Nan etc. which costs Rs 5/10/20 to Rs 40 per piece. ($1 = Rs 50).

Similarly - Rs 200+ should be enough for hiring a taxi, Rs 300 to Rs 1000 should be enough for a day's stay on most hotels.

Don't just pay all the money to some local travel agent, also try avoiding such people who starts giving "free travel advice" while on the road or taxi. Tell them that you live in India and know everything already... If you look like a "Tourist" who does not have a clue, then chances are, you will be robbed and scammed.

Now, coming to the 3rd world and poor country, honestly, the whole world is facing economic problems, and it is India who is affected the least... so let's keep - India is poor, out of this discussion. Every country has poor and rich people. The jobless people in every country is poor and has the same "money" problem.

Also, India is far too clean, and Eco friendly... that is if you visit the right places. India has plenty of forests, clean rivers, green mountains etc. India also have some excellent and untouched beaches. All about where you visit. Honestly, most countries are emitting far more toxic wastes etc. So, on the whole, in this modern day world, nothing is clean and pure anymore.

Bottom line, be safe, don't travel late night in places where it is not a common thing, stay away from scam kind of people, use common sense, keep some phone numbers like your hotel manager your country embassy etc. where you can make a call and get quick help. Most of all, don't be quick to judge India.

[wanderlust9]

This thread should come with a caveat. India has gone through and is still going through a phase of above 5% inflation. Translation for the non-economists, the prices have increased by 50% since the year 2005. This means that what was worth Rs 100 is now worth Rs 150, obviously there is lag and all prices don't rise proportionality but I hope that you get my point.

Now, this thread was written in 2009 which means that the value of those 250 pounds has already gone down by a little. Let's say if the OP were to create a new thread today then he would say something between 275-300 pounds.

Furthermore, this is just food price inflation. Housing prices in major cities have skyrocketed. It's not unusual to find middle class Indians living in houses and apartments worth over a million dollars. As a result, hotel prices have also gone and so have long term rental rates. You can get a studio apartment for Rupees 10,000-15,000 per month but it will be in a hellhole and don't expect amenities such as a washing machine or dishwasher.

Also, most foreigners are not able to stomach Indian food, partly because its spicy and partly because its unhygienic most of the times. I am from India and even my stomach hasn't adjusted to the unhygienic conditions. So, bottom line, you will have to cook in. Now, remember that India is the land of the 'Holy Cow.' Therefore, don't expect to walk in the local grocery store and buy some high quality meat. As a result you will be eating vegetarian food most of the times and therefore will need to hire a cook and/or a maid. This will cost you another 5,000 rupees.

You have already blown 15,000 and are left with 5,000 if you took the OPs advice and 10,000 if you take my advice and brought 300 pounds. You won't just sit in your room the entire day so take out another 5,000 for going out, transportation, etc and then a little more for grocery expenses.

At the end of the day, you will have a not so enjoyable stay in a hellhole where you are trying to squeeze out the juice out of ever Penny (Paisa in India )

However, all this is true ONLY if you stay in a major city such as Mumbai or Delhi. If you go to a smaller town or a village then you can live like a king. But again, food will be a big problem in most parts of India. You will have fewer problems with hygiene once you step out of the metros but non-availability of meat problem will not go away. If you go to the south then you will have easy access to seafood. Or go to a hill station and live with other expats who have already cracked the code.

So, if I were you, would I come to India to live the life of a peasant in a major city or not-so-luxurious life in a 2nd of 3rd tier city? Nah! Not unless I want to smoke up tons of weed or look for spiritual enlightenment, not when South East Asian countries offer better living conditions for the same or a lower price.

[MIchalvey]

[beltoprent]

i never thought that india travel could be so cheap

[Naaby41]

India have opinion of one of the dirties countries. There is a lot of room for work for their tourism worldwide promotion.

[beltoprent]

What about average wages in India? Is it more than $500 per month?

[shazzad]

it is true that India is more cheaper traveling place then others over the world, but the cost of living in India is increasing day by day than others.
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[excellent0001]

No money? Come to Nepal. It's cheaper than India.

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[Mark D]

I think that you can live anywhere with that price..but what would be the level..

[DarcyLacaze]

Really? Are there many places to visit in India? I only know the Taj mahal



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el cid vacations ~ darcy
To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”


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