Lying is almost always wrong but when you're
traveling there are certain situations where it's may be a good idea to do so.
As travellers, we're often prone to scams, harassment, and many other terrible
experiences and a simple white lie is often all it takes to deflect this
unwanted attention. As far as ethic is concern about lying, I will leave it to
you.
Here are 5 lies you can tell to keep yourself
safe on the road, especially in India
"No, I know this place. I been
here before"
This lie can be used in many situations and to
avoid all kinds of unpleasant experiences.
When you take a cab from the airport, your driver
will likely ask you if it's your first time in the city. While it can be
tempting to say yes and see if you can gather some insider knowledge, it's best
to say that you've been here before. If the driver knows this is your first
time in a city, he can take you on a long and winding journey and make you pay
double. If the driver thinks you've visited before, he'll be much more likely
to take you directly there. At the airport you will find pre-paid taxis. Use
pre-paid taxi and it will reduce been scammed.
If someone finds out it's your first day in a
city, they can use that to scam you. You're basically telling them that you
don't know where anything is, you don't know how the city works, and you're an
easy target.
"Yes, I have a Boyfriend"
This is more for the solo female travellers out
there, and can be used to deflect unwarranted attention. If a guy or a family
is annoying you and they won’t you alone, tell them you have a boyfriend. Take
a photo of you and a male friend before you leave to travel and show them the
photo of you together.
Have a believable story and it'll be much
easier to avoid the harassment.
"Sorry, I Can't Remember the
Name of My Hostel"
If you meet someone that seems to be taking a
little too much interest in you, be sure to put your guard up and make sure you
don't give information away. If someone asks where you're staying, pretend that
you can remember the name of your hostel and only describe it to them in vague
terms. The last thing you want is someone knowing exactly where you're staying.
"No Speak English"
In some parts of the world, the touts can be
unbearable. In these situations, simply telling them you don't speak English
can be enough to deter them. If they knew
which language you speak then continue to pester you until they give up
and walk away. It'll give you more space and a less stressful travel experience.
"I'm Traveling with a
Friend"
As frustrating as it is, solo travellers are
targeted more than any other type of traveller. If you're in an uncomfortable
situation or don't want to give too much of yourself away, say that you have
friends but they don’t need to know that you’re not together in this journey.
Telling people that you are traveling with a friend sometimes helps. It'll make
you seem like less of an easy target, especially if you're female.
"I will go by bus"
Local
forms of travelling can be a nuisance too. Although you may desire
to travel by other forms of transportation apart from the bus, you
don’t want to pay a high price for travelling. If you do that, I suggest that you should
always negotiate the price before getting in. If you are a foreigner or a local
from other parts of the country, the drivers will ask for more money upon
arriving at your destination. Always negotiate before getting in. If you feel
you are scammed by the driver, just tell them you will take the bus because it
is cheaper and slowly walk away. They will soon approach you again
for a reduced price or ask you how much you are willing to pay. If you have
google map, you can always find out how far your destination is and from there
you can negotiate the price. Usually travellers are asked a 50% mark in in
fares. The following is the cost for travelling in New Delhi [2016]. Other States
would be different but not too drastic. Some States in India has no laws
about Auto Rickshaw having meters. I hope this gives you a guideline about
fares.
Auto-Rickshaw | Rs 25/- for first fall of 2 Kilometres (upon downing the meter) and thereafter Rs. 8/- per Kilometres for every additional Kilometres |
Night Charges | 25% of the fare (11:00 PM to 5:00 AM) |
Waiting Charges | Rs 30/- per hour or part thereof (Subject to a minimum of 15 minutes stay) |
Luggage | Rs. 7.50/- shall be charged as extra luggage charges whereas the driver/ operator shall not charge and money for a shopping bag or a small suitcase |
“I got one like this”
You will be bombard
with sale –people trying to sell you stuff. This can be annoying. Many times
they will increase the price up since you look different from them. There is a
saying among foreigners: We are paying white tax! Lol. Honestly, just walk away
or say I already got one or I will get one from another place where it is
cheaper than this.
"I don’t want it"
Well if someone is selling some so beautiful and adorable
item, but the price is too much. We can simply say – I don’t want it but in
fact we want it but not prepared to pay so much. Sometimes it is wise to let
go. As a traveller we need to be aware of our travelling weight too. Some item
may not go through our passport border control.
Well it is time to say good bye to this year and welcome another one. So stoked with what I have learnt this year. Have an amazing and a rewarding New Year everyone.
Cheers for 2015 and 2016
Ravi
