East Asian Tourists in India?

marinated

I’m traveling to India at the end of this year (from late December through mid-January), and am curious about how Indians generally view Asian tourists.

I’m a young (early twenties), small and short (5’0”, 90 lbs.) Asian-American woman, and planning to travel alone for most of the trip. Although the details of my trip aren’t set yet, I’m probably going to cover the more popular tourist sites and big cities both in the north and south.

I’ve traveled extensively (in many cases, backpacked) throughout Asia and a few European countries alone, and consider myself pretty sensible when it comes to watching out for my safety and respecting local customs. However, in discussing my plans for the trip with Indian friends, some have remarked that (1) many Indians don’t have a very positive image of East Asians and (2) India generally sees very few East Asian tourists.

Can anyone comment on whether this sentiment is generally true, and if so, how it might translate for me while traveling around India? I’m an experienced traveler, have been to other countries with areas of extreme poverty, and I plan to dress very conservatively during my trip – but still, would like to know if there are other precautions I should take or things to keep in mind given my particular situation. Any advice/insight is much appreciated. Thanks!

rangers

Welcome to India Mari.
Carry a nice smile and wear ur attitude.
and u have NOTHING TO FEAR.
to understand India better you can read the post by BEACH.It will lighten ur mind.

Shiver me Timbers

it's true, apart from Calcutta, I saw very few east asian (mainly Japanese and Korean) tourists in India, compared with, say, Pakistan and Iran where they make up I'd guess the same percentage of tourists as Israelis do in India. I don't think you've anything to worry about, maybe Jung Mi, our member from South Korea, could reply to this question soon....

greenchutney

you might be mistaken for a nepalese or if you get a dark tan, you could blend in to be a local. use this to your advantage for say that local priced ticket into see taj~

people from the north eastern india have very oriental [east asian] features, from mizoland, nagaland and all the states there.

i did see a bunch of east asians during my trip but they were predominantly in the buddhist circuit route..in varanasi, bodhgaya etc~ ..

AngelEyes

many Indians don’t have a very positive image of East Asians => Not true.

And though it's true that we see less of East Asian tourist, you have nothing to worry about. Just enjoy your trip and be positive.
Your physical image doesn't matter when your are visiting India. I think you have very intelligent about your decision to wear conservative clothes.
My advice would be, read a lot about the places you are going to visit, it helps a lot while dealing with local people.

MoritzK

Quite different the other way around, unfortunetaly there is much prejudice against South Asians in Southeast and Central Asia.

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batistuta

The people in Thailand are quite prejudiced abt Indians and
arabs in Genaral.
You wont have a problem .Also,people from North eastern states
of India have a oriental look and as green chutney said it
might even work to your advantage and if u do wear conservative
clothes it will save you from a lot of hassle.
Hve a Memorable trip!

sudheer poppa

If you are sticking to the tourist route, there are tons of Japanese tourist coming to India these days. Ofcourse the negative would be a lot of touts behind you with Konichiva's..

Outside of the tourist main trail, you would be invisible in big cities like Mumbai/Bangalore and in small cities lesser stares from locals than western tourists.

I have travelled a fair deal with eastern tourists in India and this is from experience. No issues at all ever...

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shineface

i'm a korean, female in 20s traveling in india solo. i won't say the attention i get from indian (esp men) is due to the fact i'm east asian but that i'm a foreigner and a woman and am traveling alone. it can be hard sometimes, especially for some odd reason you are the only foreigner in route. there are lots of travellers but i seem to always find myself to be the only foreigner even in the most touristy routes. it happens and i've had challenging experiences but nothing i can't laugh about after a few days

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haritha

you are welcome

anu_k

I very much doubt that Indians don't have a positive view about East Asians. Dispell that myth... and enjoy your travels.
BTW during my short trip to Mumbai... I came across many East Asians tourists.
As an experienced traveller you will have no problems.

TimMakins

I met lots of Koreans last year in Leh. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves. I travelled with a Korean girl for a while. Her experience was that the Indians thought she must be richer than the Europeans, and charged accordingly, so she needed, and had, good bargaining skills.

Dress conservatively and you will be OK.

Tim in Ireland

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aadil

Well, most of the time you may feel like you are a second class tourist as they (shop owners and hotel staff) will not want to deal with you as they have a bias against Asians (Indians included) as they are known to usually bargain a lot or not pay good tips for services rendered like the other foreigners!!! But that should not deter you to travel here and it will be to your advantage to make the best out of your travels out here as you will get better prices for most things. Also if you are a woman travelling alone then it is best to keep your wits about you and keep strangers at bay (especially touts, beggars and souvenir sellers by just ignoring them completely!!!). Hope you have a great time out here in India and not experience what you are afraid of seeing out here!!! Take care and enjoy your travels here!!!

Cheers,
Aadil.

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