costs, sharing expenses, tailors, and such?

reneeautumn · Mar 12th, 2008, 23:44

Hi, all! Great thread! I have a couple of specific questions.

One, how much cash should I keep on hand at any time? I like paying in cash and I see it's much better for small hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Since I'll have to pay fees at the ATMs, to my bank and probably to the ATM, too, I was thinking I'd like to carry about 3 or 4 days worth on hand, and then whenever a hotel takes a credit card, use it there. Also, I figured if I'm going from a big town to a smaller one I should have at least that much in case ATMs are not very available in that town or no one takes credit. I've traveled a fair amount before and have never had a problem with theft, using one of those pouches around my waist for valuables/most cash and keeping a small amount of money in a pocket or purse.

Second, I'm really interested in having a few Western-style dresses made. However, I'd rather not bring the dress(es) I want to have copied. Will there be some tailors who will be able to design a dress based on a description/drawing and me picking out the fabric? I'm planning on packing maybe one or two changes of clothes total, so including a fancy dress all over India for a month would weigh me down.

Moderator note: Post was originally in reply to India a price guide!!

reneeautumn · Mar 12th, 2008, 23:56

PS A couple more--

One, I'll be traveling alone. Do you think it's likely I could find another solo traveler in my hotel who would be interested in splitting the cost of hiring a tour guide and car for a day or two? Is this more likely in a big city or a small town? [I haven't yet mapped my itinerary.]

Two, thinking about beggars, do any of you know of reputable charities that a person could donate to if s/he desired to that help fight poverty? Or do you think our home countries already have a good number of reputable charities who work in India and one might as well give to them? Any thoughts?

the opoponax · Mar 13th, 2008, 00:28

1. In India, you will generally only be able to pay in cash. Some posh hotels and swank sari/rug shops (and maybe a few of the nicest restaurants?) will accept credit cards. Everything else is pretty much cash only. The debit-card revolution that has transformed the USA and Europe in the past 5-10 years really hasn't hit India yet.

2. I'm a budget traveler and wasn't too intent on shopping for most of my trip. I would usually carry between 150 and 300 rupees for "walking around money" - lunch, bottled water, rickshaws, the 'souvenir guidebook' that enabled me to ditch the guide-touts, etc. If I was planning on visiting a tourist site that charges a foreigner fee, I would also bring that along. After being hit up a lot for "donations" I started carrying anything bigger than a 50 note in a separate part of my wallet so I could claim that I didn't have more than 80 rupees or so on me.

If you plan to do a lot of shopping, you should obviously carry more. Ditto for big metros where you will be taking taxis or autos long distances between several tourist attractions per day.

3. Take several days' worth of cash out of the ATM when you go, but don't carry that on your person. I put the bulk of it into my money belt, which usually was well hidden in my locked luggage back in the hotel, and enough for the day in my wallet. Walking around with 20,000 rupees right there in your wallet is a recipe for finding yourself cornered in a quiet part of some Mughal fort, heavily pressured for serious baksheesh. Even a couple hundred rupees is a lot of money for the average Indian.

4. Be careful about whipping out that credit card. I once had to visit one of those sketchy "cash points" in a Kashmiri pashmina shop in Darjeeling -- it miraculously seemed to take 4 people and multiple loud repetitions of my info to do the transaction. Nothing bad has happened as of yet, but I'll be scrutinizing my statements for the next several months.

5. Do make a point to visit the ATM before leaving for a small town. Though keep in mind what "small town" means. Major places on the tourist trail, "small" though they may be, are going to have ATMs. Of course the real issue is not whether there is an ATM but whether it accepts your network, is currently working, and stuff like that. I had 2 situations where I needed cash and there was a problem with the local ATM. And nobody in a genuinely small town is EVER going to take credit cards; if they do, you really don't want to give them your info.

6. I wouldn't assume a tailor is going to be able to copy a dress he's never seen. Maybe, maybe if you brought photos. But even then, I wouldn't be 100% confident about it, especially because you likely don't have a relationship with this tailor, don't speak the same language fluently, and he will know that you're a tourist and he can take certain shortcuts. Since you won't have the original with you, you may not notice the shoddy work until later. I'm not sure how this works in tailoring, but the Indian way of dealing with a hired worker seems to involve constant supervision and revision, at least until a strong relationship is formed and the worker knows exactly what you expect. It's not assumed that the work will be done correctly and to their best ability the first time, without intense monitoring.

You might want to bring the dress, have it copied straightaway, then mail it to someone back home (or ship it sea mail, which will take a month or two anyway).

Nick-H · Mar 13th, 2008, 00:33

It is not really possible to advise without knowing where you are going and how you like to live. The beggars you mention will, if they are genuine, be able to keep their stomachs full on 25-50 rupees a day. You might like to spend rather more than that!

In cities at least, you will never be far from an ATM. In fact in the larger shops you will be able to use your debit/credit card just as you would at home.

Yes there are lots of charities, if you prefer to give that way.

This is a controversial subject, but I would say that if you do give to individuals on the street, five or 10 rupees is enough, and do not do so where there are many beggars, or you may find yourself the centre of a begging crowd.

the opoponax · Mar 13th, 2008, 00:34

Wait, I spent a long time writing a HUGE response to this over in "India: A Price Guide". I couldn't trouble some mod to bring it over, could I?

Nick-H · Mar 13th, 2008, 01:12

My post was before the opo's 'turned up'.

I suppose I've got used to using an Indian bank debit card, but even two or three years ago, my UK ATM card or Credit card was easy to use in most shops in the city. In fact they even had chip'n'pin machines already --- but you still have to sign the slip, there is no way I could ever make them understand that entering the PIN was instead of the signature!

In the smaller shops, something slightly more worrying happens, which is that they take your card to a neighbouring shop that does have a machine, if they don't. No more risky than many restaurants in your home town!

I would agree about small towns, though, unless they are really touristy places. Be prepared with cash.

I'd also echo the Opo's advise on large amounts of money. Keeping a few hundred or a couple of thousand in your purse, but the majority in a money belt is excellent advice. Rs20,000? Many of the people around you might not earn that much money in a year!

Tailors... I'd add to the Opo's advice that just because they get something right the first time doesn't mean they will the next

reneeautumn · Mar 21st, 2008, 01:56

Thanks, y'all! I had been looking for this thread since I posted it, and couldn't figure out where it had gone to.

Darmabum · Mar 21st, 2008, 02:24

Good advice above regarding money, how much, etc . . . if you'll be going to Varanasi I know a GREAT tailor there. I've worked with him for the past eight years, he's very used to working with foreigners, speaks impeccable English and is very honest and his craftsmanship is excellent - French seams, etc. He exports to many parts of the world. His shop deals in all vegetable dyed cottons (no other fabric), of which he has a rainbow of colors and blends. Your best bet in knocking off a dress is to bring it; that way - if the tailor is good - there will be no doubt.

Mar 12th, 2008, 23:44	#1
reneeautumn Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 69	costs, sharing expenses, tailors, and such? Hi, all! Great thread! I have a couple of specific questions. One, how much cash should I keep on hand at any time? I like paying in cash and I see it's much better for small hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Since I'll have to pay fees at the ATMs, to my bank and probably to the ATM, too, I was thinking I'd like to carry about 3 or 4 days worth on hand, and then whenever a hotel takes a credit card, use it there. Also, I figured if I'm going from a big town to a smaller one I should have at least that much in case ATMs are not very available in that town or no one takes credit. I've traveled a fair amount before and have never had a problem with theft, using one of those pouches around my waist for valuables/most cash and keeping a small amount of money in a pocket or purse. Second, I'm really interested in having a few Western-style dresses made. However, I'd rather not bring the dress(es) I want to have copied. Will there be some tailors who will be able to design a dress based on a description/drawing and me picking out the fabric? I'm planning on packing maybe one or two changes of clothes total, so including a fancy dress all over India for a month would weigh me down. Moderator note: Post was originally in reply to India a price guide!! Last edited by machadinha : Mar 13th, 2008 at 00:05. Reason: moved to create own thread

Mar 13th, 2008, 00:28	#3
the opoponax Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brooklyn, via New Orleans Posts: 1,054	1. In India, you will generally only be able to pay in cash. Some posh hotels and swank sari/rug shops (and maybe a few of the nicest restaurants?) will accept credit cards. Everything else is pretty much cash only. The debit-card revolution that has transformed the USA and Europe in the past 5-10 years really hasn't hit India yet. 2. I'm a budget traveler and wasn't too intent on shopping for most of my trip. I would usually carry between 150 and 300 rupees for "walking around money" - lunch, bottled water, rickshaws, the 'souvenir guidebook' that enabled me to ditch the guide-touts, etc. If I was planning on visiting a tourist site that charges a foreigner fee, I would also bring that along. After being hit up a lot for "donations" I started carrying anything bigger than a 50 note in a separate part of my wallet so I could claim that I didn't have more than 80 rupees or so on me. If you plan to do a lot of shopping, you should obviously carry more. Ditto for big metros where you will be taking taxis or autos long distances between several tourist attractions per day. 3. Take several days' worth of cash out of the ATM when you go, but don't carry that on your person. I put the bulk of it into my money belt, which usually was well hidden in my locked luggage back in the hotel, and enough for the day in my wallet. Walking around with 20,000 rupees right there in your wallet is a recipe for finding yourself cornered in a quiet part of some Mughal fort, heavily pressured for serious baksheesh. Even a couple hundred rupees is a lot of money for the average Indian. 4. Be careful about whipping out that credit card. I once had to visit one of those sketchy "cash points" in a Kashmiri pashmina shop in Darjeeling -- it miraculously seemed to take 4 people and multiple loud repetitions of my info to do the transaction. Nothing bad has happened as of yet, but I'll be scrutinizing my statements for the next several months. 5. Do make a point to visit the ATM before leaving for a small town. Though keep in mind what "small town" means. Major places on the tourist trail, "small" though they may be, are going to have ATMs. Of course the real issue is not whether there is an ATM but whether it accepts your network, is currently working, and stuff like that. I had 2 situations where I needed cash and there was a problem with the local ATM. And nobody in a genuinely small town is EVER going to take credit cards; if they do, you really don't want to give them your info. 6. I wouldn't assume a tailor is going to be able to copy a dress he's never seen. Maybe, maybe if you brought photos. But even then, I wouldn't be 100% confident about it, especially because you likely don't have a relationship with this tailor, don't speak the same language fluently, and he will know that you're a tourist and he can take certain shortcuts. Since you won't have the original with you, you may not notice the shoddy work until later. I'm not sure how this works in tailoring, but the Indian way of dealing with a hired worker seems to involve constant supervision and revision, at least until a strong relationship is formed and the worker knows exactly what you expect. It's not assumed that the work will be done correctly and to their best ability the first time, without intense monitoring. You might want to bring the dress, have it copied straightaway, then mail it to someone back home (or ship it sea mail, which will take a month or two anyway). Last edited by machadinha : Mar 13th, 2008 at 00:46. Reason: moved post

Mar 13th, 2008, 00:33	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,856	It is not really possible to advise without knowing where you are going and how you like to live. The beggars you mention will, if they are genuine, be able to keep their stomachs full on 25-50 rupees a day. You might like to spend rather more than that! In cities at least, you will never be far from an ATM. In fact in the larger shops you will be able to use your debit/credit card just as you would at home. Yes there are lots of charities, if you prefer to give that way. This is a controversial subject, but I would say that if you do give to individuals on the street, five or 10 rupees is enough, and do not do so where there are many beggars, or you may find yourself the centre of a begging crowd. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Mar 13th, 2008, 00:34	#5
the opoponax Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brooklyn, via New Orleans Posts: 1,054	Wait, I spent a long time writing a HUGE response to this over in "India: A Price Guide". I couldn't trouble some mod to bring it over, could I? Last edited by machadinha : Mar 13th, 2008 at 00:46. Reason: done :)

Mar 21st, 2008, 02:24	#8
Darmabum Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho Posts: 794	Good advice above regarding money, how much, etc . . . if you'll be going to Varanasi I know a GREAT tailor there. I've worked with him for the past eight years, he's very used to working with foreigners, speaks impeccable English and is very honest and his craftsmanship is excellent - French seams, etc. He exports to many parts of the world. His shop deals in all vegetable dyed cottons (no other fabric), of which he has a rainbow of colors and blends. Your best bet in knocking off a dress is to bring it; that way - if the tailor is good - there will be no doubt. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

Mar 12th, 2008, 23:56	#2
reneeautumn Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 69	PS A couple more-- One, I'll be traveling alone. Do you think it's likely I could find another solo traveler in my hotel who would be interested in splitting the cost of hiring a tour guide and car for a day or two? Is this more likely in a big city or a small town? [I haven't yet mapped my itinerary.] Two, thinking about beggars, do any of you know of reputable charities that a person could donate to if s/he desired to that help fight poverty? Or do you think our home countries already have a good number of reputable charities who work in India and one might as well give to them? Any thoughts?

Mar 13th, 2008, 01:12	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,856	My post was before the opo's 'turned up'. I suppose I've got used to using an Indian bank debit card, but even two or three years ago, my UK ATM card or Credit card was easy to use in most shops in the city. In fact they even had chip'n'pin machines already --- but you still have to sign the slip, there is no way I could ever make them understand that entering the PIN was instead of the signature! In the smaller shops, something slightly more worrying happens, which is that they take your card to a neighbouring shop that does have a machine, if they don't. No more risky than many restaurants in your home town! I would agree about small towns, though, unless they are really touristy places. Be prepared with cash. I'd also echo the Opo's advise on large amounts of money. Keeping a few hundred or a couple of thousand in your purse, but the majority in a money belt is excellent advice. Rs20,000? Many of the people around you might not earn that much money in a year! Tailors... I'd add to the Opo's advice that just because they get something right the first time doesn't mean they will the next

Mar 21st, 2008, 01:56	#7
reneeautumn Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 69	Thanks, y'all! I had been looking for this thread since I posted it, and couldn't figure out where it had gone to.

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