1. Arrival at the airport. Don't say never, especially to arrival at the airport and take a taxithat is your first trip to India. Say without hesitation that has been to before, you are going to visit friends, to work in an ONG ... anything that does not make you look like a newbies, you avoid many phishing attempts.
2. Currency exchange. The national currency is the rupee. You can change money at all international airports and are happy to buy euros, so you do not need the intermediate step to dollars.
3. Rent a car. The easiest way to travel in India, especially if you want to tour a region is to rent a car with driver. Comes to around 1000 rupees per day all included. There is an Indian car model, the Ambassador, which is very comfortable and secure. Sometimes, drivers take people to places where they get commission. Take a guide and compare prices but, in general, drivers know very good sites. If you're happy, not worry, otherwise it turns serious.
4. Taxis. The first taxi, the first contact with the street is important. At airports is a prepaid taxi window in which to pay, according to the route in advance in exchange for a piece of paper on which you are assigned a number of taxi to be sought out. There are stories of taxi drivers who say the hotel where you go on fire last week, which has closed, etc, sometimes even ratified by a policeman. Are infrequent but if you happens, smile and insist to take them to their hotel. The good humor and calm always work.
5. Massage services. Do not accept unless you're looking for something more than a massage, the offer of employees of pensions, hotels, acquaintances, etc. to a massage if it is not a specialized site. Some tourists have felt uncomfortable when they see that the masseur had his own intentions but, meanwhile, rushed for not offend because they were not sure, take off their clothes. Finally, do not happen nothing the visitor realizes, she gets angry and leaves. Moreover, The ayurvedic massages are excellent and majority of the time, a man massaging a man and a woman to another. Sexuality in India is very different from Europe.
6. The tea. The tea, in India is delicious, can not drink at all sites, especially in road bars where hygienic conditions shine for their absence and, often, the cups and glasses are cleaned with water used and do not dry well . An alternative idea is to take a thermos full of the hotel. However, there are many sites that probably nothing will happen and is very pleasant to sit quietly to rest.
7. The rickshaw. Before riding a rickshaw or motorcycle taxi, you have to negotiate the price with the driver, otherwise you run the risk of paying a significantly higher price, although a ruin is never assumed an unnecessary nuisance, especially for having to discuss with the driver.
8. as you say "yes" in India. The Indians assent making a sort of eight lying, or infinity symbol. Can have profound and interesting philosophical implications but the everyday the tourist can be very confusing because it seems that say no or hesitate. When one tries to explain, if they agree, make this movement that means exactly that, they agree.
9. Dress appropriately. In most parts of India, are not accustomed to the use of European clothing. Especially if you're a woman, is best to wear modest attire. No tight clothes, short sleeves, at least long pants and bra. Moreover, the salwar shirt, casual dress of Indian women, is very comfortable, nice and usable upon return. It consists of a pants, wide or narrow, a blouse, long or short, and the dupata.
10. Do not accept food or drugs. Do not accept hashish or other drugs from strangers, and sometimes food, especially at the stations. Some travelers have awakened long time after in trains different from those that wanted to go in other places, and without luggage.
11. Good humor and calm. In general, preserve the humor and stay calm in all times, conflict situations, negotiating, etc. is the most recommended: the mayor part of the people is very friendly and good
