Seven safety tips for women travelling in India

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

So you’ve got your sunscreen packed, your cheap hotel in Goa booked and your phrasebook at the ready… but do you still feel some nagging doubts about travelling as a solo female in India? Kill your fears with our practical safety tips below…

Choose your taxi wisely

Solo women in India shouldn’t get a taxi off the street – go to a taxi office and have them call one in for you: that way you can see for yourself that they’re running a legitimate operation. Agree on a fare before you get in so the driver doesn’t opportunistically adjust the meter, and once you’re inside make a call on your mobile to a friend to say you’re on your way. This can be a fake call – it’s just to let the taxi driver know you’re expected somewhere. Expect to share the cab with other passengers. If you’re not happy with this, you can pay a bit more for an ‘exclusive’ ride – but there’s no real necessity for it if you’d rather save the money.

Dress modestly

For optimum blending-in, buy a shalwar kameez and change in to it as soon as you reach your destination. These loose, light tunic-and-trouser combos are worn by both men and women across India and provide the conservative coverage of the body that’s expected. They’re also the most comfortable thing to wear in hot and humid conditions. If you want to wear the clothes you own already, dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention and carry a light scarf so you can cover your head to enter temples – you won’t be accepted inside otherwise.

Another thing to remember with dress is to keep jewellery to a minimum: flashier pieces are likely to make you a target to thieves. Advice usually states that solo women should wear a fake wedding ring to ward off male attention – in India, avoiding this can actually keep you on the safer side. If there’s no expensive-looking wedding ring, you can’t get mugged for it!

Don’t give money to beggars

Be prepared to be confronted by beggars including children on the street, at temples and in train stations. Your first reaction will be to give money, but displaying wealth will only make you a target for more aggressive haranguing. Becoming flustered or indecisive will also incite more attention: walk on purposefully or offer food instead.

Ignore aggressive vendors

At markets and on the streets, catcalls from vendors will become a familiar sound ringing in your ears: rather than reacting, take some headphones and listen to music through your phone or iPod – this totally cuts off the harassment and stops some people from even bothering to even try and get your attention.

Charge your phone

Some places in India have unreliable electricity, so use all opportunities to keep your phone topped up and see that it’s always properly charged before leaving your hotel. This keeps you on the safe side if you need to make an emergency call.

Drink bottled water

Make sure you always have a bottle of water handy so you have a safe source of hydration: either store-bought water from well-known brands or water you’ve boiled yourself at the hotel.

Pack light

Struggling along solo with a heavy bag makes you a vulnerable target – even worse if you’re flapping around with a massive map. Pack light, carry a backpack rather than a suitcase on wheels (extra mobility) and have a clear idea of your route: before leaving point A, you should have an idea of how to get to point B clear in your mind.

Remember: India is a richly cultural, exciting and exhilarating place to visit for women travel. Enjoy your trip!