Delhi is overall as safe as most major cities anywhere in the world. Use commonsense precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings and carry your money in an inside pocket. Pickpockets are especially prevalent in crowds.
The scams that you should be aware of include cabbies who give the wrong change and drive inordinately long routes for a destination that might be just across the lane. There's also the notorious dirty-shoe routine, in which a "friendly" individual will point out some excrement on your shoe. Then this individual (who is more than likely responsible) or his accomplice will charge you an amplified rate for a cleaning. Don't pay more than 30 Rs for a shoeshine.
Be aware, too, that under many circumstances shopkeepers assume that tourists are wealthy and set very high prices on goods. Whether it's clothing, miniature paintings or antiques, shop around to see what the price range is.
Like any major metropolitan center, Delhi can be unpredictable late at night. It can be difficult to find an auto rickshaw, so be sure that you locate a nearby taxi stand or have a car waiting if you are interested in checking out the nightlife (you'll pay a surcharge after dark and after midnight). Be extra careful of the city train stations early in the morning or very late at night.
Tourists are occasionally the targets of petty crime, with shoes stolen from outside temples and bags occasionally rifled through. Tourists are seldom the victims of violent crimes.
If you ride the very crowded public buses, or attend a concert and find yourself in the press of the crowd, you'll want to have your money or wallet in an inside pocket, hold tight to your purse, and make sure it's closed and secure. Street-side shops make people easy targets for theft as well. Don't leave a backpack or purse slung over chair backs and don't leave them unattended when you go to the restroom.
Female travelers have a higher risk for harassment. Respecting cultural differences will help minimize trouble. Modest clothing—avoiding shorts and sleeveless tops—will help dissuade unwanted attention. Wearing Indian clothing, if you're comfortable doing so, will accord you more respect. Eye contact can be tricky in India, where the gaze can be meant as a come-on and a smile interpreted as reciprocation. But if there is any trouble, drawing attention to what's happening often puts a quick end to it.
Because many international flights arrive at night, be sure to hire a prepaid taxi from the airport to your hotel. This service is available from both the International and Domestic Terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport. There is a hotel counter at the airport, but unauthorized touts have been known to hustle tourists from the airport to hotels that pay them a commission. When taking auto rickshaws or taxis, insist that the driver use the meter, and check his rate card in advance. If you need to make multiple stops, agree to a flat rate (you may need to bargain on one).
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do observe the practice of showing reverence to the elderly. Typically, greeting the aged by the young involves touching of the feet. But it is OK for visitors to say a polite
namaste with folded hands.
Do talk to Indians about their heritage and culture. If you have even some rudimentary knowledge about the country, the hosts will be flattered.
Don't be shocked if your host's language sounds rude or downright insulting. Most likely it is because of his or her limited English. Besides, Indians are not really in the habit of saying "thank you" or "please."
Don't engage in public shows of affection. Avoid holding hands, embracing or kissing even your spouse in public.
