India is the world’s largest country in terms of population with over 1.4 billion people. The economy is booming, and there is a GDP growth rate of over 7% per year, despite layers and layers of regulation and bureaucracy.
Here are ten things you should know if you are looking to dig deeper into this fascinating country and plan to visit. It’s not for the faint of heart; visiting India may trigger a significant emotional event, even if you are well-prepared…be mindful and aware when planning your trip!
1. India is LOUD
1.3 billion people make a LOT of noise–whether they are driving, going through metal detectors at the airport, chatting on their phones, or laughing on the streets. Virtually everywhere you go will have lots of noise.
2. India is CHAOTIC
India is CHAOTIC. With hundreds of different languages, cultures, and ways of doing things, India has rules, but it is nearly impossible to enforce them all. Driving rules are often ignored and protocols may or may not be followed (really depending on if they will be enforced).
3. India is WEALTHY
India’s GDP is $3.1 trillion USD, but the GDP per capita is just over $2,250 per year. Much of the wealth is concentrated in a few industries and held by a few (in comparing to 1.2 billion people). India has some of the nicest airports and is home to some of the world’s newest mega infrastructure projects. Huge metro and public transportation systems are being built and expanded across the major cities.
4. India is POOR
$2,250 per year leaves you less than $200 per month. Even in India, that is difficult to survive—and hundreds of millions still live hand to mouth. India has naked children running around trying to steal items from your pockets as well as pitiful beggars who have an incredibly painful look in their eyes and suffer every single moment of their lives until they die.
5. Indians HUSTLE (especially younger Indians)
Indians are incredibly hardworking and entrepreneurial; they will work to make the extra buck, and may even try to overcharge someone who is unsuspecting and they have no ties to. Scams abound here. On the other side of the coin…
6. Indians are KIND (especially middle aged-men)
The guy who looks like Super Mario (and has the mustache to boot!) was by far the most willing help you with small things, for example, giving you directions, serving you food, and showing you the best their country has to offer. If they notice a foreigner is getting ripped off, lost or uncomfortable, they will do what they can to help out. Many of them see now is India’s moment to step on the stage, and they are fully embracing the spotlight.
7. India are COMPETITIVE
That doesn’t mean that you have to be the best to win, you just have to be better than the worst–and be consistent! Outcompete your weakest competitors, but continue to improve daily. Otherwise, you will fall into the back of the pack and will lose as well!
8. India is PEACEFUL
India is PEACEFUL. Get outside of the cities and go spend time in nature. Hit up the beaches, small villages, and see a completely different side of this country that few foreigners experience on their journeys here.
9. Indian food is DELICIOUS-be aware and use common sense!
That doesn’t mean you should stop and eat at every restaurant; hygiene is spotty in many places, the food can be spicy, and is prepared very differently from many countries. Don’t be afraid of trying something new—chances are, if a restaurant is crowded, that means it is good–and safe! Stick to bottled water for everything and keep a sterilizer/filter handy!
10, India is PROUD
India (and local governments in India) are doing things their own way; they are proud of their history, their language, their democracy, their growth, and their future. India never jumped on the Belt and Road Initiative Train and does not have the major infrastructure projects you would see in Southeast Asia or neighboring South Asian countries. India wants to lead and will forge its own path forward. The hometown pride here runs strong within the business community as well, with tons of advertising for supporting local airlines, payment systems, and technology. Money spent in India STAYS in India.
And last but not least…
India is LIFE-CHANGING.
Time spent here is an investment like none other. Whether a naked kid is reaching into your pocket for your wallet, you are facing a language barrier with every conversation, book a hotel only to be thrown out for being a foreigner, or get threated by an Uber driver to pay more or your ride ends, you will face challenges you never have before–and challenges you can’t fully prepare yourself for. These horrible experiences are NOT fun, but they will make you stronger, more aware of the world, and more appreciative of what you have. And that includes the fleabag airport Motel 6!